In 2023, there were 52,989 PIP claimants with ADHD listed as their main disabling condition. This makes it the fourteenth most common condition to get an award of PIP for out of over 500 conditions listed by the DWP.

So, if you have ADHD and it affects your daily living activities, such as cooking, washing, dressing or mixing with other people or your ability to get around, you should definitely consider making a claim.

Learn more or take the test

You can read more about claiming PIP for ADHD or take our simple online test now to find out if you might be able to make a claim.

PIP test for ADHD

Success rates

The success rate for PIP claims for ADHD is 43%, compared to an overall average of 53%.  So you have a less than average chance of getting an award for ADHD.

Award rates

41% of PIP claimants with ADHD, get the enhanced rate of both the daily living and the mobility component. 

Daily living awards
Enhanced daily living 73.5%
Standard daily living 24.5%
No daily living 2%

Mobility awards
Enhanced mobility 45%
Standard mobility 30%
No mobility 25%

98% of claimants with ADHD who get an award get the daily living component, compared to 75% who get the mobility component.

Age range

The ages of those currently in receipt of PIP for ADHD are:

  • 16-29 years  79%
  • 30-49 years  19%
  • 50-64 years  2%
  • 65 and over  0%

So, unlike most PIP conditions, it is massively skewed towards younger claimants.  Many of these are likely to have been transferred from DLA when reaching 16 years of age.

PIP rates

The rates of PIP from April 2024 are:

Daily Living component
Standard rate: £72.65
Enhanced rate: £108.55

Mobility component
Standard rate: £28.70
Enhanced rate: £75.75

 So, an award of the enhanced rate of PIP for both components means an extra £184.30 a week. 

PIP  is paid on top of almost every other benefit and may lead to an increase in some benefits or entitlement to additional benefits.

The enhanced rate of the mobility component also gives access to the Motability scheme.

How you qualify for PIP

This information applies to England, Wales and Northern Ireland – Scotland has a separate system.  You need to be aged at least 18 before you can receive PIP and you need to start your claim before you reach state pension age.

The best way to decide whether you might be eligible for PIP is to look through this list of PIP activities and think about the ways that your condition affects your ability to carry them out.  You are awarded points according to the level of difficulty you have with each of these activities, with sufficient points leading to an award of PIP.

Daily living activities
There are 10 daily living activities:

  • Preparing food
  • Taking nutrition
  • Managing therapy or monitoring a health condition
  • Washing and bathing
  • Managing toilet needs or incontinence
  • Dressing and undressing
  • Communicating verbally
  • Reading and understanding signs, symbols and words
  • Engaging with other people face-to-face
  • Making budgeting decisions

Mobility activities
There are two mobility activities:

  • Planning and following journeys
  • Moving around

Remember that you need to be able to complete the activities

  • to a reasonable standard,
  • safely,
  • repeatedly
  • taking no more than twice as long as it would take a person without a health condition.

Points for ADHD

Below are some examples of the issues that you might have because of ADHD.  Do remember, that if you have other conditions, you can take those into account too.

Procrastination linked to ADHD may mean you keep putting off preparing food until you are so hungry that you just eat whatever is quickest, like a bowl of cereal, so you need prompting to prepare a meal.

You may need prompting to eat cooked food because you are so engaged in other activities or thoughts that you will not spare the time to consume anything but biscuits and coffee.

You might wash or bathe but not to an acceptable standard because, for example, you have a shower but forget to use soap unless someone is supervising you.

Because of poor impulse control you may frequently speak aloud thoughts that cause offence to other people, so you need social support..

Hyperactivity and impulsivity may mean you are not safe when near traffic, crossing roads or dealing with other outdoor hazards.

Benefits and Work members can also download a ‘PIP for ADHD Supplementary Guide’ from the PIP Guides page with even more examples and case studies, to complement our main guide to claiming PIP.

PIP test for ADHD

Take the next step 

Claiming PIP isn't easy. And getting the correct award is even harder.

But there are things you can do to greatly increase your chances of getting the right result.

One of them is to use our highly detailed, step-by-step Guide to PIP claims and reviews, which will support you through every stage of the system.

Because filling in the 37 page PIP2 ‘How your disability affects you’ form in as much detail as possible is vital.

It not only means you are giving accurate and consistent evidence from the outset, it also improves your chances of overturning an unfair decision if you have to go to appeal.  

Our guide takes you through the PIP2 form, box-by-box, explaining the kind of information you need to put in each one.

