What counts as dressing difficulty for PIP?

Any difficulty putting on or removing clothing: buttons, zips, laces, bras, socks, shoes. If you have switched to easier clothing (slip-ons, Velcro) because of your condition, this is evidence of difficulty.

Do dressing aids like button hooks score PIP points?

Yes. Using any dressing aid (button hook, sock aid, long-handled shoehorn, Velcro adaptations) scores 2 points under descriptor 6b.

What if I need reminding to get dressed?

Needing prompting to dress (e.g., due to ADHD, depression, or dementia) scores 2 points under descriptor 6c. This includes being reminded to change clothes.

PIP Activity 6: Dressing and Undressing — Descriptors, Points & How to Score

Activity 6 assesses whether you can put on and take off clothing and shoes. It includes doing up buttons, zips, and laces, and choosing appropriate clothing.

This is a Daily Living activity. Maximum score: 8 points.

All Descriptors for Dressing and Undressing

Descriptor	Description	Points	Examples
6a	Can dress and undress unaided	0	—
6b	Needs to use an aid or appliance to dress or undress (common in: scoliosis, arthritis, endometriosis)	2	sock aid, button hook, long-handled shoehorn
6c	Needs prompting to dress or undress (common in: ADHD, depression, dementia)	2	needs reminder to change clothes, distracted mid-task
6d	Needs assistance to dress or undress lower body (common in: scoliosis, back pain, obesity)	2	cannot reach feet, cannot bend
6e	Needs assistance to dress or undress upper body (common in: frozen shoulder, stroke, MS)	3	cannot lift arms, weakness
6f	Cannot dress or undress at all (common in: stroke, MND)	8	complete paralysis

The Reliability Test for Dressing and Undressing

Even if you can technically do this activity, you should score higher points if you cannot do it:

Safely — without risk of harm to yourself or others
Repeatedly — as often as needed throughout the day
To an Acceptable Standard — properly and completely
In a Reasonable Time — not taking much longer than average

Failing ANY one of these four tests means you should score higher points, even if you can sometimes do the activity.

What Evidence Helps for Dressing and Undressing?

OT reports about dressing difficulties, evidence of dressing aids (button hook, sock aid, Velcro shoes), photos showing limited range of movement.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Not mentioning you wear slip-on shoes because you cannot tie laces, not explaining you avoid certain clothes because you cannot fasten them, saying you "dress yourself" when actually someone lays clothes out.

Related Activities

Free Tools to Help

Free PIP Eligibility Checker — estimate your points for all 12 activities
Mandatory Reconsideration Letter Builder — challenge a PIP decision
Evidence Request Builder — get supporting evidence from your GP
Assessment Preparation — practice PIP assessment questions