If you're under State Pension age and have a long-term illness or disability, you might be entitled to Personal Independence Payment (PIP) to help you pay for things. 

PIP is a benefit for people who need help with daily activities or getting around because of a long-term illness or disability. 

To get PIP you must find it hard to do everyday tasks or get around because of a physical or mental condition.

You must have found these things hard for three months and expect them to continue to be hard for another nine months. 

PIP is not based on the condition you have or the medication you take. It is based on the level of help you need because of how your condition affects you. 

PIP is made up of two parts - the ‘daily living component’ is for the extra help you need with everyday tasks.

This can include preparing food, washing, getting dressed or communicating with other people. 

The ‘mobility component’ is for the extra help you need getting around. This can include moving, planning a journey or following a route. 

Each component can be paid at either a standard or enhanced rate. 

You may be given PIP indefinitely if your condition will never get better or if you've reached State Pension age - this is called an indefinite award.  

If you don’t get an indefinite award, you’ll get PIP for a fixed amount of time – your decision letter will tell you for how long. 

If you're awarded PIP for a fixed time of more than two years, the DWP will usually review your award before it ends. They’ll renew it if they decide you can still get PIP. 

To make a claim: 

1) Contact the DWP and fill in the PIP1 form - they can do this for you over the phone 

2) Fill in the ‘How your disability affects you’ form - you can do this via post or online 

3) Go to a medical assessment 

It can take up to six months from applying to getting your first payment. If successful, the DWP will pay you money you should have got from the date you started your claim. 

You can access step-by-step guidance on how to fill out your claim form on our website.  

You can challenge a decision about PIP if: 

1) You didn’t get it 

2) You got a lower rate than you expected 

3) You think your award isn’t long enough 

You can ask for a mandatory reconsideration within one month of receiving your decision. You'll need to give reasons why you disagree with the decision, including medical evidence. 

We offer free, confidential, impartial and independent advice and information to help with the cost of living.

The Herts Citizens Advice line telephone number is 0800 144 88 48.

Visit northhertscab.org.uk or stevenagecab.org.uk to find other ways to get in touch.