Claiming PIP for Epilepsy: Eligibility, Evidence, and How to Apply

Personal Independence Payment (PIP) can provide £30.30 to £194.60 per week for people whose epilepsy affects daily living or mobility. Eligibility depends not on the epilepsy diagnosis itself but on how seizures, recovery time, medication side effects, and safety risks impact your ability to complete everyday tasks safely, reliably, and repeatedly. The success rate for epilepsy PIP claims is 54%.

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Does epilepsy qualify you for PIP?

Epilepsy does not automatically qualify you for Personal Independence Payment. PIP eligibility depends on how your condition affects your daily living and mobility — not on the diagnosis itself. You must have experienced difficulties for at least 3 months and expect them to continue for at least 9 more months.

To be eligible for PIP you must meet all of these criteria:

• You are aged 16 or over

• You are under State Pension age (if you are over State Pension age, you claim Attendance Allowance instead)

• You have had difficulties with daily living or mobility for at least 3 months

• Those difficulties are expected to continue for at least another 9 months

• You live in England, Wales, or Northern Ireland (if you live in Scotland, you apply for Adult Disability Payment instead)

PIP is not means-tested. Your income, savings, and employment status do not affect your eligibility. You can claim PIP whether you work full-time, part-time, or not at all. Murray, a person with epilepsy who works full-time, explained why he applied: “I do need help with certain tasks and especially with travel. I want to work and the safest way to travel is a direct journey in a private vehicle.”

PIP has two components. The daily living component covers 10 everyday activities such as preparing food, washing, and managing medication. The mobility component covers 2 activities: planning and following journeys, and moving around. You can receive one component, or both, depending on where you score points.

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How does the PIP Points System work for epilepsy?

PIP awards points based on how epilepsy affects your ability to complete 12 specific activities. You do not get points for having epilepsy. You get points for the functional impact epilepsy has when you attempt each activity.

The 12 activities are split into two groups. The daily living component covers 10 activities. The mobility component covers 2 activities. Here is the full list with the maximum points available for each:

For each activity, the assessor chooses one descriptor — a statement labelled A through F that describes your level of ability. Each descriptor carries a points score. You receive the score for the highest descriptor that applies to you for that activity. Your scores from all 10 daily living activities are added together. Your scores from the 2 mobility activities are added together. Each component is assessed separately. You can use our PIP points calculator to estimate your score.

To receive the standard rate of a component, you need at least 8 points. To receive the enhanced rate, you need at least 12 points. If you score fewer than 8 points in a component, you receive no award for that component.

The assessor judges your ability against four criteria known as STAR. For an activity, can you do it:

• Safely — without risk of harm to yourself or others

• Timely — in no more than twice the time it would take someone without a disability

• Acceptably — to a reasonable standard

• Repeatedly — as often as the activity needs to be done

If you cannot meet all four of these conditions, you are considered unable to do the activity reliably. Even using aids or appliances, if you cannot meet the STAR standard, you score points.

The 50% rule determines which descriptor applies. A descriptor must reflect your ability on more than half the days over a 12-month period. This is critical for epilepsy because the condition is variable. If you have 2 tonic-clonic seizures per week and each takes 48 hours to fully recover from, that means you are affected on 4 out of every 7 days — well over 50%. If you have 1 seizure per fortnight with a 3-day recovery, that is 3 out of 14 days — below 50%, so a lower descriptor may apply. Always calculate seizure frequency plus recovery time when working out which descriptor fits. For a full breakdown of every activity and its scoring criteria, see our PIP descriptors guide.

The 12 PIP activities and how epilepsy affects each one

Activity 1: Preparing food

How epilepsy affects this activity: Seizures with no warning create a constant burn and scald risk when using hobs, ovens, or handling hot liquids. During a focal impaired awareness seizure, you may leave a gas hob on without realising. After a seizure, post-ictal exhaustion may make standing at a counter impossible. Medication side effects such as dizziness or tremor can make using sharp knives unsafe.

Example of a strong form answer: “I have tonic-clonic seizures without warning approximately twice a week. I cannot safely use a hob or oven because I could fall onto a hot surface or leave the gas on during a seizure. In January 2026, I had a seizure while making soup and knocked the pan off the hob. I now only use a microwave for ready meals, and even then I need my partner in the house. My post-ictal recovery takes around 36 hours, during which I am too exhausted and confused to prepare any food. My partner prepares all my meals during this time. On more than half of days, I cannot prepare a meal safely without supervision.”

Activity 2: Taking nutrition

How epilepsy affects this activity: During a seizure, there is a risk of choking on food or drink. After a seizure, extreme fatigue may make eating physically difficult or impossible. You may forget to eat entirely during post-ictal confusion. If you use a ketogenic diet prescribed for drug-resistant epilepsy, this counts as a therapeutic source.