Being fully prepared for an assessment is vital too. Knowing what questions you are likely to be asked and what unspoken assumptions may be made based on your answers, unless you deal with them, can make all the difference.  Our guide will ensure you are as ready as you possibly can be.

And because we’ve been supporting claimants for 20 years and have a community of thousands of members who keep us updated with their experiences, we can make sure you are prepared for any unfair tactics the DWP might employ.

And we have guides to every other part of your PIP claim too, from mandatory reconsideration, to appeal to review.  Plus a forum where you can ask questions, regular news items and more.

So, whether you’ve tried claiming PIP before and been unsuccessful, or you’ve never had any experience of the benefits system, join the Benefits and Work community to give yourself the best possible chance of getting the right award.

Even if you are not ready to subscribe to the site yet, you can download our guide to ‘The First Steps To PIP Success’ for free and also join the 120,000 people who subscribe to our free fortnightly newsletter.

PIP test for ADHD

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  • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
    Anonymous · 10 months ago
    I’ve been refused twice for pip. I feel it’s very unfair. I am winging my life… I’m only just able to get myself to work. One thing at one time I am able to navigate and if anything changes game over. My home is always a bomb site. I’ve taken picture but feel they would refer me to child protection if I submitted those as evidence. The strange thing is when my child is home it’s a show home (I share residence with my child’s father) I don’t know where to turn to get help. I am in debt up to my eyeballs too because I simply can’t manage finances. Any advice/guidance would be very appreciated. 
    • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
      VikingMermaid · 6 months ago
      @Anonymous Anonymous, please do ask for help and support from your local CAB (Citizens Advice Bureau).  They have trained workers who understand the forms, and what each descriptor (questions) needs in order to be awarded points. 

      Very importantly, they are good at being able to tease out (and put into logical sentences!) the difficulties you face in each area of daily living or getting around, things we wouldn't think to put down because they are so 'normal' to us.  I was so surprised at some of the questions asked about my daughter's struggles, and so thankful I did get help and support from CAB in filling out the form.  (NB the advisor we had would write down sentences as answers to each question/descriptor after we discussed each one in turn, then read them back to me, and I could add in bits, or say 'no, it's more like this...', so you feel happy that it is a true reflection of your difficulties.

      I totally get where you come from re 'winging' your life; that's exactly how I feel about my own.  Please do contact CAB.  Good luck :)
    • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
      Anon · 7 months ago
      @Anonymous Did you appeal again? Please update us 'Anonymous' would be nice to know how you got on...
  • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
    Cally warriner · 11 months ago
    I just won at tribunal, I was awarded high rate care and mobility. My award was backdated a year and extended to five. It didn’t even go to hearing. I did it online and got a notification to say it had been heard. A day later I got my letter. I went to tribunal because I had been Assessed 6 times in 5 years, the disparities in my awards we laughable. I’m currently receiving help to put together my case for a leap review. Don’t give up x 
    • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
      Old mother · 5 months ago
      @Cally warriner That’s great! Well done for persevering - such a waste of taxpayers money letting it get to that stage.  They should stop all these pointless assessments.  
  • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
    Ann82 · 1 years ago
    i have claimed pip my son from being a child.then some years ago when renew  was due they said we had not had an official diognosis even though he had all the tests and had been on ritalyn untill age 16 .then without warning our GP saw fit to suddenly without warning withdraw this saying after age 16 they dont need it. then started withdrawl symptoms . at this point nothing had changed in his needs and he also had autism .from this point on we have to fight to get this help for him. i am a pentioner and its very difficult we always get  refused and have to appeal and the last two times we won but i am now 70 in poor health and i have worried all his life what will happen to him when i am not here.its heartbreaking for a mother .by the way my son is now in his 40s but cannot survive on his own without help.and help never comes unless you fight for your loved ones rights
    • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
      Sarah · 1 years ago
      @Ann82 This is heartbreaking to read, I can totally relate to everything you’ve said.  My son is 18 now and has always refused to take medication as it didn’t agree with him, he lost far to much weight.  I think about what you’ve been through all these years together and can definitely say I will need to support my son also for when he’s in his 40’s, he just would not be able to cope with  me for example - rent / mortgage/ letters bills, working etc - I have to do everything not working but I do have to search for employment for him as he can’t do it, can’t  keep a job either, the longest job he worked at was just 4 weeks, he and I need more support.  
  • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
    Maggie · 1 years ago
    I have enhanced rate daily living (but no mobility) PIP for ADHD, ASD and other health conditions.  I am 58.  I also supported both my daughters (aged 21 and 27) to successfully claim PIP.  They both have ADHD and one also has ASD.  They both have anxiety and other mental health issues, which is extremely common with neurodiversities.  

