News and stories
Commonly asked mental health questions
What
What is PIP (Personal Independence Payment)? And can you access it for mental illness?

What is PIP (Personal Independence Payment)? And can you access it for mental illness?

Personal Independence Payment (PIP) is a UK benefit that helps people with the extra costs that come with living with a long-term health condition or disability, including severe mental illness.

It’s there to support you if your mental or physical health makes daily life or getting around more difficult.

Understanding PIP: More than just a benefit

PIP recognises that living with a long-term health condition, including severe mental illness, can bring extra challenges and costs.

PIP is available to people aged 16 to State Pension age, whether you’re working or not. It’s about helping you live as independently as possible and is made up of two parts:

Daily living: For help with everyday tasks, like preparing food, managing medication, or communicating.
Mobility: For help with getting around, whether that’s physically or because of the impact of your mental health.

You can get one or both parts, depending on how your condition affects you.

PIP and severe mental Illness: Breaking down barriers

Severe mental illness can affect every part of life and PIP is there to help with the extra costs that come with this. But the process of applying for PIP can be tough.

The forms are long, the questions can feel intrusive, and gathering evidence can be hard – especially if you’re unwell or don’t have much support. Some people might have support from family and friends, and others might not. If you don't, organisations like Mental Health & Money Advice can give support.

Two out of three people who appeal a rejected PIP claim win their case. This shows that the system doesn’t always get it right the first time, and you can appeal if you think you have been wrongly assessed.

PIP is not just for physical disabilities. Mental health conditions are just as valid. If your mental health makes daily life or getting around harder, you have every right to apply.

Tackling stigma and misconceptions

There’s a lot of misunderstanding about PIP and mental health. Some people worry that their condition “isn’t serious enough” or that PIP is only for physical disabilities. This isn’t true. PIP is for anyone whose long-term health condition affects their daily life.

Applying for PIP is about getting the support you deserve and is not a sign of weakness.

At Rethink Mental Illness, we believe in treating everyone with dignity and respect and we challenge the stigma around mental illness and benefits.

How to apply for Personal Independence Payment (PIP)

Begin by contacting the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) to let them know you want to apply.
You’ll be sent a PIP2 form. This is your chance to explain, in your own words, how your mental health affects your day-to-day life.
It helps to include supporting evidence. This could be from a healthcare professional, or from someone who knows you well and understands the impact of your condition.
After you’ve sent your form back, you might be invited to an assessment. This is an opportunity to talk in more detail about your needs.

We know that applying for PIP can feel overwhelming. For extra support and resources visit

Mental Health & Money Advice, a support service for people experiencing issues with mental health and money.

The impact of potential cuts and why we campaign

The government plans to reform PIP. Under their first plan over 330,000 people affected by severe mental illness could have lost vital support. After successful campaigning across the charity sector, they are now asking for opinions on how this reform could be done.

And that’s why Rethink campaigns for a fairer system that supports people to have independence, dignity, and the right to live a full life.

We want timely access to the right help, before people reach crisis point, and will continue to stand up to stigma and fight for policies that put people first.