Example of a strong form answer: “After a tonic-clonic seizure, I am too exhausted to feed myself for at least 24 hours. My partner brings me food and drink and I eat lying down or propped up in bed. I cannot safely eat or drink unsupervised during this recovery period because I have fallen asleep mid-meal and choked. On at least 4 days per week — following 2 seizures with 2 days of recovery each — I need assistance to take nutrition.”

Activity 3: Managing therapy or monitoring a health condition

How epilepsy affects this activity: Memory problems from epilepsy or medication may mean you forget doses or take double doses. Post-ictal confusion can leave you unsure whether you have taken your medication. Rescue medication for prolonged seizures must be administered by another person. If you have a vagus nerve stimulator, you may need someone else to use the magnet.

Example of a strong form answer: “I take Levetiracetam 1000mg twice daily and Lamotrigine 200mg twice daily. My memory is affected by both my epilepsy and my medication. I cannot reliably remember whether I have taken my tablets without a dosette box filled by my partner each Sunday. I have missed doses on multiple occasions, which led to breakthrough seizures. My partner also prompts me to take my medication at 8am and 8pm because I lose track of time. When I have a seizure, my partner must administer my emergency buccal midazolam. I cannot do this myself because I am unconscious.”

Activity 4: Washing and bathing

How epilepsy affects this activity: Bathing presents a drowning risk if a seizure occurs in the bath. A shower is safer but still carries a fall risk. The bathroom is a high-risk environment: hard surfaces, hot water, locked doors. Many people with epilepsy avoid bathing unless someone else is in the house.

Example of a strong form answer: “I have focal impaired awareness seizures during which I lose consciousness without warning. I cannot have a bath at all because I would drown if I had a seizure in the water. I only shower when my partner is at home and within earshot. I sit on a shower stool because I am unsteady after seizures, and I use a non-slip mat. I do not lock the bathroom door. My partner stays in the next room and checks on me every few minutes. Even with these precautions, I only shower on days when I have not had a seizure, because post-ictal fatigue makes standing impossible. This means I go without washing on roughly 4 days per week.”

Activity 5: Managing toilet needs or incontinence

How epilepsy affects this activity: Loss of bladder or bowel control during a seizure is common, particularly during tonic-clonic seizures. After the seizure, you may be too exhausted or confused to clean yourself. Grab rails beside the toilet can help if you experience dizziness or absence seizures.

Example of a strong form answer: “During my tonic-clonic seizures, I lose control of both my bladder and my bowels. This happens approximately twice per week. After the seizure, I am unconscious for several minutes, then confused and unable to stand for several hours. My partner cleans me, changes my clothing, and manages the soiled bedding or clothing. I wear incontinence pads daily to manage leakage. I also have a grab rail beside my toilet because I sometimes experience sudden loss of muscle tone during absence seizures.”

Activity 6: Dressing and undressing

How epilepsy affects this activity: Post-ictal fatigue can make dressing physically impossible. Medication side effects such as dizziness make bending to put on socks or shoes hazardous. Cognitive effects may mean you select clothing unsuitable for the weather. After incontinence during a seizure, you need a full change of clothing and may need physical help.

Example of a strong form answer: “For 24 to 36 hours after a tonic-clonic seizure, I am too exhausted and unsteady to dress myself. My partner dresses my lower body including underwear, trousers, and socks. I can manage my upper body with prompting because I become confused about which order to put clothes on. I once tried to dress myself the day after a seizure, fell while pulling on trousers, and cut my head on the bedside table. On roughly 4 days per week, I need assistance to dress my lower body.”

Activity 7: Communicating verbally

How epilepsy affects this activity: During a focal impaired awareness seizure, you may be unable to understand what people say to you or to respond coherently. After a seizure, expressive dysphasia — difficulty finding words — can persist for hours or days. Medication can cause slurred speech or word-finding problems.

Example of a strong form answer: “During my focal seizures, which happen 3-4 times per week, I cannot understand spoken instructions and my speech becomes garbled. My family knows to speak in single words and wait for the seizure to pass. After a tonic-clonic seizure, I struggle to find words for 12 to 24 hours. My partner has to interpret for me when medical staff ask questions, because I cannot reliably express what happened or what I need.”

Activity 8: Reading and understanding signs, symbols and words

How epilepsy affects this activity: Post-ictal confusion can make written text incomprehensible. Cognitive side effects of medication — particularly Topiramate and Sodium Valproate — can impair concentration and reading comprehension. During a focal seizure, you may be unable to interpret signs or symbols, which is dangerous when crossing roads or navigating public spaces.

