I’ve been of work now for 9 months with serious back pain that’s turned out to be age related worn vertebrae at least 3 discs crumbling away, in the process of claiming employment support aid(ESA) I was advised to try claim for pip. After looking at the online claim forms there’s so much to do it’s bewildering. Anyone with similar been awarded even the lower rate pip or am I wasting my time.
Anyone claiming PIP?
- Thread starter roach3
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Kippax Street 1880
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I've found the AI apps on your phone are phenomenal for dealing with stuff like this. I fed your post into it and asked for a breakdown of the process. Hopefully it's some use to you mate
Here's a simple, step-by-step breakdown of the PIP (Personal Independence Payment) claim process in England, Wales or Northern Ireland (if you're in Scotland, apply for Adult Disability Payment instead via mygov.scot).
PIP is not means-tested and can be claimed alongside ESA — it helps with extra daily living or mobility costs caused by your back pain and disc issues. The process is the same whether you start online or by phone. The main "bewildering" part is the detailed PIP2 form ("How your disability affects you"), but you can take your time, use extra sheets, and get free help.
Step 1: Quickly check you’re eligible (5 minutes)
You’ve had (or expect) difficulties with daily living or getting around for at least 3 months, and they’re likely to last at least 9 more months (total 12 months).
You’re usually under State Pension age for a new claim.
You’ve lived in the UK for at least 2 of the last 3 years (some exceptions).
Your condition (worn vertebrae, crumbling discs, back pain) must affect everyday activities — not just the diagnosis.
Link: Full eligibility checker → https://www.gov.uk/pip/eligibility
If you’re close to the end of life there are special fast rules (call and ask for “special rules”).
Step 2: Start your claim (takes 10–15 minutes)
You must start the claim before you can get the form. Do this as soon as possible — payment is backdated to the date you contact them.
Easiest options:
Phone (recommended for most people): Call the free PIP new claims line on 0800 917 2222 (Textphone: 0800 917 7777 or use Relay UK 18001 then the number).
Monday–Friday, 8am–5pm. Have your National Insurance number, address, and a brief note about your back condition ready. A friend or carer can call for you.
Online (only in some areas): Start at the gov.uk page below and it will check your postcode automatically.
Post: Write a simple letter saying “I want to claim PIP” with your full name, address, NI number, date of birth, and phone number. Send it to the address shown on the gov.uk page.
Official start page (with all phone numbers, online link and post address): https://www.gov.uk/pip/how-to-claim
They’ll register your claim straight away and send you the PIP2 form + information booklet (usually within a week or two).
Step 3: Fill in the PIP2 form (“How your disability affects you”)
This is the long form you mentioned — it has 15 questions about daily activities (cooking, washing, dressing, moving around, etc.). It’s not about your medical diagnosis; it’s about how your back pain and disc problems affect you on a typical day (include “bad days” and “good days”).
Simple tips to make it manageable:
Take it section by section — you can do one or two questions a day.
Use the free Citizens Advice question-by-question guide (it gives examples and exactly what to write).
For your back pain, focus especially on:
Question 14 (Moving around) — distance you can walk, pain when bending/standing, need for aids or help.
Questions on washing, dressing, cooking (bending issues).
Write in everyday language with real examples: “I can only stand for 5 minutes before the pain forces me to sit; I use a perching stool to cook.”
If you run out of space, use extra sheets (print a template from Citizens Advice) and staple them.
Gather evidence now (hospital letters, MRI results, GP notes, ESA assessment report, prescription list) — you can send more later if needed.
Best free guides:
Citizens Advice step-by-step form help (click each question): https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/b...rs/pip/help-with-your-claim/fill-in-form-pip/
Official example PIP2 form + booklet (PDF to see what it looks like): https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/example-pip2-how-your-disability-affects-you
Easy-read version of everything: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/about-pip-what-it-is-and-how-to-claim-it-easy-read-guide
Extra tool: Turn2us PIP Helper (free online questions that build your answers) → pip.turn2us.org.uk
You usually have 1 month from the date on the letter to return the form.
