Can You Get PIP for Depression? What You Need to Know
By the RightfulUK team • • 5 min read • Reviewed for accuracy
Depression doesn't just make you feel sad. It affects your ability to function: getting out of bed, washing, eating, leaving the house, and engaging with others.
Yes, you can get PIP for depression. PIP is about how your condition affects daily activities, and depression can severely impact most of the 12 PIP activities.
How Depression Affects PIP Activities
Depression commonly scores PIP points on these activities:
Preparing food (Activity 1) — Lack of motivation to cook, not eating, unable to plan meals. Descriptor 1d (needs prompting) = 2 points.
Taking nutrition (Activity 2) — No appetite, forgetting to eat, not caring about eating. Descriptor 2d (needs prompting) = 4 points.
Washing and bathing (Activity 4) — Unable to motivate yourself to wash, going days without bathing. Descriptor 4c (needs prompting) = 2 points.
Dressing (Activity 6) — Staying in pyjamas, not changing clothes for days. Descriptor 6c (needs prompting) = 2 points.
Engaging with others (Activity 9) — Withdrawing from social contact, unable to answer phone or door. Descriptor 9b (needs prompting) = 2 points, or 9c (needs social support) = 4 points.
Planning journeys (Activity 11) — Agoraphobia, anxiety about leaving house, unable to face journeys. Descriptor 11b (needs prompting) = 4 points, or 11e (overwhelming distress) = 10 points.
Describing Depression for PIP
Don't say: 'I feel sad' or 'I have low mood.'
Do say: 'On the majority of days, I cannot get out of bed before midday. I go 3-4 days without washing because I lack the motivation to get in the shower. Someone has to remind me to eat because I forget or don't care. Last month I didn't leave the house for two weeks because the thought of going outside caused overwhelming anxiety.'
Be specific. Give dates, examples, and describe your worst days. The assessor needs to understand the FUNCTIONAL impact, not just the diagnosis.
Evidence for Depression PIP Claims
Essential: - GP letter describing severity and impact on functioning - Psychiatrist or mental health team letters - Medication history (especially if treatment-resistant) - Crisis team or A&E records
Extra strong: - CPN (Community Psychiatric Nurse) observations - Therapy records showing severity - Family/carer statements about daily impact - Employment records showing inability to work - Records of social isolation or missed appointments
Typical PIP Scores for Depression
Common depression PIP scoring:
- Preparing food: 2 points - Taking nutrition: 4 points - Washing: 2 points - Dressing: 2 points - Engaging with others: 2-4 points - Planning journeys: 4-10 points
Daily Living total: 12-14 points (Enhanced Rate) Mobility total: 4-10 points (Standard or Enhanced)
Depression with anxiety commonly scores Enhanced Daily Living. If agoraphobia prevents you from leaving the house, you can also score Enhanced Mobility.
Related Articles
- PIP for Mental Health: Why Claims Fail and How to Get It Right — 5 min read
- Can You Get PIP for ADHD? Complete Guide (2026) — 6 min read
- Can You Get PIP for Autism? Descriptors & Points Guide — 6 min read
- Can You Get PIP for Fibromyalgia? Full Guide — 5 min read
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