Can You Claim PIP for Long Covid?

Long Covid can cause a wide range of ongoing symptoms, including severe fatigue, breathlessness, brain fog, palpitations and post-exertional malaise, sometimes lasting years after the initial infection.

People with long Covid may be eligible for PIP where these symptoms substantially affect daily living or mobility.

What matters is the functional effect of your ongoing symptoms, not the fact you once had Covid-19.

Long Covid and daily living

• preparing food, particularly where standing or multi-step tasks trigger exhaustion
• washing and dressing without becoming breathless or exhausted
• concentrating and remembering things due to brain fog
• managing medication and appointments reliably
• communicating clearly when cognitive fatigue is severe
• engaging with other people during periods of low energy

Long Covid and mobility

Breathlessness, fatigue and post-exertional malaise can all affect the mobility assessment. Relevant factors include:

• reduced walking distance due to breathlessness or fatigue
• the need to stop and rest frequently
• a "crash" or worsening of symptoms after walking or exertion
• palpitations or dizziness affecting safe movement
• inability to repeat a journey shortly after the first attempt

Post-exertional malaise is central to many claims

A defining feature of long Covid for many people is that activity today causes a significant worsening of symptoms hours or days later. Describing only your capability in the moment, without this delayed effect, risks understating the real impact.

Evidence for a long Covid PIP claim

• GP records documenting ongoing post-Covid symptoms
• long Covid clinic referrals or letters, where available
• a symptom diary showing patterns of exertion and crashes
• respiratory, cardiology or neurology test results, if you have had them
• statements from family or colleagues about the change in your functioning

Frequently asked questions

Can I claim PIP for long Covid without a formal long Covid clinic diagnosis?

Yes. GP records documenting ongoing symptoms since a Covid-19 infection can support a claim, even without a specialist clinic referral.

Does brain fog count as a relevant symptom?

Yes. Cognitive symptoms affecting concentration, memory and communication are relevant to several PIP daily living activities.

Check your eligibility

Our online PIP eligibility process asks about the ongoing, real-life effects of long Covid, including post-exertional symptoms.

Silverwings Benefits is an independent paid service and is not affiliated with DWP. PIP can be claimed directly from DWP without charge.