Personal Independence Payment (PIP) for People with Epilepsy

Accurate as of time of writing: 28th June 2021

Personal Independence Payment (PIP) is a benefit that some people with epilepsy may be entitled to claim. PIP is a benefit that’s designed to help with any additional costs associated with long term illness or disability. 

What are the criteria for receiving PIP payments with epilepsy? 

To qualify for PIP applicants must be between the ages of 16 and retirement age. Applicants must also be able to demonstrate they have a long term disability or health condition, which they have had for longer than 3 months and causes them to have difficulty with day to day activities or mobility. 

PIP payments for people with epilepsy and other conditions / disabilities are means tested, so you may be able to claim even if you are in work. Each component is paid at either a standard or enhanced rate depending on the severity of your condition. 

Daily living difficulties include things such as: 

• Trouble preparing food or eating
• Managing your finances responsibly 
• Dressing / undressing 
• Mobility issues 
• Managing medication or treatment requirements 
• Washing / bathing 

What are the rates of pay with PIP? 

As previously mentioned, there are two components to PIP, each of which is means tested at either standard or enhanced rate. The potential rates as of the time of writing (June 2021) are: 

Daily living (weekly rate)

Standard: £59.70

Enhanced: £89.15

Mobility (weekly rate)

Standard: £23.60

Enhanced: £62.25

An assessment will be required to ascertain which level of PIP, if any at all, you will be entitled to. 

How to claim PIP 

In order to claim PIP, you must first complete an assessment from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). You will need to telephone to start the process, first ensure you have key details, such as your national insurance number, date of birth, contact details, bank account details and more. 

Click here to see a more detailed explanation of how to claim on the gov.uk website

The contact details for DWP are here if you are ready to make a claim: 

DWP – PIP claims

Telephone: 0800 917 2222

Textphone: 0800 917 7777

You can also claim by post to the following address: 

Personal Independence Payment New Claims

Post Handling Site B

Wolverhampton

WV99 1AH

Once contacted, you will be sent a form called ‘How your disability affects you’, you can find an example of this form here on the Citizens Advice website.

Advice for completing the form

Epilepsy can be classified as a variable condition, which can make filling out the form difficult. The 50% rule has been set to help with this, meaning that you must need help 50% of the time to qualify for PIP. This is based on two factors; how likely it is that you could come to harm (1) and how serious that harm could be (2).  

It’s also advisable to include any supporting evidence with your application. This can make a real difference to the success of your application. Common examples of supporting evidence include: 

• Prescription lists
• Seizure diaries
• Care plans
• Reports from your healthcare professionals / your support team
• Contact details as a reference from your care team