PIP Activity 9: Engaging with People - Complete Scoring Guide

Activity 9 covers engaging with other people face to face. This is PIP2 Question 11. This is the most important activity for anyone with mental health conditions, autism, or learning disabilities. It can score up to 8 points and is often the "anchor activity" needed for the 4-point rule coming in November 2026.

The Descriptors and Points

a. Can engage with other people unaided - 0 points.

b. Needs prompting to engage with other people - 2 points. Someone encourages you to interact, helps you in social situations, or prompts you to respond appropriately.

c. Needs social support to engage with other people - 4 points. You need someone with you to help you interact. They may speak for you, calm you down, help you understand social cues, or support you in managing anxiety. This is the critical 4-point descriptor.

d. Cannot engage with other people due to such engagement causing overwhelming psychological distress - 8 points. Social interaction causes panic attacks, severe anxiety, dissociation, aggression, or complete shutdown. You avoid all social contact.

"Engaging" Means More Than Talking

Engaging with people means interacting appropriately, understanding body language, establishing and maintaining relationships. It includes understanding social norms, recognising when someone is upset or angry, responding appropriately to social cues. If you misread social situations, say inappropriate things, or cannot maintain relationships, this activity is affected.

Conditions That Score Highest Here

Social anxiety disorder (cannot face people), agoraphobia (cannot leave house), autism (cannot read social cues), PTSD (triggered by people), schizophrenia (paranoia around others), severe depression (complete social withdrawal), personality disorders (difficulty maintaining relationships), bipolar disorder (inappropriate behaviour during episodes).

The 4-Point Rule

From November 2026, new claimants need 4+ points in at least ONE daily living activity. For many people with mental health conditions, Activity 9 is where they can reach 4 points with descriptor c (needs social support). If someone accompanies you to appointments, shops for you, or handles social interactions on your behalf, that IS social support.