The 12 PIP Statutory Descriptors Matrix
Personal Independence Payment (PIP) is assessed against 12 statutory activities set out in Schedule 1 to the Social Security (Personal Independence Payment) Regulations 2013. The assessment is divided into two parts: Daily Living (Activities 1 to 10) and Mobility (Activities 11 and 12).
Qualifying Point Thresholds
- Standard Rate Daily Living: 8 to 11 points (£72.65 per week).
- Enhanced Rate Daily Living: 12 or more points (£108.55 per week).
- Standard Rate Mobility: 8 to 11 points (£28.70 per week).
- Enhanced Rate Mobility: 12 or more points (£75.75 per week).
The Crucial Regulation 4(2A) Test
A claimant can only be assessed as satisfying a descriptor if they can complete the activity:
- Safely: In a manner unlikely to cause harm to themselves or others.
- To an acceptable standard: Completing the task to a normal, sanitary, and functional standard.
- Repeatedly: As often as the activity would normally be done throughout the day.
- In a reasonable time: Taking no more than twice the maximum period normally required by a non-disabled person.
If pain, exhaustion, breathlessness, or tremor prevents you from doing an activity repeatedly or safely, you must be treated as unable to carry it out under law.
Summary of the 12 Activities
- Preparing Food: Cooking a simple 1-course meal from fresh ingredients.
- Taking Nutrition: Chewing, swallowing, cutting food, and drinking.
- Managing Therapy: Undertaking medication, home dialysis, or physical exercises.
- Washing and Bathing: Getting in/out of bath, cleaning torso, limbs, and face.
- Managing Toilet Needs: Bowel/bladder evacuation and menstrual hygiene.
- Dressing and Undressing: Fastening zips, putting on socks, coats, and shoes.
- Communicating Verbally: Expressing speech and hearing/understanding spoken words.
- Reading Signs and Symbols: Reading basic sentences and warning signs.
- Engaging with Others Face-to-Face: Overcoming anxiety, panic, or social phobia.
- Making Budgeting Decisions: Handling money, bills, and everyday shopping math.
- Planning and Following Journeys: Navigation, severe distress, mental health restrictions.
- Moving Around: Physical walking distance, speed, gait, and pain thresholds.