PIP Descriptors Explained: The 12 Daily Living & Mobility Activities
1. How PIP is Scored
Personal Independence Payment (PIP) is not awarded based on your diagnosis, but on a "point-scoring" system called descriptors. There are
10 Daily Living activities and
2 Mobility activities.
To get the Standard Rate, you need 8 points in a category. To get the Enhanced Rate, you need 12 points.
2. The Daily Living Activities
Each activity has a set of descriptors (A, B, C, etc.) with increasing point values.
- Activity 1: Preparing Food (Max 8 pts)
Focuses on your ability to peel/chop, use a hob or microwave, and understand safety. If you need a perching stool or someone to prompt you to eat, you score here.
- Activity 2: Taking Nutrition (Max 10 pts)
Can you cut up food on your plate? Can you put food/drink to your mouth? Do you need a tube or a feeder?
- Activity 3: Managing Therapy (Max 8 pts)
Do you need help with medication, nebulisers, or monitoring blood sugar? Alarms or Dossett boxes count as "aids."
- Activity 4: Washing and Bathing (Max 8 pts)
Do you need a shower seat, grab rails, or someone to help you wash your hair/back?
- Activity 5: Managing Toilet Needs (Max 8 pts)
Help with using the toilet, managing incontinence, or using a commode.
- Activity 6: Dressing and Undressing (Max 8 pts)
Do you struggle with buttons, zips, or socks? Do you need help choosing appropriate clothes?
- Activity 7: Communicating Verbally (Max 12 pts)
Can you speak and hear well enough to have a conversation? Do you need someone to translate or "prompt" you in social situations?
- Activity 8: Reading and Understanding (Max 8 pts)
Can you read basic written information? If you have dyslexia or a visual impairment, this is key.
- Activity 9: Engaging with Other People (Max 8 pts)
Do you experience overwhelming distress in social situations? Do you need someone with you to prevent you from "zoning out" or having an outburst?
- Activity 10: Making Budgeting Decisions (Max 6 pts)
Can you calculate change? Can you manage complex bills? If you have ADHD or dementia, this is frequently scored.
3. The Mobility Activities
- Activity 11: Planning and Following Journeys (Max 12 pts)
This is about mental health and cognitive issues. Do you get lost? Do you have panic attacks? Do you need someone to go with you to a new place?
- Activity 12: Moving Around (Max 12 pts)
This is about physical walking. Can you walk 20 meters? 50 meters? 200 meters? This is measured on your *worst day*.
4. The 4 Golden Rules: "Reliability"
You only "can" do an activity if you can do it:
1.
Safely: Without risk of injury.
2.
To an Acceptable Standard: Not just "getting by."
3.
Repeatedly: As often as required.
4.
In a Reasonable Time: No more than twice as long as a healthy person.
Expert Tip: If you can wash yourself but it takes 45 minutes and leaves you exhausted for the rest of the day, you meet the criteria for "cannot do it in a reasonable time."
5. How to use this list
When filling in your PIP2 form, look at every single activity. Don't skip any. Even if you think "I can do that," ask yourself: "Can I do it *reliably*?" Most people miss out on points because they are too modest about their struggles.