Example of a strong form answer: “For 24 hours after a tonic-clonic seizure, I cannot read more than a few words. Text appears to move on the page and I cannot retain meaning from one sentence to the next. My partner reads my mail, prescription instructions, and appointment letters to me during this time. This affects me on roughly 4 days per week. Even on better days, my medication makes it hard to focus on complex information like bills or official letters. I need these read and explained to me.”

Activity 9: Engaging with other people face to face

How epilepsy affects this activity: Anxiety about having a seizure in public can make social situations unbearable. Some people avoid leaving the house or meeting new people entirely. Medication side effects such as Keppra rage — irritability and aggression caused by Levetiracetam — can damage relationships. During a focal impaired awareness seizure, you may behave in ways others find unusual or alarming.

Example of a strong form answer: “I am terrified of having a seizure in public. I have had tonic-clonic seizures in supermarkets and on public transport. Strangers have called ambulances unnecessarily, and I have woken up surrounded by people I do not know. This causes me overwhelming anxiety. I now avoid social situations entirely unless my sister is with me. She understands my seizures and can explain to others what is happening. Even with her support, I will leave a social situation if I feel an aura, because the fear of seizing in front of people is unbearable. I have been diagnosed with anxiety related to my epilepsy and I am receiving counselling.”

Activity 10: Making budgeting decisions

How epilepsy affects this activity: Cognitive impairment from medication can make managing money difficult. Post-ictal confusion affects judgement. Memory problems can lead to missed bill payments. Some people with epilepsy rely on family members to manage their finances.

Example of a strong form answer: “My medication affects my memory and concentration. I cannot reliably calculate whether I have enough money in my account to cover bills. I have missed several credit card payments because I forgot they were due. My daughter now manages all my household bills by direct debit and checks my account weekly. She gives me a cash allowance for daily spending because I cannot keep track of card payments. I would not be able to manage my finances independently without risking debt or missed essential payments.”

Activity 11: Planning and following journeys

How epilepsy affects this activity: This activity is about cognitive ability to navigate, not physical walking. If you have seizures with no warning, you cannot safely cross roads, navigate public transport, or drive. Focal impaired awareness seizures can cause wandering or disorientation. Anxiety about having a seizure during a journey can be so severe you avoid going out entirely. A driving licence revoked by the DVLA due to epilepsy is strong evidence for this activity.

Example of a strong form answer: “I cannot drive because the DVLA revoked my licence following my epilepsy diagnosis. My tonic-clonic seizures occur without warning. If I had a seizure while crossing a road or walking beside traffic, I could fall into the path of a vehicle. I cannot use public transport alone because I have had seizures on buses and at train stations. Even on a familiar journey to my local shop — a 10-minute walk — I need my partner with me. He can keep me away from the road if I have an aura, or protect me if I have a sudden seizure. I have not left my house alone since 2024.”

Activity 12: Moving around

How epilepsy affects this activity: During and after a seizure, you may be unable to stand or walk. Post-ictal fatigue can severely limit walking distance. Injuries from seizure-related falls — fractures, head injuries, soft tissue damage — can limit mobility for weeks or months. Medication side effects including dizziness, ataxia, and muscle weakness affect walking ability.

Example of a strong form answer: “After a tonic-clonic seizure, I cannot stand for at least 12 hours. My partner helps me from the floor to the bed, a distance of about 2 metres. For the following 24 hours, I can walk around the house holding onto furniture, but I cannot walk more than 20 metres without needing to sit down due to exhaustion. I fell during a seizure in October 2025 and fractured my ankle. Even now, I walk with a stick and cannot manage more than 50 metres without stopping. This affects me on more than half of days when you include both my post-ictal recovery days and the lasting effects of my seizure injuries.”

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What is the success rate for PIP for epilepsy?

In 2023, there were 63,142 PIP claimants with epilepsy listed as their main disabling condition, making it the thirteenth most common condition to receive a PIP award out of over 500 conditions listed by the DWP.

The success rate for epilepsy PIP claims is 54%, compared to an overall average of 53% across all conditions. This means you have a slightly better than average chance of receiving an award.

Among epilepsy claimants who receive PIP:

• 31% get the enhanced rate for both daily living and mobility

• 63% receive the daily living component

• 91% receive the mobility component — and of those, the vast majority get the enhanced rate

• Only 4% of awarded claimants receive no mobility component

The age distribution of current epilepsy PIP recipients is:

From April 2026, the weekly PIP Rates are:

An award of the enhanced rate for both components gives you £194.60 per week — paid every four weeks directly into your bank account. PIP is not taxable and is paid on top of almost every other benefit, including Universal Credit and Employment and Support Allowance. The enhanced rate of the mobility component also gives you access to the Motability scheme.

