Can I get PIP for Bipolar?

Yes, Bipolar can qualify for PIP if it affects your daily living or mobility activities. You could receive up to 12 points per affected descriptor. PIP is not based on your diagnosis alone — it’s about how your condition affects you day to day.

How many PIP points can I get for Bipolar?

The points depend on how Bipolar affects each activity. Across 6 relevant descriptors, you could receive up to 12 points per descriptor. You need 8 points for standard rate and 12 for enhanced rate.

What evidence do I need for a Bipolar PIP claim?

For a Bipolar PIP claim, you should gather: a letter from your GP or specialist confirming your diagnosis and how it affects you, any hospital or clinic letters, medication lists, and statements from people who help you. The more evidence showing how Bipolar affects your daily activities, the stronger your claim.

What if my Bipolar PIP claim is denied?

If your Bipolar PIP claim is denied, you have one month to request a Mandatory Reconsideration. If that fails, you can appeal to an independent tribunal — where 73% of PIP appeals succeed. Use our free Mandatory Reconsideration letter builder to challenge the decision.

How does the PIP assessment work for Bipolar?

The PIP assessment for Bipolar involves a health professional asking how your condition affects 12 daily living and mobility activities. They score you using descriptors. Always answer based on your worst days, not your best. Remember the reliability test: can you do it safely, repeatedly, to an acceptable standard, and in a reasonable time?

Bipolar and PIP: Complete Guide to Descriptors & Points

If you have Bipolar, you may be entitled to PIP (Personal Independence Payment). This guide shows which PIP descriptors apply to your condition and how many points you could receive.

Last updated: February 2026 | Based on Social Security (Personal Independence Payment) Regulations 2013

Which PIP Activities Does Bipolar Affect?

Preparing food

Descriptor 1e: Needs supervision or assistance to prepare or cook a simple meal — 4 points (e.g. fire risk from inattention, cuts self due to tremor)

Taking nutrition

Descriptor 2d: Needs prompting to take nutrition — 4 points (e.g. forgets to eat during hyperfocus, no appetite due to depression)

Managing therapy or monitoring a health condition

Descriptor 3b: Needs prompting or supervision to manage medication or therapy — 1 points (e.g. forgets to take meds, dismisses alarms, lacks insight)

Engaging with other people face to face

Descriptor 9c: Needs social support to engage with other people — 4 points (e.g. companion to de-escalate, support during masking burnout)

Making budgeting decisions

Descriptor 10b: Needs prompting or assistance to make complex budgeting decisions — 2 points (e.g. impulsive spending, scam vulnerability, cannot prioritize bills)

Planning and following journeys

Descriptor 11f: Cannot follow the route of a familiar journey without another person, guide dog or orientation aid — 12 points (e.g. paranoia on transport, disorientation, route changes cause panic)

How to Claim PIP for Bipolar

Use our free PIP eligibility checker to estimate your points
Answer based on your worst days, not your best days
Remember the reliability test: can you do it safely, repeatedly, to an acceptable standard, in a reasonable time?
Gather supporting evidence from your GP or specialist

Already Been Denied?

73% of PIP appeals succeed at tribunal. If you’ve been denied, use our Mandatory Reconsideration letter builder to challenge the decision.