How to Fill in Each PIP2 Question - Activity by Activity Guide

This guide is different from the general PIP2 form walkthrough - here we go question by question through all 12 activities, showing you the exact DWP descriptor wording, the point values attached to each, and what evidence to write to hit the higher-scoring descriptors rather than the 0-point ones. If you only have time for one read before filling in your form, read this. The difference between writing "I struggle to cook" and writing "I cannot prepare food unaided because [specific reliability failure]" is the difference between 0 and 8 points on that single question.

The Golden Rules for Every Question

Before diving into each activity, remember these rules that apply to EVERY answer:

• Describe your worst days, not your best. PIP is assessed on the majority of days (more than 50%).
• Use the four reliability criteria: Can you do it safely? To an acceptable standard? Repeatedly through the day? In a reasonable time?
• Be specific. "I struggle" scores nothing. "I cannot stand for more than 3 minutes due to pain in my lower back, which means I cannot safely monitor food on the hob" scores points.
• Include medication side effects. Drowsiness, nausea, brain fog and dizziness all affect your ability to do activities.
• Don't leave boxes blank. Every empty box is a missed opportunity.

Question 3: Preparing Food

The DWP defines this as preparing and cooking a simple one-course meal for one person from fresh ingredients. This includes peeling, chopping, opening tins, using a hob or microwave and monitoring cooking. They're not asking about complex recipes - just whether you can make something like beans on toast or a basic pasta dish.

What to describe: Can you stand at a worktop? Can you grip and use a knife safely? Can you monitor food cooking without forgetting about it? Can you lift a pan of boiling water? Would you burn yourself, start a fire or collapse? Do you need someone to remind you to eat?

Question 4: Taking Nutrition

This is about the physical act of eating and drinking - cutting food, getting it to your mouth, chewing and swallowing. It also covers tube feeding. This is NOT about what you eat or whether your diet is healthy.

What to describe: Can you cut food? Can you use cutlery? Do you choke or have swallowing difficulties? Do you need food prepared in a special way (pureed, cut small)? Does someone need to prompt you to eat?

Question 5: Managing Therapy

This covers all treatment you need to manage your condition: medication, physiotherapy, home exercises, monitoring blood sugar, dialysis, wound care and attending medical appointments. Calculate the total time per week.

What to describe: List every medication with dosing times. List every therapy session. List every exercise routine. List every appointment. Add up the total weekly time. If someone helps you manage your medication (reminding, sorting, administering), describe who and how often.

Questions 6-7: Washing and Bathing / Managing Toilet Needs

Washing covers getting in and out of an unadapted bath or shower, washing your whole body and hair. Toilet needs covers getting to the toilet, getting on and off, cleaning yourself and managing incontinence.

What to describe: Do you need grab rails, a shower seat, a raised toilet seat? Can you reach all parts of your body? Do you need help? Do you have continence issues? Be specific and don't hold back - this is medical information, not a social conversation.

Question 8: Dressing and Undressing

Includes putting on and taking off all clothing, socks, shoes and any braces or prosthetics. The DWP considers whether you can select appropriate clothing for the weather.

What to describe: Can you fasten buttons, zips, bras? Can you pull clothing over your head? Can you bend to put on socks and shoes? Do you use aids (sock aids, shoe horns, velcro shoes)? Does someone help you? Do you choose weather-appropriate clothing?

Questions 9-10: Communication and Reading

Communication is about expressing and understanding verbal information using your hearing and speech. Reading covers understanding written words, signs and symbols.

What to describe: Do you need hearing aids, visual aids or someone to translate information? Can you follow a conversation? Can you read a letter from the DWP? Do you understand road signs and bus timetables?

Question 11: Engaging with Other People Face to Face

This asks about social interaction, understanding body language and forming relationships. It specifically covers "psychological distress" caused by engaging with others.

What to describe: Do you avoid people? Do you have panic attacks around others? Can you go to a shop and interact with the cashier? Do you need someone with you in social situations? Do you become aggressive, confused or overwhelmed?

Questions 12-13: Budgeting and Planning Journeys

Budgeting covers managing your finances - understanding costs, paying bills, planning spending. Journeys covers planning and following routes, whether familiar or unfamiliar.

What to describe: Can you work out change in a shop? Do you overspend impulsively? Does someone manage your finances? Can you follow a route you've taken before? Can you navigate somewhere new? Do you need someone with you on journeys?

Question 14: Moving Around

This asks how far you can walk reliably, repeatedly, safely and in a reasonable time before pain, breathlessness or fatigue stops you. They're asking about flat ground at a reasonable pace.

What to describe: Your walking distance on the majority of days. What stops you (pain, breathlessness, dizziness, fatigue, balance). What aids you use (stick, crutches, wheelchair). What happens after you walk (recovery time, increased pain). Give a specific distance in metres.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long should each answer be?

4-6 sentences is the sweet spot. Less risks scoring zero; more may not be fully read. Cover: what you cannot do, why, who helps, frequency, reliability test.

Should I answer "no difficulty" for activities not affected?

Yes. Don't leave activities blank. Honest "no difficulty" answers improve credibility for activities where you do struggle. Don't claim difficulties you don't have - this damages overall credibility.

What if I cannot fit my answer in the box?

Write "see attached page X" and add additional sheets. Number each page clearly. Many successful forms add 20-40 extra pages.

Can someone fill in the form for me?

Yes. A trusted person, advocate, welfare rights adviser or Citizens Advice can help. You should still sign it and confirm contents accurate.

What evidence should I attach?

Recent GP letter (within 12 months), specialist consultant letters, medication list, therapy records, hospital admission records, carer statement, daily diary covering 2-4 weeks, photos if relevant.

How quickly should I return the form?

Take the full 28 days but don't rush. Returning in 5 days raises suspicion of poor effort. Take 14-21 days for thorough preparation. Request extension if needed - call 0800 121 4433 before deadline.

What if my conditions change while filling in the form?

Add a note explaining current changes. PIP looks at majority of days over 12 months - temporary changes during form-filling rarely disqualify. Honesty about current state is best.