The most important figure to take from these statistics is the 91% mobility award rate. Epilepsy claimants consistently score well on the mobility component because the safety risks of seizures during journeys map directly to high-scoring descriptors. The daily living component, at 63%, requires more detailed evidence — but it is achievable.

Murray’s story — and what we can learn from it

Murray has epilepsy that has never fully responded to medication. He works full-time and describes his situation plainly: “I applied for PIP as my epilepsy has never improved. I work full-time and there is a lot I can still do. I do need help with certain tasks and especially with travel. I want to work and the safest way to travel is a direct journey in a private vehicle.”

Murray’s experience shows three things. First, working full-time does not disqualify you from PIP — the benefit is about functional impact, not your employment status. Second, mobility was his primary concern. The safety risk of travelling with unpredictable seizures is real and scorable. Third, he was honest about what he can do (“there is a lot I can still do”) while being specific about what he cannot. PIP assessors respond to precision, not exaggeration.

Case study — enhanced rate daily living and mobility for uncontrolled seizures

This is an illustrative example based on patterns common across epilepsy PIP claims. Individual awards always depend on personal circumstances.

Sarah is 34 and has drug-resistant temporal lobe epilepsy. She experiences 2 to 3 tonic-clonic seizures per week, with no reliable warning. Her post-ictal recovery takes 36 to 48 hours. During recovery, she cannot stand unaided, prepare food, bathe, or leave the house. She also has focal impaired awareness seizures roughly 4 times per week, during which she cannot communicate or respond to her environment.

Sarah submitted the following evidence with her claim:

• A seizure diary covering 6 months, showing seizure dates, types, durations, and recovery times

• A letter from her neurologist confirming diagnosis, seizure types, frequency, and that her epilepsy is drug-resistant

• A witness statement from her partner describing what happens during and after her seizures and what help he provides daily

• Her prescription list with a note from her GP recording reported side effects including fatigue, memory problems, and dizziness

• A copy of her DVLA driving licence revocation letter

• A copy of her care plan from her epilepsy specialist nurse

Sarah initially received standard rate daily living and enhanced rate mobility. After Mandatory Reconsideration, she was awarded enhanced rate for both components. Her daily living points increased because her Mandatory Reconsideration letter provided specific dates and descriptions of incidents where she had been injured trying to perform activities alone — including a scald from a kettle she had knocked over during a focal seizure. The additional evidence of real harm, with dates, changed the decision.

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What evidence do I need for a PIP claim with epilepsy?

The quality of your supporting evidence is the single biggest factor in whether your claim succeeds. The DWP decision-maker does not know you. They rely on documents to understand how epilepsy affects you.

Here is the evidence you should gather before you complete your PIP2 form:

Seizure diary. A record of your seizures is the most powerful evidence you can submit. Record the date, time, seizure type, how long it lasted, how long recovery took, what you could not do afterwards, and any injuries. A 3-month diary is the minimum. A 6-month diary is better. You can download a seizure diary template from the Epilepsy Society website or use a notebook. The key is to capture the pattern: frequency, duration, recovery time, and functional impact.

Neurologist or epilepsy specialist nurse letter. Ask your specialist to confirm your diagnosis, seizure types, frequency, and medication. If they are willing to state how your epilepsy affects your daily functioning, that is extremely valuable — but even a basic confirmation letter is useful evidence. Request this early, as specialist letters can take weeks to arrive.

GP records and letter. Your GP can provide a summary of your epilepsy history, medication, and any related consultations. You can request a copy of your medical records. A short supporting letter from your GP describing your condition and its impact is helpful.

Witness statement from someone who sees you regularly. This can be a partner, family member, friend, or carer. It should describe what they observe during and after your seizures, what help they provide, and what they believe would happen if they were not there. The statement should cover specific activities: do they prepare your food after a seizure? Do they supervise you in the bathroom? Do they accompany you outside? A witness statement transforms your claim from self-report to corroborated evidence.

Medication list with side effects. Include a copy of your prescription. Note the side effects you experience and, if possible, ask your GP to record them in your medical notes. Side effects are functional impact. Fatigue, dizziness, cognitive slowing, memory problems, and mood changes all affect your ability to complete PIP activities — even if your seizures are well-controlled.

Care plan. If you have a care plan from your epilepsy team, include a copy.

DVLA driving licence revocation letter. If the DVLA has revoked your licence due to epilepsy, this is powerful third-party evidence. It objectively confirms that your condition poses a safety risk. Submit it to support your answers on Activity 11 (planning and following journeys).

