How PIP mobility is assessed
The mobility component of PIP is assessed across just two activities, but they cover a wide range of difficulties. Activity 11 is "planning and following journeys" and Activity 12 is "moving around". As with the daily living activities, each mobility activity has several descriptors with associated point scores. The highest applicable descriptor for each activity is used. To qualify for the standard rate of PIP mobility (currently up to £28.70 per week), you need to score 8 points or more across both mobility activities combined. To qualify for the enhanced rate (currently up to £75.75 per week), you need to score 12 points or more. The enhanced rate of PIP mobility is particularly significant because it can provide access to the Motability scheme and automatic entitlement to a Blue Badge. As with daily living, the assessment considers whether you can carry out the activity safely, to an acceptable standard, repeatedly, and in a reasonable time period. Pain, fatigue, breathlessness, and the risk of falls or other harm are all relevant factors. The assessment should reflect how you are on the majority of days — if your condition varies, your worst days should be described if they occur more than half the time.
Activity 11: Planning and following journeys
Activity 11 assesses your ability to plan a route to an unfamiliar destination and follow it. This is not just about physical ability — it also covers cognitive and psychological barriers. The descriptors for this activity range from being able to plan and follow a journey unaided (0 points) to being unable to undertake any journey because it would cause overwhelming psychological distress (10 points). Intermediate descriptors include: needing prompting to undertake a journey (4 points), being unable to undertake a journey to an unfamiliar place without another person, an assistance dog, or an orientation aid (10 points), and being unable to follow a familiar route without another person, an assistance dog, or an orientation aid (12 points). This activity is particularly relevant for people with visual impairments, learning disabilities, autism, agoraphobia, severe anxiety, PTSD, epilepsy (where seizures could occur during a journey), and cognitive conditions that affect memory or orientation. When describing your difficulties with journeys, consider all aspects: can you plan a route using a map or online tools? Can you navigate using signs and landmarks? Would you become lost, confused, or distressed? Do you experience panic attacks, dissociation, or extreme anxiety when travelling? Do you need someone with you for safety (for example, due to seizures or falls)? The answers to these questions can help determine the right descriptor.
Activity 12: Moving around
Activity 12 assesses your ability to move around — essentially, how far you can walk or move reliably, repeatedly, safely, and in a reasonable time. The descriptors are based on distance: can stand and then move more than 200 metres unaided (0 points), can stand and then move more than 200 metres with aids (4 points), can stand and then move up to 200 metres with aids or unaided (4 points), can stand and then move up to 50 metres with aids or unaided (8 points), can stand and then move more than 1 metre but no more than 20 metres with aids or unaided (10 points), and cannot stand or move more than 1 metre with aids or unaided (12 points). The distance that matters is the distance you can walk reliably — meaning safely, repeatedly, to an acceptable standard, and in a reasonable time. If walking 50 metres causes you severe pain, leaves you exhausted, or risks a fall, then 50 metres may not be a distance you can cover reliably. The assessment should take into account what happens after you walk — if you need to rest for a long time or are in pain for the rest of the day, this is relevant. This activity is relevant for a wide range of conditions including arthritis, back problems, heart and lung conditions, neurological conditions like MS or Parkinson's, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, and any other condition that limits your ability to walk. If you use a wheelchair, the assessment considers your ability to self-propel or whether you need someone to push you. If you use aids like a walking stick, crutches, or a walker, describe how they help and what your limitations are even with the aid.
Related Benefit Pages
Frequently Asked Questions
How is walking distance measured for PIP mobility?
Can I score mobility points for a mental health condition?
What is the difference between standard and enhanced rate PIP mobility?
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