4. Claiming personal independence payment

Phone 0800 917 2222 (textphone 0800 917 7777) to make a claim for personal independence payment (PIP). If you cannot claim by phone, you can ask for a claim form to be sent to you. Claims cannot be backdated, so claim as soon as you think you qualify.

When you phone, some basic information is taken from you. You are then sent a form on which to give more information about your condition and how it affects you. You must normally return this form within one month. You must then usually attend a medical assessment.

Awards of PIP are usually made for a fixed period – eg, two years or five years.

PIP is usually paid directly into your bank account, and is paid every four weeks in arrears.