Other relevant documents. Occupational therapy assessments, social work reports, hospital discharge summaries after seizure-related injuries, and letters from employers about adjustments made for your epilepsy can all support your claim.

Send photocopies of everything. Never send original documents. Write your name and National Insurance number on every sheet. If you receive new evidence after you have sent your form, post it separately with a covering note including your reference number. Do not delay returning your PIP2 form to wait for evidence — the 1-month deadline is strict, and late forms may not be assessed.

‘Your worst day with epilepsy’ — a PIP evidence template

Before you fill in the PIP2 form, work through these prompts. Write down your answers. This is for your own preparation — do not send this document to the DWP. It will help you write specific, evidence-rich answers for each activity on the form.

Start from the moment you wake up on your worst day — a day when you have had a seizure or are recovering from one. Answer each question with as much detail as you can:

• What time do you wake up? Are you in bed because of a seizure the day before?

• Can you get out of bed by yourself? If not, who helps you and how?

• Can you walk to the bathroom? Do you hold onto walls or furniture?

• Can you use the toilet by yourself? Do you need help cleaning yourself?

• Can you wash or shower? Is someone else in the house in case you have a seizure?

• Can you prepare food? What would happen if you tried to use the hob or a sharp knife?

• Can you eat and drink without help? Is there a choking risk?

• Have you taken your medication? Did someone remind you? How do you know you have taken the right dose?

• Can you get dressed by yourself? How long does it take? Do you need help with buttons, zips, or bending down?

• Can you leave the house? Would you cross a road alone? What is the specific risk?

• Can you read a letter, a bill, or a text message and understand it?

• Can you speak clearly and understand what people say to you?

• How do you feel emotionally? Are you anxious, low, or scared about having another seizure?

• How long does it take before you feel able to do these things again?

For each activity, ask yourself: can I do this safely, in a reasonable time, to an acceptable standard, and repeatedly? If the answer to any of those is no, write down why — with a real example and a date if possible.

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How do I complete the PIP2 form for epilepsy?

The PIP2 form — officially called “How your disability affects you” — is the document that decides your claim. The DWP sends it after you make your initial phone call. You have one month to complete and return it. For a step-by-step walkthrough of the entire claim process, read our guide on how to claim PIP.

Follow these steps to give yourself the best chance of an accurate assessment.

Step 1: Photocopy the blank form before you write anything. You may need to refer back to the original questions later, and a copy of your completed form is essential preparation for your assessment.

Step 2: Gather your evidence before you start writing. Have your seizure diary, medication list, witness statement, medical letters, and “worst day” notes beside you. You will refer to them constantly.

Step 3: Answer every question using the STAR framework. For each activity, explain whether you can do it Safely, Timely, to an Acceptable standard, and Repeatedly. If you cannot meet all four, you score points. State explicitly which of the four you fail and why.

Step 4: Use real examples with dates. Do not write “I can’t cook because of my epilepsy.” Write: “On 3 March 2026, I had a tonic-clonic seizure while preparing dinner. I fell onto the open oven door and burned my forearm. My partner found me unconscious on the kitchen floor. Since then, I do not use the oven or hob unless my partner is at home and in the kitchen with me. I have had 8 tonic-clonic seizures in the past 3 months, so this affects me on more than half of days when recovery time is included.”

Step 5: Describe the impact of medication side effects. Even if your seizures are infrequent, side effects may affect your daily functioning every day. Fatigue, memory problems, dizziness, and cognitive slowing are all relevant.

Step 6: Include the impact during and after seizures. Your recovery time counts. If a seizure lasts 3 minutes but you are exhausted and confused for 36 hours afterwards, you are affected for 36 hours. Describe both the seizure and the recovery for each activity.

Step 7: Photocopy your completed form before posting it. You will need it to prepare for your assessment and for any Mandatory Reconsideration.

Step 8: Send your evidence with the form, or as soon as possible afterwards. Use the return envelope provided. Include your name and National Insurance number on every additional sheet.

Common mistakes epilepsy claimants make:

• Writing “I have epilepsy” without explaining how it affects each specific activity

• Describing only good days because bad days feel too personal to share

• Not mentioning medication side effects because they seem unrelated

• Assuming someone else will provide evidence without sending it yourself

• Thinking working disqualifies you — it does not

Model answer — preparing food (Activity 1)

Weak answer: “I can’t cook because I have epilepsy.”

This answer contains no information the assessor can use to score you. It does not say why you cannot cook, what happens when you try, how often this affects you, what help you need, or what the safety risk is.

