Can You Claim PIP for Depression?

Depression can affect much more than mood.

For some people it can make everyday activities extremely difficult, including preparing food, managing medication, communicating with other people, leaving home and completing ordinary daily tasks.

If depression substantially affects your daily living or mobility, you may be eligible for Personal Independence Payment.

PIP is not awarded simply because someone has a diagnosis of depression.

Instead, DWP considers what you can and cannot do because of your condition.

How depression may affect a PIP claim

Depression may affect activities including:

• preparing and cooking food
• eating regularly
• washing and bathing
• dressing
• managing medication or treatment
• communicating
• mixing with other people
• budgeting and managing money
• planning journeys
• leaving home

For example, somebody may physically be able to prepare a meal but regularly require prompting because their mental health prevents them from initiating or completing the task.

That distinction can be important.

Reliability matters

PIP is not simply about whether you can perform an activity once.

The assessment also considers whether you can perform activities:

• safely
• repeatedly
• to an acceptable standard
• within a reasonable period of time

The effect of symptoms on bad days and over time can therefore be important.

What evidence can help?

Supporting information can include:

• GP records
• medication history
• antidepressant prescriptions
• counselling records
• psychiatric or mental health team reports
• information from family members or carers
• records of treatment or support

The strongest application will usually explain how depression affects specific everyday activities rather than simply listing diagnoses.

Check your circumstances

Silverwings Benefits provides an independent PIP eligibility and application service.

Our online process is designed to help determine whether your circumstances may fit the PIP criteria before proceeding further.

Find out whether depression may be affecting you in ways that could qualify for PIP.

Silverwings Benefits is an independent paid service. You can apply for PIP directly through DWP without paying Silverwings Benefits.