Claiming DLA and PIP

 You can if they have a functional impact.

For example, you may:

• Struggle to explain needs to others, especially under stress
• Need someone to interpret or prompt you in certain settings
• Avoid going out or engaging with people due to communication anxiety
• Be misunderstood easily, affecting your safety or mental wellbeing

If this describes your experience, it’s worth applying. The application form may not have a box specifically labelled “communication,” but this is part of the assessment under both Daily Living (e.g., engaging with others, making decisions) and Mobility (e.g., planning journeys, following unfamiliar routes) components.

PIP IS CHANGING SOON -PLEASE CHECK BEFORE CLAIMING

 How the Point System Works (For PIP)To qualify for PIP, you need to score:

• 8 points for the standard rate
• 12 points for the enhanced rate You’re scored across two components:
• Daily Living (e.g., communication, managing treatments, cooking)
• Mobility (e.g., moving around, planning and following a journey)

Each activity is scored based on how much help you need. It’s important to note:

• You can score points for needing prompts, supervision, or assistance
• It must be needed for at least half the days in a typical week
• You must consider how you manage things reliably (safely, repeatedly, in reasonable time, and to an acceptable standard)

 If you have co-occurring needs—say, you experience anxiety, have sensory processing difficulties, use AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication), or have physical health challenges—it’s vital to include everything. The form and assessment need to reflect the whole picture of how your life is impacted, not just one condition.Sometimes people forget to mention secondary conditions or think they’re not relevant. But they absolutely can add to your total score and may be key to demonstrating your full needs. 

 Yes, the system can feel overwhelming. The forms are long. The questions may feel repetitive. There may be medical assessments or even appeals. It’s frustrating, but many people do receive the support they’re entitled to, and help is available.

Consider:

• Asking a friend, family member, or support worker to help with the form
• Reaching out to Citizens Advice, Scope, or Turn2Us for guidance
• Keeping a diary of your day-to-day challenges for evidence
• Gathering letters or reports from health professionals, like SLTs or OTs

It’s okay to ask for help. You don’t have to do it alone. 

 Global Tasks 

I used this when organising my placements. When there was a lot going on, this was where I kept it in one place.

 MatchWare Account Login 

I used this to revise for exams. It enabled me to connect everything together and sort my thoughts. I did not use the wider functionality as much but it was still useful.

 Read&Write for Windows | Texthelp 

I did not use this as much as the others but it was handy when I was tired, reading out text to me.

Probably my favourite. I downloaded the lecture Powerpoint, pressed record, and could add notes as I went. Everything from the lecture in one place with low effort.

 Scholarcy - Article Summarizer and Flashcard Generator  Another great application. It enabled me to download research and it would summarise it and produce flashcards.This really helped me study.

Using assistive software made a huge difference to my speech—not because all the apps targeted speech directly, but because they reduced the cognitive load I was carrying. By helping me stay more organised and focused, they freed up the mental space I needed to concentrate on communication.

The initial training I received from the provider was essential. Without it, I wouldn’t have discovered all the functions or how to use the tools effectively. That support gave me the confidence and independence to get the most out of the technology and, ultimately, to not be hindered by my speech.