Strong answer: “I have tonic-clonic seizures without warning. I had a seizure while cooking in January 2026 and knocked a pan of boiling water off the hob, scalding my leg. My seizures occur roughly twice per week and my post-ictal recovery takes around 36 hours each time, during which I am too exhausted and confused to stand at a counter or handle hot items safely. On more than half of days — 4 out of 7 — I need my partner to prepare all my meals and supervise me in the kitchen. I use a microwave for ready meals only when he is in the house, but even then, I have spilled hot food during a focal seizure. Without supervision, the risk of burns or fire is significant and likely.”

Model answer — planning and following journeys (Activity 11)

Weak answer: “I don’t go out alone.”

This answer gives the assessor nothing to score. It does not explain why you cannot go out, what the specific danger is, what would happen if you tried, or how often this applies.

Strong answer: “I cannot leave my house alone under any circumstances. My tonic-clonic seizures occur with no warning and I lose consciousness immediately. If I had a seizure while crossing a road, I would fall into traffic. In 2025, I had a seizure on a train platform and was only prevented from falling onto the tracks by a passer-by. I cannot drive because the DVLA revoked my licence. I cannot use buses or trains alone because the risk of a seizure during the journey is constant and unpredictable. Even walking to my local shop — a familiar 8-minute route — requires my sister to accompany me. She holds my arm near roads and knows to move me away from danger if I show signs of a seizure. This affects me every day. I have not made a single unaccompanied journey since my diagnosis.”

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How does epilepsy medication affect your PIP score?

You can score PIP points for the side effects of your epilepsy medication — even if your seizures are well controlled. The functional impact of anti-epileptic drugs (AEDs) on your daily living and mobility is claimable in exactly the same way as the impact of seizures themselves.

To evidence medication side effects, record them in your seizure diary alongside your seizure entries. Note the side effect, how it affects you that day, and which activities it limits. Ask your GP or neurologist to record your reported side effects in your medical notes — this creates a clinical record you can cite. You can also reference the British National Formulary (BNF) entry for your specific medication, which lists recognised side effects.

A claimant whose seizures are fully controlled by Levetiracetam could still score points on Activity 9 (engaging with other people) if Keppra rage causes them to become irritable and damage relationships, and on Activity 3 (managing medication) if memory problems mean they need a dosette box and prompting to take their tablets.

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What happens during a PIP assessment for epilepsy?

After you return your PIP2 form, you will usually have an assessment with a health professional. This may be by phone, video call, or face-to-face. The assessment provider is either Atos or Capita, depending on where you live.

The purpose of the assessment is to verify and expand on what you wrote in your form. The assessor will ask you questions about how your epilepsy affects each of the 12 activities. They will then write a report — the PA4 — and send it to a DWP decision-maker.

The core challenge for epilepsy claimants is that the assessor sees you for roughly one hour on one day. As a clinical nurse specialist for epilepsy has observed: “When patients present for an assessment for PIP, they are usually well, having had no seizures. On the outside, as with mental health, they appear well. It has become increasingly difficult to explain to assessors that when a person has epilepsy they often have a condition that will render them incapacitated for several times a day and the effects of seizures can last days to weeks.”

You must actively bridge this gap. Take your copy of your completed PIP2 form, your seizure diary, your evidence documents, and your “worst day” notes to the assessment. Refer to them. Do not assume the assessor has read your form in detail or understands epilepsy variability. State clearly how you are on your worst days, even if you appear well during the assessment.

You can bring someone with you — a partner, family member, carer, or support worker. They can describe what they witness and what help they provide. This is especially valuable for epilepsy because the person with you has seen your seizures and your recovery. For more general preparation tips, see our guide to PIP assessment questions.

10 questions PIP assessors ask about epilepsy — and how to answer them

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Refused PIP for epilepsy? Here’s your recovery plan

If your PIP claim for epilepsy has been refused, do not give up. In the last four years, only 4% of PIP decisions were overturned at the Mandatory Reconsideration stage. But at the First-tier Tribunal, a staggering 72% of appeals were overturned. The system is designed to filter claims — and most people who persist win. For a complete walkthrough of the appeals process, read our PIP appeal and tribunal guide.

Step 1: Request your PA4 assessor report immediately.

The PA4 is the report the health professional wrote after your assessment. It shows how they scored you on each activity and the reasoning they gave. You cannot challenge a decision effectively without seeing it.

You are entitled to a copy. Phone the DWP and ask for it. You can request it within 48 hours of your assessment, or at any point after you receive your decision. Do not accept being told you must wait for the decision letter. If the person on the phone refuses, hang up and call again — you will get someone different who may help.

Step 2: Identify where you were underscored.

