Can You Get PIP for Bipolar? Complete Guide
By the RightfulUK team • • 5 min read • Reviewed for accuracy
Bipolar disorder causes extreme mood swings between manic/hypomanic episodes and depressive episodes. Both states affect daily functioning differently but can both score PIP points.
Yes, you can get PIP for bipolar disorder. The key challenge is that bipolar is a fluctuating condition, and assessors may see you on a 'good day'. PIP should assess you across the MAJORITY of days.
How Bipolar Affects PIP Activities
During depressive episodes: - Cannot get out of bed, wash, dress, or eat (Activities 1, 2, 4, 6) - Complete social withdrawal (Activity 9) - Unable to leave the house (Activity 11)
During manic/hypomanic episodes: - Reckless spending, financial decisions (Activity 10) — 2-6 points - Risk-taking behaviour, cannot engage safely (Activity 9) — 4-8 points - Reduced need for sleep leading to exhaustion and poor self-care - Impulsive, disorganised, unable to complete tasks
Key descriptors: - Preparing food: 1e (needs supervision due to risk) = 4 points - Engaging with others: 9c (needs social support) = 4 points - Budgeting: 10b (needs help with complex decisions) = 2 points, or 10c (needs help with simple decisions) = 4 points - Planning journeys: 11b (needs prompting) = 4 points, or 11f (cannot follow familiar routes) = 12 points
The Fluctuation Argument
Bipolar is the ultimate fluctuating condition. Your key arguments:
1. Assess the majority of days. If depressive episodes last longer than manic episodes, the majority of your days are affected by depression.
2. Manic episodes also count. During mania, you may appear 'fine' but are actually at risk — reckless spending, poor decisions, risky behaviour. This counts as being unable to do activities SAFELY.
3. Transition periods count. The shifts between episodes cause confusion, disorientation, and inability to function.
4. Medication side effects count. Lithium, antipsychotics, and mood stabilisers cause weight gain, tremor, cognitive dulling, and fatigue — all of which affect activities.
Evidence for Bipolar PIP Claims
Essential: - Psychiatrist letter with diagnosis and severity rating - Medication history showing treatment complexity - CPN or mental health team records - Crisis team records showing episode severity
Extra strong: - Mood diary covering at least 2-3 months - Hospital admission records (if applicable) - Bank statements showing manic spending episodes - Employment records showing impact on work - Carer/family statements describing both manic and depressive episodes - Records of Section 2/3 detention (if applicable)
Typical PIP Scores for Bipolar
Common bipolar PIP scoring:
- Preparing food: 2-4 points - Managing therapy: 1-2 points - Engaging with others: 4-8 points - Budgeting: 2-4 points - Planning journeys: 4-12 points
Daily Living total: 9-18 points (Standard to Enhanced) Mobility total: 4-12 points (Standard to Enhanced)
Bipolar I (with full manic episodes) typically scores higher than Bipolar II. But Bipolar II with prolonged depressive episodes can also score Enhanced Rate.
Crucial tip: Don't attend your assessment during a manic episode if you can avoid it. You'll appear 'well' and the assessor may not recognise the risks.
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Related Tools & Guides
- Free PIP Eligibility Checker — estimate your likely points
- Mandatory Reconsideration Letter Builder — challenge the DWP decision
- Tribunal Preparation Tool — practice panel questions
- PIP Condition Guides — descriptors for your condition