PIP for Agoraphobia - Can You Claim If You Can't Leave the House?

Agoraphobia can be one of the highest-scoring conditions for PIP mobility because it directly prevents you from leaving the house, following journeys, and engaging with people. Yet many people with agoraphobia don't claim because they assume it's "just anxiety" or not a "real disability." It absolutely is, and PIP recognises it.

Which PIP Activities Does Agoraphobia Affect?

Planning and Following Journeys (Activity 11) - This is usually the highest-scoring activity. If you cannot leave the house at all without overwhelming panic, you could score 10-12 points on mobility from this activity alone. Even if you can leave with someone, but not alone, that still scores 4-10 points depending on the descriptor.

The key descriptors to consider:

• Descriptor d: "Cannot follow the route of a familiar journey without another person" - 10 points
• Descriptor f: "Cannot follow the route of an unfamiliar journey without another person" - 4 points
• Descriptor e: "Cannot undertake any journey because it would cause overwhelming psychological distress" - 10 points

Engaging with People (Activity 9) - Agoraphobia often makes social contact impossible. If you can't answer the door, can't go to appointments, can't be in a room with strangers, this scores 2-8 points on daily living.

Preparing Food (Activity 1) - If agoraphobia prevents you from going food shopping, you can't prepare food independently. Many people with severe agoraphobia rely entirely on others to buy food, which means the whole meal preparation chain is broken.

Managing Therapy (Activity 3) - If you're having CBT, taking medication (SSRIs, benzodiazepines), or receiving home visits from a CPN or therapist, the time spent on therapy counts.

The Assessment Challenge

Here's the paradox: if you have severe agoraphobia, attending a face-to-face assessment is itself evidence of your condition. If the DWP invites you to an assessment centre, you have every right to request a home assessment or phone assessment. Explain that attending a centre would cause overwhelming psychological distress.

If you DO attend a centre, make sure the assessor records how it affected you. Were you accompanied? Did you have a panic attack in the waiting room? Did you need to leave the room during the assessment? All of this is evidence.

Can I Get Enhanced Mobility for Agoraphobia?

Yes. If your agoraphobia means you cannot follow the route of ANY journey (familiar or unfamiliar) without another person because of overwhelming psychological distress, you can score 10-12 points on mobility - qualifying for enhanced rate (£77.05/week). This also gives you access to Motability and automatic Blue Badge eligibility.

What Evidence Helps?

• Psychiatrist or CPN letters confirming diagnosis and severity
• Therapist letters describing treatment attempts
• GP records showing prescriptions and referrals
• Delivery receipts for food shopping (proving you can't go to shops)
• Partner or carer statement describing your daily reality
• Record of cancelled appointments you couldn't attend