What does PIP "budgeting decisions" cover?

It covers all money management: paying bills, budgeting weekly spending, understanding costs, comparing prices, and avoiding financial mistakes or scams. If someone helps you with any of these, you score points.

Can ADHD or bipolar affect budgeting PIP scores?

Yes. Impulsive spending (common in ADHD and bipolar mania) counts as difficulty with complex budgeting decisions, scoring 2 points under descriptor 10b. If someone manages your money entirely, you may score higher.

What counts as "complex" vs "simple" budgeting?

Complex budgeting means prioritising bills, comparing deals, planning a weekly budget. Simple budgeting means understanding basic costs like a loaf of bread. Difficulty with complex = 2 points, simple = 4 points, none at all = 6 points.

PIP Activity 10: Making Budgeting Decisions — Descriptors, Points & How to Score

Activity 10 assesses whether you can manage money: paying bills, budgeting, understanding costs, and avoiding financial mistakes or scams.

This is a Daily Living activity. Maximum score: 6 points.

All Descriptors for Making Budgeting Decisions

Descriptor	Description	Points	Examples
10a	Can manage complex budgeting decisions unaided	0	—
10b	Needs prompting or assistance to make complex budgeting decisions (common in: ADHD, bipolar, autism, dementia)	2	impulsive spending, scam vulnerability, cannot prioritize bills
10c	Needs prompting or assistance to make simple budgeting decisions (common in: learning disability, dementia)	4	cannot understand cost of items
10d	Cannot make any budgeting decisions at all (common in: severe learning disability, severe dementia)	6	no concept of money

The Reliability Test for Making Budgeting Decisions

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 Making Budgeting Decisions?

Bank statements showing impulsive spending or missed bills, evidence of debt problems related to your condition, DWP appointee or deputy records, family statements about managing your finances.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Not explaining that impulsive spending is a symptom, not mentioning someone else manages your bills, thinking this activity only applies to people who "cannot count".

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