Filling in the PIP2 form

In short

What you need

Put the form and its accompanying letter together. Find the return date before settling down to the questions. If the date is worrying you, make asking for more time your first task, rather than leaving that call until you have finished writing.

Gather evidence you already have, such as letters from professionals. Keep it beside the form so you can see what it describes and where it connects with your own account. You do not need to turn your answer into someone else's words.

Have somewhere to make rough notes about a typical day and a bad day. A few ordinary examples can be easier to start with than a polished paragraph. Keep the focus on what actually happens to you when you try the activity.

Step by step

1. Start with the date

   Write the return date at the top of your notes. Check the letter that came with your form. If you need more time, ring the PIP enquiry line on 0800 121 4433. Sort out the time first, then turn to the questions.

2. Describe a typical day

   Read one question, then talk or write through what happens when you try that activity. Explain how long it takes and what help you need. Start with a real example rather than searching for words that sound official. Your account can be plain and direct.

3. Describe a bad day too

   Look back at the same activity on a bad day. What happens when you try it then? What help do you need, and how long does it take? Keep the two descriptions distinct, so a reader can follow the difference without having to guess which kind of day you mean.

4. Bring your evidence alongside your account

   Read the letters from professionals that you already have. Use them alongside your own description rather than replacing your account with a list of documents. Send evidence you already have. Before putting it together, check that the examples you have written still sound like your experience.

5. Read it back and keep copies

   Read each answer once more, slowly. Ask yourself whether it explains what happens, the time it takes and the help you need. Keep copies of your completed form and the evidence you send. There may be an assessment afterwards, so it is useful to have your own account to hand.

Free help

The official PIP page is a starting point for the claim and return arrangements. If you need more time with PIP2, ring the PIP enquiry line. The claim-start number is only for starting a claim.

• PIP enquiry line

  0800 121 4433

  Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm. Relay UK: 18001 then 0800 121 4433.

• Start a PIP claim

  0800 917 2222

  Monday to Friday, 8am–5pm. Relay UK: 18001 before the number.

How we can help, and what we can't

We can sit with you, listen to your examples and help put them into your own words. You check the completed form before signing it. We cannot assess your medical needs or promise an award. Our application and form completion page explains the practical support available, so you can decide whether that is the kind of help you want. Application and form completion support.