Can I get PIP for Depression?

Yes, Depression can qualify for PIP if it affects your daily living or mobility activities. You could receive up to 4 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 Depression?

The points depend on how Depression affects each activity. Across 5 relevant descriptors, you could receive up to 4 points per descriptor. You need 8 points for standard rate and 12 for enhanced rate.

What evidence do I need for a Depression PIP claim?

For a Depression 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 Depression affects your daily activities, the stronger your claim.

What if my Depression PIP claim is denied?

If your Depression 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 Depression?

The PIP assessment for Depression 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?

Depression and PIP: Complete Guide to Descriptors & Points

If you have Depression, 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 Depression Affect?

Preparing food

Descriptor 1d: Needs prompting to prepare or cook a simple meal — 2 points (e.g. forgets to eat, lacks motivation to cook)

Taking nutrition

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

Washing and bathing

Descriptor 4c: Needs supervision or prompting to wash or bathe — 2 points (e.g. lacks motivation, autistic inertia, forgets task)

Dressing and undressing

Descriptor 6c: Needs prompting to dress or undress — 2 points (e.g. needs reminder to change clothes, distracted mid-task)

Planning and following journeys

Descriptor 11b: Needs prompting to undertake any journey — 4 points (e.g. anxiety about leaving house, needs encouragement)

How to Claim PIP for Depression

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.