Compare the PA4 against your PIP2 form and your evidence. Look for these epilepsy-specific patterns:

• The assessor assumed that because you appeared well at the assessment, your functional impact is minimal. (A clinical nurse specialist has specifically identified this as a recurring problem for epilepsy claimants.)

• The assessor applied the 50% rule incorrectly — counting only seizure time, not recovery time, or assuming infrequent seizures mean infrequent impact.

• The assessor ignored medication side effects as a source of functional limitation.

• The assessor scored you on your best-day ability rather than your average or worst-day ability.

• The assessor did not understand that a variable condition requires considering risk and unpredictability, not just frequency.

Step 3: Write your Mandatory Reconsideration (MR).

You have one month from the date on your decision letter. Your MR letter must address each activity where you believe you were underscored. For each, state which descriptor you believe applies, why (with reference to the STAR criteria and the 50% rule), and what evidence supports this.

Include any new evidence you did not submit with your original claim: an updated seizure diary, a more detailed witness statement, a letter from your neurologist specifically addressing functional impact, photographs of injuries from seizures. The MR is not just a repeat of your claim — it is a targeted challenge to the assessor’s reasoning.

Be realistic about the MR stage. With a 4% success rate, most MRs are refused. But a thorough MR is essential because it becomes the foundation of your tribunal case. Every argument you make now is on the record.

Step 4: If MR is refused, appeal to the First-tier Tribunal.

You have one month from the MR decision letter. The tribunal is independent of the DWP. The panel includes a judge, a doctor, and a disability specialist. They will read your evidence, hear from you, and make their own assessment.

The 72% tribunal success rate exists because the tribunal applies the law correctly — including the 50% rule and the reliability criteria. The DWP decision-maker and the original assessor often did not.

The benefitsandwork.co.uk forum documents a representative case: a claimant with drug-resistant epilepsy initially scored 4 points for daily living. At Mandatory Reconsideration, this rose to 6 points. At tribunal, the daily living points were increased to 17 — enhanced rate. The claimant received backdated payments to the date of the original claim.

Get help for your tribunal. Citizens Advice, Disability Rights UK, local welfare rights services, and the Epilepsy Action helpline (0808 800 5050) can all provide support. You do not need a solicitor, but representation improves your chances.

Step 5: Consider a new claim if your condition has worsened.

If your circumstances have changed — your seizures have become more frequent, your recovery takes longer, you have new injuries, or your medication side effects have increased — you can make a new claim. Be aware that running a new claim and an appeal simultaneously can cause administrative confusion. Get advice before doing both.

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Epilepsy and PIP mobility — how to score the enhanced rate

Mobility is the higher-scoring PIP component for epilepsy claimants. Of those who receive an award, 91% get the mobility component, and the vast majority receive the enhanced rate of £80.00 per week. This is because the safety risks of seizures during journeys map directly to high-scoring descriptors — particularly on Activity 11 (planning and following journeys).

Activity 11 is about your cognitive ability to navigate a journey, not your physical ability to walk. It assesses whether you can plan a route, follow it, and cope with unexpected changes — and whether anxiety about having a seizure stops you from making journeys at all. The key descriptors for epilepsy are:

Descriptor 11F scores 12 points — enough on its own for enhanced mobility. If you cannot walk to your local shop without someone accompanying you because of seizure risk, you meet this descriptor. This applies whether your seizures are daily or weekly — the test is safety risk and the 50% rule, not seizure frequency alone.

Activity 12 (moving around) assesses your physical ability to stand and walk. It applies if seizures, post-ictal fatigue, medication side effects, or seizure-related injuries limit the distance you can walk. The key thresholds are:

Many epilepsy claimants score on both activities. But because Activity 11 alone can deliver the 12 points needed for enhanced mobility, it is often the more important of the two. If you can demonstrate that you need accompaniment on all journeys due to seizure risk, the enhanced mobility rate is achievable regardless of your walking distance.

The DVLA driving licence revocation letter is particularly powerful evidence for Activity 11. It is an official government document confirming your epilepsy makes you unsafe to control a vehicle. Submit it.

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Can I claim PIP for epilepsy if I work?

Yes. PIP is not means-tested and your employment status has no bearing on your eligibility. You can work full-time, part-time, or be self-employed and still claim PIP.

The test is not whether you do an activity — it is whether you can do it safely, timely, acceptably, and repeatedly. If you work but need adjustments to do so, those adjustments are evidence of functional impact. If you work but cannot commute independently, that supports your mobility claim. If you work but your partner prepares all your meals because you cannot safely cook, that supports your daily living claim.

Murray, a person with epilepsy who works full-time, stated: “I work full-time and there is a lot I can still do. I do need help with certain tasks and especially with travel.” His award recognised that working and needing help are not contradictory.

