What counts as a "simple meal" for PIP?

A "simple meal" is defined as a cooked one-course meal for one person from fresh ingredients. Heating a ready meal or making a sandwich does not count. If you can only microwave food, you may score 2 points.

Can I get PIP points if I use a perching stool to cook?

Yes. Using any aid or appliance (perching stool, one-handed chopping board, adapted utensils) to cook scores 2 points under descriptor 1b.

What if I forget to eat or need reminding?

Needing prompting to prepare food scores 2 points under descriptor 1d. This is common with conditions like depression, ADHD, and dementia.

PIP Activity 1: Preparing Food — Descriptors, Points & How to Score

Activity 1 assesses whether you can prepare and cook a simple meal. A "simple meal" means a one-course meal from fresh ingredients — not just heating up a ready meal or making a sandwich.

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

All Descriptors for Preparing Food

Descriptor	Description	Points	Examples
1a	Can prepare and cook a simple meal unaided	0	—
1b	Needs to use an aid or appliance to prepare or cook a simple meal (common in: arthritis, scoliosis, fatigue)	2	perching stool, one-handed chopping board, easy-grip utensils
1c	Cannot cook a simple meal using a conventional cooker but can using a microwave (common in: migraine, Parkinson's, MS)	2	photophobia prevents use of hob, tremor makes knife unsafe
1d	Needs prompting to prepare or cook a simple meal (common in: depression, ADHD, dementia)	2	forgets to eat, lacks motivation to cook
1e	Needs supervision or assistance to prepare or cook a simple meal (common in: ADHD, bipolar, Long Covid)	4	fire risk from inattention, cuts self due to tremor
1f	Cannot prepare and cook food (common in: autism, severe ME/CFS)	8	sensory overload prevents entering kitchen, cannot stand or sit safely

The Reliability Test for Preparing Food

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 Preparing Food?

GP or OT letters describing why you struggle with food preparation, photos of aids you use, evidence of burns/cuts/kitchen accidents, records showing you rely on meal delivery services.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Saying you "can cook" without explaining difficulties, not mentioning aids you use, forgetting to mention you need prompting to eat.

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