Key takeaways
- PIP has two components: daily living (10 activities) and mobility (2 activities). Each is scored separately.
- 8 points in a component gives the standard rate; 12 points gives the enhanced rate.
- Only one descriptor per activity counts, the one that applies on the majority of days, and it must apply 'reliably': safely, to an acceptable standard, repeatedly and within a reasonable time.
- Points add up across activities, so several lower-scoring needs can reach the threshold together.
The PIP points system looks complicated, but once you understand its shape it becomes a useful map of what the form is asking. This article sets out the activities, the thresholds and the one word, 'reliably', that most often decides a claim.
What are the PIP daily living activities?
- Preparing food
- Taking nutrition (eating and drinking)
- Managing therapy or monitoring a health condition
- Washing and bathing
- Managing toilet needs or incontinence
- Dressing and undressing
- Communicating verbally
- Reading and understanding signs, symbols and words
- Engaging with other people face to face
- Making budgeting decisions
What are the PIP mobility activities?
- Planning and following journeys
- Moving around
Each activity has a list of descriptors, from 'can do it unaided' (0 points) through needing aids, prompting or supervision, to 'cannot do it at all' (the highest score for that activity). The assessor chooses the single descriptor that best describes you on the majority of days.
How many points do I need for PIP?
You need 8 points for the standard rate and 12 points for the enhanced rate of each component, counted separately. For example, 2 points for preparing food, 2 for washing, 2 for dressing and 2 for engaging with others gives 8 daily-living points and the standard rate, even though no single activity scored highly. The full descriptor tables are published by GOV.UK.
What does 'reliably' mean in PIP?
A descriptor only applies if you can do the activity safely, to an acceptable standard, repeatedly, and within a reasonable time (no more than twice as long as someone without your condition). If you can walk 50 metres once but then need to rest for an hour, you cannot do it repeatedly. If you can cook but have left the hob on, you cannot do it safely. This is the single most important idea on the form, and it is why our plain-English guide to filling in the form tells you to describe your worst days honestly.
What about aids, prompting and supervision?
Many descriptors are about the help you need rather than whether you can do the task at all. Using an aid (a perching stool, a shower seat, a pill organiser), needing prompting (reminders or encouragement), needing supervision (someone nearby in case of harm) and needing assistance (physical help) each score points. Needing help counts even if nobody is currently providing it.
Frequently asked questions
Sources and further reading
The Win Your PIP team
A service of AgeTrust
AgeTrust (charity no. 1124019) has worked on older people's health and loneliness since its founding, including national programmes with the NHS and the Department of Health. Articles are reviewed by the team and updated when guidance changes.