Step 4: Send the form + evidence back
Post it to the address on the form (freepost, no stamp needed). Keep a copy or photo of everything you send.
Step 5: Assessment (if they need more info)
Most people are invited to a short assessment (phone, video, face-to-face, or sometimes paper-based only). It lasts 30–60 minutes and is with a health professional (not your own doctor). They’ll ask about the same daily activities.
Help: Citizens Advice has a free guide on what to expect and how to prepare: https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/b...ers/pip/help-with-your-claim/your-assessment/
Step 6: Get the decision
You’ll receive a letter (usually within 8–12 weeks of sending the form) telling you:
Whether you get PIP
Which rate (standard or enhanced for daily living and/or mobility)
How long the award lasts
Payment starts from the date you first contacted them.
Step 7: If you disagree with the decision
You have 1 month to ask for “mandatory reconsideration” (free). If still unhappy, you can appeal to a tribunal (most people win with the right evidence). Citizens Advice can help with this too.
Extra free support (highly recommended)
Citizens Advice (local office or webchat) — they can go through the form with you over the phone or in person: https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/benefits/sick-or-disabled-people-and-carers/pip/
DWP can arrange a home visit to help fill the form if you’re housebound.
Scope or other disability charities for extra tips.
Start today — even if you just make the phone call, it protects your claim date. Your back condition sounds like it could affect several daily living and mobility activities, so it’s definitely worth claiming.
If you get stuck on any specific question or need help finding your local Citizens Advice, just reply and I’ll guide you further. You’ve got this — one step at a time.
Here's a simple, step-by-step breakdown of the PIP (Personal Independence Payment) claim process in England, Wales or Northern Ireland (if you're in Scotland, apply for Adult Disability Payment instead via mygov.scot).
PIP is not means-tested and can be claimed alongside ESA — it helps with extra daily living or mobility costs caused by your back pain and disc issues. The process is the same whether you start online or by phone. The main "bewildering" part is the detailed PIP2 form ("How your disability affects you"), but you can take your time, use extra sheets, and get free help.
Step 1: Quickly check you’re eligible (5 minutes)
You’ve had (or expect) difficulties with daily living or getting around for at least 3 months, and they’re likely to last at least 9 more months (total 12 months).
You’re usually under State Pension age for a new claim.
You’ve lived in the UK for at least 2 of the last 3 years (some exceptions).
Your condition (worn vertebrae, crumbling discs, back pain) must affect everyday activities — not just the diagnosis.
Link: Full eligibility checker → https://www.gov.uk/pip/eligibility
If you’re close to the end of life there are special fast rules (call and ask for “special rules”).
Step 2: Start your claim (takes 10–15 minutes)
You must start the claim before you can get the form. Do this as soon as possible — payment is backdated to the date you contact them.
Easiest options:
Phone (recommended for most people): Call the free PIP new claims line on 0800 917 2222 (Textphone: 0800 917 7777 or use Relay UK 18001 then the number).
Monday–Friday, 8am–5pm. Have your National Insurance number, address, and a brief note about your back condition ready. A friend or carer can call for you.
Online (only in some areas): Start at the gov.uk page below and it will check your postcode automatically.
Post: Write a simple letter saying “I want to claim PIP” with your full name, address, NI number, date of birth, and phone number. Send it to the address shown on the gov.uk page.
Official start page (with all phone numbers, online link and post address): https://www.gov.uk/pip/how-to-claim
They’ll register your claim straight away and send you the PIP2 form + information booklet (usually within a week or two).
Step 3: Fill in the PIP2 form (“How your disability affects you”)
This is the long form you mentioned — it has 15 questions about daily activities (cooking, washing, dressing, moving around, etc.). It’s not about your medical diagnosis; it’s about how your back pain and disc problems affect you on a typical day (include “bad days” and “good days”).
Simple tips to make it manageable:
Take it section by section — you can do one or two questions a day.
Use the free Citizens Advice question-by-question guide (it gives examples and exactly what to write).
