The mobility component of PIP is designed to help with the extra costs of getting around. This can include physical difficulty walking or psychological distress caused by planning and following a journey.
The Two Activities of Mobility
Mobility points are awarded based on two main activities:
- Planning and following a journey: For psychological issues, mental health, or cognitive impairment.
- Moving around: Focuses specifically on your physical ability to walk a certain distance.
Qualify for a Motability Car?
If you receive the Enhanced Mobility rate, you can choose to exchange it for a brand-new car or scooter.
Learn About Motability1. Planning and Following a Journey (Mental Health)
This activity is for people whose mental health, cognitive issues, or visual impairments make it difficult to go out. The points are awarded as follows:
- 4 points: Needs prompting to be able to undertake any journey to a familiar place.
- 8 points: Cannot plan the route of a journey.
- 10 points: Cannot undertake any journey to an unfamiliar place without being accompanied.
- 12 points: Cannot undertake any journey to a familiar place without being accompanied.
Note: If you suffer from severe anxiety or agoraphobia, you should focus on the "Overwhelming Psychological Distress" (OPD) criteria.
2. Moving Around (Physical Ability)
This activity measures the physical distance you can walk safely, reliably, and within a reasonable time.
| Distance | Points | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Can walk 50m to 200m | 4 | No award |
| Can walk 20m to 50m | 8 | Standard |
| Cannot walk more than 20m | 12 | Enhanced |
Pro Tip: 20 metres is roughly the length of two double-decker buses.
The "Reliability" Rule is Everything
Even if you can walk more than 20 metres, you should get points if you cannot do it reliably. This means you must be able to do it:
- Safely: Without risk of falling or causing yourself harm.
- Acceptable Standard: Without being in severe pain or extreme breathlessness.
- Repeatedly: You could do it again within a reasonable time (e.g., as many times as you need to in a day).
- Reasonable Time: It doesn't take you more than twice as long as a person without your disability.
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Don't just fill in the form—strategize. Most claimants fail not because they aren't disabled, but because they fail to prove it within the DWP's specific legal framework.
The "Twice as Long" Metric
If a healthy person walks 20m in 15 seconds, and it takes you 40 seconds, you legally qualify as "unable" to walk that distance. Always mention your timing.
Evidence is Everything
Don't just say you have pain. Use a "Pain Diary" for 7 days. Show the DWP the exact frequency of your mobility struggles.
Psychological Distress
If anxiety stops you from leaving the house, describe the specific physical symptoms of that anxiety (e.g., heart racing, shaking) to meet the "Overwhelming Psychological Distress" criteria.
Reliability Check
Can you walk 20m to the car, but then you're exhausted for the rest of the day? If yes, you CANNOT do it "repeatedly" and should score 12 points.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does getting PIP mean I get a Blue Badge?
In many cases, yes. Getting 8 points or more in 'Moving Around' or 10 points in 'Planning and Following a Journey' usually grants automatic eligibility. You often just need to show your award letter to the council.
Whose help counts as an 'aid'?
It's not just wheelchairs. Walking sticks, Zimmer frames, white canes, and even having a person hold your arm for balance all count. If you use it to move, it's an aid.
What if my condition fluctuates?
The "50% Rule" is your best friend. If your condition makes walking impossible 4 days out of 7, the DWP must treat you as if you are like that 100% of the time for that activity.
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Benefit Experts Editorial Team
Benefit Experts Team – Independent UK benefits guidance. We provide independent, authoritative guidance to help UK citizens navigate the complex benefits system with confidence.