You may have general questions about PIP. Here are a selection of some commonly asked questions and answers to help you. Simply click on a question to see the answer.
You need to contact the Department for Communities. You can find out more here.
It is useful to include the below information:
- Repeat prescription lists
- Carer’s diary or letter
- Recent reports or treatment plans from:
- GPs or consultants
- District nurses
- Occupational therapists
- Physiotherapists
- Social workers
- Learning disability support teams
- Family members who provide support or care
It is important that we fully understand how your health condition or disability affects you day-to-day. In order to do this, most people will need to have a consultation.
We are sometimes able to assess you using the information in your ‘How your disability affects you’ form and any supporting information you sent to the DfC. If we are able to do this, we will not need to invite you for a consultation.
We have a specialist team who process terminal illness claims and you will not need to have a consultation. Your claim will also be handled quickly, usually within 2 days. If you have a DS1500, please submit this with your claim form.
If you would prefer to have your consultation in a different way, please contact us as soon as possible so that we can discuss this with you.
Consultations usually take around an hour, although sometimes it can take a little longer so please allow for that.
We encourage you to bring a companion to your consultation. This could be a friend, family member, carer or support worker.
If you need a language translator or British/Irish Sign Language interpreter, please contact us straight away so that we can arrange this for you.
If you have any questions or concerns about your appointment or the consultation, please contact us. There are also lots of organisations that can help and support you along the way, such as Advice NI or charities dealing with specific conditions.
We will never call you unexpectedly and ask for your bank details. If you are asked to provide your bank details over the phone and have any concerns, please abandon the call and contact us as soon as possible.
Your consultation report will be sent to the DfC as soon as possible after your consultation and you can request a copy from them.
A case manager at the DfC will make a decision on your claim. This will be based on the consultation report, your 'How your disability affects you' form, and any supporting information you have provided.
The DfC will send you a letter once they have made a decision on your claim.
You can ask for your case to be reconsidered. Details of how to do this will be in your decision letter from DfC.
We are responsible for arranging and carrying out face-to-face and telephone consultations. Please contact us if you are unhappy with any part of our service. This helps us to understand what we are doing well and where we need to do things better.