For your back pain, focus especially on:
Question 14 (Moving around) — distance you can walk, pain when bending/standing, need for aids or help.
Questions on washing, dressing, cooking (bending issues).
Write in everyday language with real examples: “I can only stand for 5 minutes before the pain forces me to sit; I use a perching stool to cook.”
If you run out of space, use extra sheets (print a template from Citizens Advice) and staple them.
Gather evidence now (hospital letters, MRI results, GP notes, ESA assessment report, prescription list) — you can send more later if needed.
Best free guides:
Citizens Advice step-by-step form help (click each question): https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/b...rs/pip/help-with-your-claim/fill-in-form-pip/
Official example PIP2 form + booklet (PDF to see what it looks like): https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/example-pip2-how-your-disability-affects-you
Easy-read version of everything: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/about-pip-what-it-is-and-how-to-claim-it-easy-read-guide
Extra tool: Turn2us PIP Helper (free online questions that build your answers) → pip.turn2us.org.uk
You usually have 1 month from the date on the letter to return the form.
Step 4: Send the form + evidence back
Post it to the address on the form (freepost, no stamp needed). Keep a copy or photo of everything you send.
Step 5: Assessment (if they need more info)
Most people are invited to a short assessment (phone, video, face-to-face, or sometimes paper-based only). It lasts 30–60 minutes and is with a health professional (not your own doctor). They’ll ask about the same daily activities.
Help: Citizens Advice has a free guide on what to expect and how to prepare: https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/b...ers/pip/help-with-your-claim/your-assessment/
Step 6: Get the decision
You’ll receive a letter (usually within 8–12 weeks of sending the form) telling you:
Whether you get PIP
Which rate (standard or enhanced for daily living and/or mobility)
How long the award lasts
Payment starts from the date you first contacted them.
Step 7: If you disagree with the decision
You have 1 month to ask for “mandatory reconsideration” (free). If still unhappy, you can appeal to a tribunal (most people win with the right evidence). Citizens Advice can help with this too.
Extra free support (highly recommended)
Citizens Advice (local office or webchat) — they can go through the form with you over the phone or in person: https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/benefits/sick-or-disabled-people-and-carers/pip/
DWP can arrange a home visit to help fill the form if you’re housebound.
Scope or other disability charities for extra tips.
Start today — even if you just make the phone call, it protects your claim date. Your back condition sounds like it could affect several daily living and mobility activities, so it’s definitely worth claiming.
If you get stuck on any specific question or need help finding your local Citizens Advice, just reply and I’ll guide you further. You’ve got this — one step at a time.
manclad
Well-Known Member
"Lip Up Fatty" !!!
blue b4 the moon
Well-Known Member
denislawsbackheel
Well-Known Member
- Joined
- 28 May 2008
- Messages
- 28,049
- Team supported
- We went to Rotherham…
Sign up to this website
www.benefitsandwork.co.uk
Their benefits guides are invaluable in learning how to fill in the PIP forms.
It is a minefield and they know how to get you through it.
It is very hard to get through and their are key phrases and things to put down that help.
It’s helped me with family members for decades.
PIP claim help, plus ESA, DLA & Universal Credit
Get the benefits you're entitled to: help with personal independence payment (PIP), universal credit (UC), employment and support allowance (ESA),disability living allowance (DLA). Claims, assessments, reviews, appeals.
www.benefitsandwork.co.uk
Their benefits guides are invaluable in learning how to fill in the PIP forms.
It is a minefield and they know how to get you through it.
It is very hard to get through and their are key phrases and things to put down that help.
It’s helped me with family members for decades.
Last edited:
Don Karleone
Well-Known Member
- Joined
- 8 Nov 2008
- Messages
- 27,018
- Team supported
- Vampire Squid FC
Plenty of people on here think that it's easy to claim. You'll be inundated with advice. My Mrs is the brains in this relationship, and I struggled to understand half of it as well.
I hope you get it sorted.
