PIP for Anxiety and Depression Together - How to Claim

Anxiety and depression are the most common combination of conditions in PIP claims. Together, they can score significantly more than either condition alone because they affect different activities in different ways. The key is describing the combined impact, not listing the conditions separately.

Which Activities Score Highest?

Engaging with Other People (Activity 9) - This is often the highest-scoring activity for anxiety and depression combined. Depression causes social withdrawal and isolation. Anxiety causes panic attacks in social situations. Together, they make meaningful social contact impossible on most days. This can score up to 8 points.

Preparing Food (Activity 1) - Depression destroys motivation to cook. Anxiety about making mistakes or using sharp objects and hot surfaces adds danger. On most days, you may not eat at all, or eat only food that requires no preparation. This can score 2-4 points.

Managing Therapy (Activity 3) - If you take antidepressants, anti-anxiety medication, attend counselling, CBT, or psychiatric appointments, the total time per week counts. Multiple medications with different dosing schedules, plus appointments, can score 1-4 points.

Washing and Bathing (Activity 4) - Depression often means going days without washing. Anxiety about water temperature, slipping, or enclosed spaces (shower cubicle) adds another layer. If you need prompting to wash on most days, this scores 2 points.

Planning and Following Journeys (Activity 11) - Anxiety about leaving the house, using public transport, or navigating unfamiliar places. Depression reducing motivation to go anywhere. Together, they can make journeys impossible without someone with you. This can score 4-10 points on mobility.

The Combined Impact Is What Matters

Don't describe anxiety and depression as separate conditions on your form. Describe how they work together to prevent you from functioning. For example:

"My depression means I have no motivation or energy to shower. My anxiety means that even when I try, I become panicked about the water, the enclosed space, and the risk of slipping. Together, these conditions mean I go 3-4 days without washing on most weeks, and when I do wash, my partner has to remind me, stay nearby, and encourage me through it."

Medication Side Effects

Many people on SSRIs, SNRIs, or benzodiazepines experience significant side effects that affect PIP activities. Drowsiness affects cooking safety and mobility. Nausea affects eating. Brain fog affects reading, communication, and budgeting decisions. These side effects are part of your condition's impact and should be described on your form.

Evidence That Strengthens Your Claim

• GP letter describing diagnosis, medication, and functional impact
• Psychiatrist or CPN letters
• Counsellor or therapist letters describing what you discuss in sessions
• Crisis team records if you've been referred
• Partner or carer statement describing daily reality
• Medication list with side effects

The 2026 Four-Point Rule

From November 2026, new claimants need to score at least 4 points in a single daily living activity. For anxiety and depression, Activity 9 (Engaging with People) is usually the strongest candidate for this. Focus on building the strongest possible case for at least one activity scoring 4+ points.