PIP for Anxiety: How to Claim and What to Say (2026 Guide)
By the RightfulUK team • • 5 min read • Reviewed for accuracy
Yes, you can get PIP for anxiety. Anxiety disorders are genuine disabilities that can severely impact daily life. The challenge is describing invisible symptoms in a way the DWP understands.
This guide shows you exactly how.
Which Activities Score Points for Anxiety?
Anxiety can score points across multiple PIP activities:
Preparing food (Activity 1) — Anxiety about using the cooker, fear of fire or gas, panic when cooking
Managing therapy (Activity 3) — Needing prompting to take anxiety medication
Washing (Activity 4) — Being too anxious to shower (fear of falling, intrusive thoughts)
Engaging with others (Activity 9) — This is the BIG one for anxiety. Panic attacks around strangers, needing a safe person, avoiding social situations
Budgeting (Activity 10) — Anxiety-driven avoidance of dealing with bills and finances
Planning journeys (Activity 11) — Agoraphobia, panic on public transport, inability to go to unfamiliar places alone
Many people with anxiety score 8-12 points on Activities 9 and 11 alone.
How to Describe Anxiety on the PIP Form
The DWP doesn't understand 'I have anxiety.' You need to describe the IMPACT:
Instead of: 'I get anxious going out' Say: 'I cannot leave my house alone on most days. Last week I tried to walk to the shop and had a panic attack after 50 metres. My heart was racing, I couldn't breathe, and I had to call my partner to come and get me. I haven't been back since.'
Instead of: 'Social situations are hard' Say: 'I cannot engage with unfamiliar people without overwhelming anxiety. At my last GP appointment, I had a panic attack in the waiting room and had to leave. I can only attend appointments if my mum comes with me.'
Be specific. Use examples. Mention dates.
Assessment Tips for Anxiety
If you have a telephone or video assessment:
- Ask for it to be recorded - Have someone with you for support - Don't mask — if you're anxious, say so - If you need breaks, take them - Don't try to appear calm and composed
If you have a face-to-face assessment: - Ask about attending by video instead - Bring a support person - If you have a panic attack, let it happen — it's evidence - Ask them to note your anxiety symptoms
Evidence for Anxiety Claims
Strong evidence includes:
- GP letters confirming anxiety diagnosis and severity - Mental health team letters or CPN notes - Prescription history (SSRIs, benzodiazepines, beta blockers) - Therapy records (CBT, counselling) - Crisis team involvement - Witness statements from family about how anxiety affects you - Your own diary of panic attacks and bad days
Even without specialist mental health support, your GP's evidence is valid.
What If You're Denied?
Mental health claims are denied more often than physical ones. But they're also overturned more often at tribunal.
73% of PIP appeals succeed, and tribunal panels include medical professionals who understand anxiety.
If you're denied: 1. Request your assessment report 2. Check for errors (assessors frequently misrepresent anxiety) 3. Submit Mandatory Reconsideration within one month 4. Appeal to tribunal if MR fails
Related Articles
- PIP for Mental Health: Why Claims Fail and How to Get It Right — 5 min read
- Disability Benefits UK: Complete Guide to Every Benefit You Can Claim (2026) — 7 min read
- PIP Denied? Here's Exactly What to Do Next (2026 Guide) — 4 min read
- PIP Assessment Trick Questions: How to Answer Honestly Without Hurting Your Claim — 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