PIP Assessment Trick Questions: How to Answer Honestly Without Hurting Your Claim
By the RightfulUK team • • 5 min read • Reviewed for accuracy
PIP assessments aren't conversations. They're evidence-gathering exercises.
The assessor seems friendly. The questions seem casual. But everything you say is being scored.
Here are the hidden traps, and how to answer honestly without accidentally hurting your claim.
"How Are You Today?"
The trap: You say "Fine, thanks" out of politeness. They write: "Claimant reported feeling fine. No distress observed."
Better answer: "I'm in quite a lot of pain today, actually" or "I'm very anxious about this call."
The rule: Never use social pleasantries when describing your health. They take everything literally.
"Do You Drive?"
The trap: Driving implies grip strength, concentration, cognitive planning, and mobility. Saying "yes" can undermine multiple activities.
Better answer: "I can only drive short distances on familiar routes. I need an automatic because of my leg pain. I can't drive on bad days because of brain fog."
The rule: If you answer "yes" to anything, immediately add the limitations.
"Do You Have Any Pets?"
The trap: A dog suggests daily walks, which means good mobility.
Better answer: "We have a dog, but my partner walks him. I can't manage the lead or the distance."
The rule: Always clarify WHO does the activity.
"What Did You Have for Breakfast?"
The trap: If you say "toast," they might assume you can cook.
Better answer: "My wife made me toast. I can't use the toaster safely because I forget it's on."
The rule: Describe HOW things happen, not just WHAT happened.
"You've Explained That Very Clearly"
The trap: If you claim memory or cognitive problems, they're testing whether you contradict yourself.
Better answer: "I've got notes in front of me. My daughter helped me write them because I can't remember all this."
The rule: Explain the SUPPORT that made clarity possible.
The Golden Rule
Pause before answering. Ask yourself:
- What are they really testing? - Am I describing my best day or my typical day? - Have I mentioned WHO helps me? - Have I explained the limitations?
You're not lying by adding context. You're telling the full truth.
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- Disability Benefits UK: Complete Guide to Every Benefit You Can Claim (2026) — 7 min read
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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