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PIP for a child with epilepsy — what parents need to know

PIP is for people aged 16 and over. Children under 16 with epilepsy claim Disability Living Allowance (DLA) for children instead.

When a young person with epilepsy turns 16, they may be invited to claim PIP as their DLA award ends. This transition is a critical moment. The young person needs their own evidence: a seizure diary they or their parent has kept, letters from their paediatric neurologist transitioning to adult services, and witness statements from parents and school staff describing the supervision and support they need.

DLA for children with epilepsy has different criteria. It includes a care component and a mobility component, assessed against the child’s needs compared to a child of the same age without the condition. For detailed guidance on DLA, see our dedicated resource.

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Frequently asked questions about PIP for epilepsy

Can you claim PIP for non-epileptic seizures?

Yes. PIP is awarded based on functional impact, not the medical cause of your seizures. If you experience dissociative seizures (also called non-epileptic attack disorder or NEAD) and they affect your daily living or mobility in the same ways epileptic seizures do, you can claim PIP. Submit the same types of evidence: medical confirmation of your diagnosis, a seizure diary recording frequency and functional impact, and a witness statement from someone who sees your seizures. The DWP assesses the effect on your daily life, not the label of your condition.

How much PIP will I get for epilepsy?

PIP rates from April 2026 are: standard daily living £76.70 per week, enhanced daily living £114.60 per week, standard mobility £30.30 per week, enhanced mobility £80.00 per week. The maximum combined award — enhanced rate for both components — is £194.60 per week. Your rate depends entirely on the points you score across the 12 activities. There is no set rate for epilepsy. You could receive nothing, one component at standard or enhanced rate, or both components at standard or enhanced rate. For a full breakdown, see our PIP rates 2026 page.

What is the minimum PIP payment for epilepsy?

The minimum PIP payment is £30.30 per week — the standard mobility rate — which requires at least 8 points in the mobility activities. If you score fewer than 8 points in both the daily living component and the mobility component, you will not receive PIP at all. There is no partial payment below the 8-point threshold for either component.

How long does a PIP decision take for epilepsy?

The DWP aims to process PIP claims within 16 weeks from your initial phone call to the decision letter. However, waiting times vary by region and demand. You can call the PIP enquiry line to check your claim’s progress. If your condition worsens while you are waiting, inform the DWP — this change may be relevant to your assessment and the evidence you submit.

Does having a driving licence revoked due to epilepsy help my PIP claim?

Yes. A DVLA driving licence revocation letter is strong third-party evidence for your PIP claim. It is an official government document confirming that your epilepsy poses a safety risk. Submit a copy with your PIP2 form, particularly to support your answers on Activity 11 (planning and following journeys). It provides objective corroboration that your condition limits your ability to travel independently and safely.

Can you claim PIP if your epilepsy is controlled by medication?

Yes. PIP Eligibility depends on functional impact, not seizure frequency. If your seizures are controlled but your medication causes side effects — such as fatigue, memory problems, dizziness, cognitive slowing, or mood changes — you may still qualify. These side effects are functional limitations that can affect multiple PIP activities. Record them in a diary, ask your GP to note them in your medical records, and describe their impact on each relevant activity in your PIP2 form.

What are the most common reasons epilepsy PIP claims are refused?

The most common reasons are: providing insufficient detail in the PIP2 form — writing “I have epilepsy” without explaining how it affects each specific activity; the assessor assuming minimal impact because you appeared well at the assessment; the 50% rule being applied incorrectly to a variable condition — counting only seizure time rather than seizure plus recovery time; medication side effects not being presented as functional limitations; and failing to provide supporting evidence such as a seizure diary, medical letters, or a witness statement. Each of these is within your control to address.

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Getting help with your epilepsy PIP claim

These organisations provide free guidance and support. Contact them early in your claim process.

• Epilepsy Action — Welfare and benefits guidance, plus a helpline for questions about claiming PIP with epilepsy. Phone: 0808 800 5050.

• Epilepsy Society — PIP guides, seizure diary templates, and a confidential helpline. Phone: 01494 601 400.

• Citizens Advice — Detailed form-filling guidance online, by phone, and in person at local offices. They can help you understand each PIP2 question.

• Turn2us — PIP Helper tool that takes you through the application process step by step, plus a benefits calculator to check what else you may be entitled to.

• Disability Rights UK — Downloadable PIP factsheet with detailed guidance on answering each activity question.

• Scope — Information guiding you through the full PIP process, including understanding your assessment report.

• Advicelocal — Enter your postcode to find local welfare benefits advisers who can provide face-to-face support.

• Disability Law Service — Legal advice by phone and email for Mandatory Reconsideration and tribunal appeals.