--- title: "PIP application: how to describe your condition (so you actually get it) | CrisisCompass Blog | CrisisCompass" source_url: "https://crisiscompass.co.uk/blog/pip-application-tips" retrieved_by: "AnswerRail Edge Engine v1.1.0-parity-v20 (https://answerrail.com)" level_of_detail: "standard" token_payload_reduction: "91.7%" raw_html_bytes: 109879 compiled_body_bytes: 9163 entities_extracted: 5 currency_recall_static_html: "100%" monitored_currency_tokens: 26 link_recall_static_html: "100%" monitored_content_links: 14 omitted_dynamic_states: ["non_default_tab_panels", "volume_slider_tiers"] conversion_notes: "Origin renders alternate tabs and volume pricing sliders via client-side JavaScript; serving default static AST state." rfc_compliance: "RFC 9110" last_verified_at: "2026-10-25T08:50:37.737Z" cache_age_seconds: 0 origin_cache_control: "public, max-age=0, must-revalidate" --- > **Canonical Source:** [https://crisiscompass.co.uk/blog/pip-application-tips](https://crisiscompass.co.uk/blog/pip-application-tips) > > *43% of PIP decisions are overturned on appeal. Learn how to describe your condition effectively so you get the right decision first time.* ### Organization: CrisisCompass | Field | Value | | :--- | :--- | | **Organization** | CrisisCompass | | **Official Website** | https://crisiscompass.co.uk | | **Overview** | Independent UK crisis management, financial support guidance, and emergency contingency portal. | ### Entity: CrisisCompass | Property | Detail | | :--- | :--- | | **Type** | WebSite | | **Name** | CrisisCompass | ### Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) **Q: Is CrisisCompass free?** > A: Yes. All core tools — Survival Check, Benefits Finder, Hardship Letter Generator, Budget Calculator, Debt Priority Checker, and AI Chat — are completely free. Optional premium PDF documents start from £2.99. **Q: Is CrisisCompass financial advice?** > A: No. CrisisCompass provides general information and tools. For personalised financial advice, we recommend contacting StepChange (0800 138 1111) or Citizens Advice (0800 144 8848). **Q: Is my data safe?** > A: We store data locally in your browser wherever possible. The Financial Survival Check results are never saved to our servers. See our Privacy Policy for full details. Benefits # PIP application: how to describe your condition (so you actually get it) 12 May 2026 · 3 min read Share: Personal Independence Payment (PIP) is worth up to \*\*£737.20 per month\*\* — but the application process can be daunting. Around \*\*43% of PIP decisions are overturned on appeal\*\*, which means many people are being turned down who should get it. ## The key principle PIP is about \*\*how your condition affects you\*\*, not what your condition is. The assessor wants to know about your \*\*worst days\*\*, not your best. ## The two components ### Daily living (up to £108.55/week) Activities assessed: - Preparing food - Taking nutrition (eating and drinking) - Managing treatments or monitoring health - Washing and bathing - Managing toilet needs - Dressing and undressing - Communicating verbally - Reading and understanding signs - Engaging with other people - Making budgeting decisions ### Mobility (up to £75.75/week) Activities assessed: - Planning and following journeys - Moving around (walking, standing) ## How to describe your difficulties ### Use your worst days, not your best If you can sometimes cook a meal but often can't, describe your worst days. For example: - ❌ "I can cook meals" (this suggests you're fine) - ✅ "On most days, I struggle to prepare food safely. I have difficulty standing for more than 5 minutes due to pain in my lower back. I often rely on microwave meals because I cannot safely use the cooker." ### Be specific about what happens - ❌ "I find it hard to walk" - ✅ "I can walk about 30 metres before I need to stop due to severe pain in my knees. On bad days, I cannot leave the house without my walking stick. I have fallen twice in the last 3 months." ### Describe the consequences - "If I try to cook, I risk burning myself because my hands shake" - "Without help getting dressed, I would take over 30 minutes and be in significant pain" - "I have anxiety attacks on public transport and have been unable to travel alone for 2 years" ### Include frequency How often each difficulty occurs: - "This happens most days (5–7 days per week)" - "I have flare-ups approximately 3 weeks per month" - "My condition varies — on the worst days (about 15 per month), I cannot..." ## Supporting evidence Gather evidence from: - \*\*Your GP\*\* — ask for a summary of your conditions and how they affect you - \*\*Hospital consultants\*\* — any letters or reports - \*\*Medications list\*\* — shows the severity of your condition - \*\*Care records\*\* — if you receive formal care - \*\*Photos\*\* — of adaptations, aids, or the consequences of your condition ## The assessment ### What to expect You'll be invited for a face-to-face or telephone assessment with a health professional. They'll ask about each activity and watch how you move. ### Key tips - \*\*Don't try to be brave\*\* — show your difficulties, don't mask them - \*\*Take someone with you\*\* — they can remind you of things you forget - \*\*Ask for reasonable adjustments\*\* — home visit, breaks, extra time - \*\*Record the assessment\*\* — you have the right to (give advance notice) ## If you're turned down - \*\*Mandatory reconsideration first\*\* — request a review within 1 month - \*\*Appeal to the tribunal\*\* — 73% of appeals succeed - \*\*Get help from Citizens Advice or Scope\*\* — they can help with appeals PIP is there to help with the extra costs of living with a condition. 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Subscribe ## Related articles - **[The 12-month financial recovery plan: month by month](/blog/one-year-financial-recovery-plan)** — Recovery - **[From £22,000 in debt to debt-free: how real people recovered](/blog/debt-story-recovery-possible)** — Recovery [Take the Survival Check](/check)[Compare Debt Solutions](/compare)[Explore Free Tools](/tools) Some links on this page may be affiliate links. We only recommend services we genuinely trust. Using these links helps fund CrisisCompass at no extra cost to you. 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