What should I bring for a PIP consultation?

One of the key things people want to know before their Personal Independence Payment (PIP) consultation is what they should have with them.

It is important that you bring two forms of identification with you when you attend a PIP consultation, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) will not allow us to proceed with the consultation if you are unable to prove your identity. It is also important that you or your companion, who's there to help or support you, can explain to the Health Professional how your health condition or disability affects your daily life.

Why you should bring your appointment letter?

The appointment letter gives you exact details of where to go for your consultation and a contact number for the Centre if you're running late or can't find us. The number's on the bottom of the map instructions.

What is suitable identification?

We are required by DWP to carry out a proof of identity check when you have a consultation. Suitable proof is two types of identification from the list below.

  • Passport
  • UK driving license
  • UK travel pass with photograph
  • Birth certificate
  • Marriage certificate
  • Debit/credit card
  • Council tax demand
  • UK utility bill
  • Foreign national ID card
  • Evidence of entitlement to state or local authority benefit

Bringing a Companion

It can be easier to talk openly about your health condition or disability if you have some moral support, so we encourage a companion to join your face-to-face, telephone or video consultation. This could be a friend, family member, carer or support worker. We need to hear exactly how you feel your condition affects your daily life, so your companion can add in anything that helps you explain the difficulties you face more clearly, or help you answer any questions that you’re asked.

If you would like to record your consultation, please contact our Customer Services team before your appointment or use the number on your appointment letter.

It is not currently possible to record video consultations.

Bringing Additional Supporting Materials

You may have already provided evidence that you had when you completed and returned the ‘How Your Disability Affects You’ form to DWP. The Health Professional will have access to this information at the time of your consultation.

If your health has changed since you first applied for PIP, please provide any recent or new evidence of how your health condition or disability affects your daily life. Examples include:

  • Prescription lists
  • care plans
  • reports/information from people like your doctors, nurses, social workers or counsellors.