What must I absolutely include in my PIP application?
- Mia Hughes
- Oct 13
- 4 min read
That’s a really good question — and getting your PIP (Personal Independence Payment) form right (the “How your disability affects you” form, officially called PIP2) can make all the difference. Here’s a full guide to what you must include, why it matters, and how to make sure the DWP has enough evidence to make a fair decision.
1. The Most Important Rule
You’re not assessed on your diagnosis — you’re assessed on how your condition affects your daily life and mobility.
So your form must prove both:
What health conditions you have, and
What support or help you actually need day to day.
What You Absolutely Must Include (and Why)
1. A list of all your medical conditions and treatments
Why: This shows the DWP the scope of your health problems and that they’re medically recognised.
Include:
Diagnoses and approximate dates of diagnosis.
Current treatments or medications (name, dose, frequency).
Hospital letters, clinic notes, or repeat prescription slips.
Tip: Even if you haven’t had a recent specialist appointment, mention that — e.g. “GP manages ongoing symptoms; hospital care was discharged in 2022 due to stability.” It still counts.
2. Detailed descriptions of how your conditions affect each PIP activity
Why: The DWP awards points for functional difficulties, not conditions. They want to know what happens when you try to do something — not just that it’s difficult.
Use the PIP descriptors (there are 10 for Daily Living, 2 for Mobility).For each one, say:
What happens when you try to do it How often How long it takes Whether you need help or aids What would happen if you didn’t get help
Example (Washing and bathing):
“I need my partner to help me in and out of the bath because my arthritis makes my knees lock and I risk falling. I can’t reach down to wash my feet. I bathe once a week because it’s painful.”
Tip: Use real examples of bad days and worse days because even your best day would ne viewed as a 'bad day' to those without the conditions and struggles that you experience. Use the terms, 'On a bad day...' and 'On a worse day...'
3. Medical evidence (letters, reports, etc.)
Why: Evidence from a healthcare professional gives credibility to what you describe.
Include copies of:
Hospital clinic letters rom doctors, consultants and other professionals
GP summaries (ask for a “Patient Summary” printout)
Occupational therapist / physiotherapist reports
Mental health letters from doctors, consultants and other professionals
Discharge summaries
Prescription lists
Tip: Highlight sections that confirm your symptoms or limitations.
If you don’t have recent evidence, say so on the form, and write:
“My GP is aware of my condition and can confirm ongoing symptoms and medication.”
The DWP can contact them if needed.
4. Supporting evidence from someone who helps you
Why: Letters from carers, family, or friends prove the real-world impact.
Ask them to write:
What help they give you
How often and why
What would happen if they didn’t help
Example:
“I cook for her every evening because she can’t safely use the oven due to tremors.”
Tip: Attach this as a short signed statement or email printout.
5. Any care plans, social services assessments, or occupational therapy reports
Why: These are official documents showing that you need support — strong evidence for higher PIP rates.
Examples:
Care package from local authority
Adaptations report (grab rails, stairlift, etc.)
Risk assessments
6. Your own diary (optional but powerful)
Why: Shows consistency and the frequency of bad days and worse days. Please see my previous blog post on the importance of writing a diary.
Do a 7-day or 14-day diary describing:
Tasks you struggled with that come under the 10 everyday living and 2 mobility activities
Pain or fatigue levels
What help you needed
If you couldn’t leave the house, why
Tip: The DWP says they’ll consider how your condition affects you on at least 50% of days — your diary helps prove that. If you are affected for part of the day, if it's over 50% of the day you would be viewed as being affected for the whole day, meaning 'can days' become 'can't days' under the 50% rule.
7. List of aids or adaptations you use
Why: Using aids can still earn PIP points (e.g. grab rails, shower seat, stick, hearing aid).
List:
What the aid is
Why you use it
Whether it helps fully or only partly
8. Explanation of variability (bad days vs worse days)
Why: PIP decisions are based on your typical day — but if your condition fluctuates, that’s crucial.
Explain:
How many days are “bad” vs “worse”, what you can or can’t do on bad days and worse days and that you can’t predict when bad days will happen
🚫 What Not to Do
❌ Don’t just write “I can’t do this.” → Explain why not and what happens when you try.
❌ Don’t assume the assessor understands your condition.
❌ Don’t leave sections blank — always say “See extra sheet” if you run out of space.
Attachments Checklist
Document Type | Why It’s Important | Include It? |
Hospital letters / test results | Confirms diagnosis, treatment | ✅ |
GP summary printout | Lists all conditions & meds | ✅ |
Carer / relative statement | Proves real-life impact | ✅ |
Care plan / OT report | Shows support needs | ✅ |
Diary (7–14 days) | Shows daily difficulties | ✅ |
Prescription list | Supports medical evidence | ✅ |
Extra sheets for each activity | Gives fuller explanation | ✅ |
Final Tips
Ensure that your full name and NI number are referenced on all evidence that you submit.
Keep a copy of everything you send — forms get lost.
Number and label attachments clearly (e.g. “Attachment A – GP letter 2024”).
Post tracked delivery so you can prove the DWP got it.
And finally, seek professional advice and support from a trained form writer, who understands the nuances and language needed to frame your struggles clearly within the PIP criteria. Please feel free to email maria@benefitiaforms.co.uk or visit my website for further information benefitiaforms.co.uk.
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