Thnx mate I’ll look into this.Sign up to this website
PIP claim help, plus ESA, DLA & Universal Credit
Get the benefits you're entitled to: help with personal independence payment (PIP), universal credit (UC), employment and support allowance (ESA),disability living allowance (DLA). Claims, assessments, reviews, appeals.
Their benefits guides are invaluable in learning how to fill in the PIP forms.
It is a minefield and they know how to get you through it.
It is very hard to get through and their are key phrases and things to put down that help.
It’s helped me with family members for decades.
dadnlad
Well-Known Member
question 1 have you ever attempted to work since leaving infant school
Mad Eyed Screamer
Moderator
This is Blue Moon, not RAWK.
pride in battle
Well-Known Member
Decades ? Are you scouse ?Sign up to this website
PIP claim help, plus ESA, DLA & Universal Credit
Get the benefits you're entitled to: help with personal independence payment (PIP), universal credit (UC), employment and support allowance (ESA),disability living allowance (DLA). Claims, assessments, reviews, appeals.
Their benefits guides are invaluable in learning how to fill in the PIP forms.
It is a minefield and they know how to get you through it.
It is very hard to get through and their are key phrases and things to put down that help.
It’s helped me with family members for decades.
Make sure you stress the impact on day to day living your health condition/s has on you in what could be simple tasks,reinforce any difficulties you have to leave them in no doubt of the struggle you face,don’t minimise it even if you think it’s not good to admit it if you understand what I am saying.
heslops barnet
Well-Known Member
Try a scouse forum for tips on avoiding work and maximising benefits
stonerblue
Well-Known Member
When filling in the forms, answer the questions based on your worst day.
Make copies.
Make copies.
My sister claims it. Aged 60 (3 years ago) she got letter to say stopping it as deemed fit for work. She has dementia and some days doesn't even know what day it is. She has a rare blood disorder which means her body struggles to create white blood cells so prone to infections etc which she can't fight.
She was put on job seeker's allowance and was told if didn't show applications for work her money would be stopped
We disagreed with the decision and asked for an appeal.
18 months of fighting and on day of the appeal I faced a panel consisting of Benefits office Dr and lawyer plus member of committee who'd made the decision. They said they were rejecting the appeal due to fact we'd no evidence she couldn't work. She was sitting in next room and they refused to speak to her. If they had they'd have realised what an error it was. Our options were accept the decision or ask for review. I said if I accept she will commit suicide (she'd attempted it previously when she hadn't applied for enough jobs and was told getting no benefits).
I asked for review and 6 months later the PIP got reinstated with her getting her money backdated. I'd been sending her money every month in those 18 months as she couldn't afford to heat and eat
OP, good luck on your journey and hope you get satisfactory result. Go to citizens advice and don't take no for an answer
She was put on job seeker's allowance and was told if didn't show applications for work her money would be stopped
We disagreed with the decision and asked for an appeal.
18 months of fighting and on day of the appeal I faced a panel consisting of Benefits office Dr and lawyer plus member of committee who'd made the decision. They said they were rejecting the appeal due to fact we'd no evidence she couldn't work. She was sitting in next room and they refused to speak to her. If they had they'd have realised what an error it was. Our options were accept the decision or ask for review. I said if I accept she will commit suicide (she'd attempted it previously when she hadn't applied for enough jobs and was told getting no benefits).
I asked for review and 6 months later the PIP got reinstated with her getting her money backdated. I'd been sending her money every month in those 18 months as she couldn't afford to heat and eat
OP, good luck on your journey and hope you get satisfactory result. Go to citizens advice and don't take no for an answer
It's deliberately planned that way to put people off claiming.
deano ou812
Well-Known Member
Go to citizens advice or similar they have people experienced in filling these forms in,and will help you,my mrs got pip after falling down the stairs and ending up with a brain injury,the citizens advice were so helpful came out to the house to help fill in the form..
My daughter gets it, my ex said it was a complete nightmare and completely sapping process to get it sorted for her (a reason, among many, for the need of PIP).
Good luck and read up on it.