PIP is based on how a condition affects you, not the condition itself. Mental health conditions absolutely qualify — here’s how to claim successfully.
Which Mental Health Conditions Qualify?
PIP doesn’t have a list of qualifying conditions. Instead, it assesses the impact on your daily life. That said, successful claims are regularly made for:
- Depression (including severe/clinical depression)
- Generalised anxiety disorder
- Panic disorder
- PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder)
- Bipolar disorder
- Schizophrenia and psychotic disorders
- OCD (obsessive-compulsive disorder)
- Personality disorders (including BPD/EUPD)
- Eating disorders
- Agoraphobia and social anxiety
You can also claim for mental health conditions alongside physical conditions — the combined effect is considered.
How PIP Is Assessed
PIP looks at two components, each with specific activities:
Daily Living Component
| Activity | How Mental Health Can Affect It |
|---|---|
| Preparing food | Lack of motivation, inability to concentrate, fear of using cooker |
| Eating and drinking | Eating disorders, medication side effects, no appetite |
| Managing treatments | Forgetting medication, avoiding appointments, self-harm management |
| Washing and bathing | Depression making it impossible to shower, sensory issues |
| Managing toilet needs | Anxiety-related incontinence, inability to leave bed |
| Dressing | Can’t choose clothes, can’t be bothered, sensory difficulties |
| Reading and understanding | Concentration problems, cognitive fog from medication |
| Engaging with others | Social anxiety, paranoia, withdrawal |
| Making budgeting decisions | Impulsive spending (bipolar), inability to concentrate |
Mobility Component
| Activity | How Mental Health Can Affect It |
|---|---|
| Planning and following journeys | Anxiety about leaving the house, panic attacks, agoraphobia, paranoia, confusion from medication |
| Moving around | Extreme fatigue from depression, medication side effects, panic attacks causing inability to move |
Scoring and Payment Rates
Each activity is scored with descriptors (0, 2, 4, 8, 10, or 12 points):
Daily Living
| Points | Rate | Weekly Amount |
|---|---|---|
| 8–11 | Standard | £72.65 |
| 12+ | Enhanced | £108.55 |
Mobility
| Points | Rate | Weekly Amount |
|---|---|---|
| 8–11 | Standard | £28.70 |
| 12+ | Enhanced | £75.75 |
Maximum combined: £184.30/week (£9,583/year)
Tips for a Successful Mental Health Claim
1. Describe Your Worst Days
The PIP form asks how you’re affected “most of the time” (more than 50% of the time). But don’t minimise — describe what happens on your worst days if they happen regularly.
Common mistake: Saying “I can cook a meal” when actually you can only manage toast on good days, and on bad days you can’t get out of bed.
2. Be Specific and Detailed
| Vague (Less Helpful) | Specific (More Helpful) |
|---|---|
| “I find it hard to go out” | “I have panic attacks if I leave the house alone. I’ve called 999 twice thinking I was having a heart attack. I haven’t been to a shop alone in 8 months” |
| “I struggle with motivation” | “I go 3-4 days without showering. My partner has to physically help me get dressed. I’ve worn the same clothes for a week because I couldn’t face changing” |
| “I forget things” | “I’ve missed my medication 3 times this week. I set 6 alarms and still forget. My CPN had to put my pills in a dosette box” |
3. Explain Variability
Mental health conditions fluctuate. Explain:
- How often you have bad days vs good days
- What triggers bad patches
- How long episodes last
- Whether you can predict when you’ll be affected
4. Include the Effect of Medication
Medication side effects count:
- Drowsiness/fatigue (can’t concentrate, can’t drive)
- Weight gain (affects mobility)
- Cognitive fog (affects budgeting, communication)
- Nausea
- Tremors
5. Don’t Rely on the Assessment Alone
The face-to-face (or telephone) assessment is only one part. Your written evidence often matters more.
Evidence to Gather
Medical Evidence (Most Powerful)
- GP letter describing your condition and its impact on daily life
- Psychiatrist/psychologist reports — diagnosis, treatment, prognosis
- Community Mental Health Team (CMHT) notes — if you’re under a CMHT
- Crisis team records — if you’ve been referred to crisis services
- Hospital records — A&E visits, inpatient stays
- Therapy records — CBT, counselling notes showing severity
Supporting Evidence
- Prescription records — medication list and dosage
- Carer’s statement — anyone who helps you can write about what they do
- Social worker reports — if you have a social worker
- Support worker notes — from any support services you use
- Daily diary — keep a 2–4 week record of how you’re affected each day
Requesting Evidence
Write to your GP/consultant explaining you’re applying for PIP and ask for a supporting letter. Specifically request they describe:
- Your diagnosis/diagnoses
- How long you’ve had the condition
- How it affects your daily functioning
- Your treatment and prognosis
Some GPs charge for letters (typically £20–£50). It’s worth paying.
The Assessment
What to Expect
- Usually a phone assessment or face-to-face at an assessment centre
- Lasts 30–60 minutes
- Conducted by a health professional (not always a mental health specialist)
- They’ll ask about each daily living and mobility activity
- They may also make observations about your behaviour and presentation
Mental Health-Specific Tips
- Don’t dress up or present better than your usual state
- Take someone with you — they can add information and support you
- If you’re having a bad day, say so — or if it’s a good day, explain that
- It’s OK to cry, get anxious, or need breaks — this is all relevant evidence
- Don’t answer questions with just “yes” or “no” — explain the full picture
If You’re Refused
Don’t give up. The overturn rates are high:
| Stage | Success Rate for Mental Health Claims |
|---|---|
| Mandatory Reconsideration | ~25–30% overturned |
| Tribunal Appeal | ~70% overturned |
Free help with appeals:
- Citizens Advice — help with mandatory reconsideration and appeals
- Mind — mental health-specific benefits advice
- Rethink Mental Illness — advice line for people with mental illness
- BenefitsAndWork — detailed guides on PIP descriptors (small subscription)