    I've just helped a neighbour's son with his PIP claim form  My advice is to get as many letters from specialists.  You can ask for an updated letter, even if you are not currently under their care.  You also need to give very specific examples of how the descriptors relate your condition - and expect to be turned down - always appeal!  I also subscribed to the PIP webinar, and downloaded the brilliant B&W PIP claims manual - I wish I'd subscribed before I submitted my PIP renewal form!  Both were invaluable resources.

    My biggest challenge is with getting young people to discuss the challenges and difficulties they experience with ADHD.  They often aren't aware that their difficulties are symptoms of ADHD, and the PIP form is designed to be humiliating and depressing.  It helps that I also personally have an ADHD and ASD diagnosis, and am very knowledgeable about the conditions, so often the form filling sittings (you need a lot of short, focussed stints with people with ADHD, because our concentration spans are limited!) turn into fascinating and sometimes hilarious psycho-education  sessions.  I'm really glad that Benefits and Work are tackling ADHD and PIP.  I help and advise families and young people affected by ADHD and other neurodiversities in my spare time, so I will definitely sign post them to this excellent site!
    • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
      VikingMermaid · 6 months ago
      @M.B Your last sentence - hah!  ("I am good at giving the advice but not so much at taking it.")  I'm sure that is true for so many of us ADHDers. 

      I think very often we know what to do if we are able to actually stop and concentrate and focus (and then stay focused!) on whatever difficulty is causing us challenges... but being able to stop in the first place is half the problem, and then actually implementing what we know needs to be done is the other half, because of our procrastination and complete lack of motivation - in other words, how to get started, and how to stay on track without getting distracted.

      Add into that the often very low self-esteem (and self-loathing) many of us have, the 'learned helplessness', the depression and anxiety, the impaired working memory, it's easy to see why so many of us struggle.  Trying to complete a PIP application form without support is a nightmare scenario for us ADHDers and easy to see why many of us give up before we've even started!

      Thank you for all you are doing in helping others claim what is rightfully theirs :)
    • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
      Mrs M · 6 months ago
      @Maggie We have our tribunal on 24th of April, my daughter has anxiety, depression, unable to keep a job due to poor mathematics and understanding instructions or directions. She would never survive independently, and she was turned down for her pip renewal due to coming across as a perfectly capable young lady. To my knowledge this is masking and is sometimes embarrassed to say that her mum washes her hair, and prepares her meals at age 23. I’m at a loss, I changed my job hours to have someone with her. Any help to get her help with this would be appreciated. 
    • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
      M.B · 6 months ago
      @Maggie Maggie, can I just say you are the exact person people need in their lives to help navigate the minefields. I too support neurodiverse young people and their families and it is so interesting how we birds of a feather do flock to each other.  I have received standard daily living for the past 5 years due to fibromyalgia and ME/CFS and the wonderful depression/anxiety that comes with them. Now I am awaiting official diagnosis for ADHD and whilst waiting I am having a review due to my mobility becoming a bit more of a problem. 5 years ago I didn’t score high enough and didn’t have the energy to appeal but my specialist and some family support professionals I work alongside have said I need to ask for a review and if they do not grant an change in my favour I am too appeal.. I am good at giving the advice but not so much at taking it. 
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    GILLB · 1 years ago
    Went for assessment. Explained I wear earpods to distract and cut out noise. Found it hard as interviewee spoke to me and constantly typed in my answers, as I responded. Couldn't hear and concentrate on what she was saying to me. 
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    Me · 1 years ago
    Scared to actually reapply even though have plenty evidence I’m on standard daily I’m scared they’ll remove it completely so puts me off trying to get it increased for enhanced for both 
    • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
      Sarah · 1 years ago
      @Me Please reconsider applying, I got knocked back first time then did a mandatory was successful at the lower rate mobility, I still thought I was entitled to the enhanced mobility so I put in for a paper appeal and was successful for enhanced mobility for an ongoing period 10 years.  My disability was from birth and will  get worse.  

      I also applied for pip for my son who has ADHD.  I was unsuccessful first time but then completed a mandatory and he was successful with Enhanced Daily Living.  

      Please don’t give up - give it a try I know it’s the worst form in the world to complete, I’m sure everyone can relate to this.  

      Good luck 🤞 
  • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
    Laraine Patterson · 1 years ago
    My Neice has been waiting for a decision for 18 weeks for her 8 year old who will get DLA not PIP. she has so much evidence. My Neice also has hyper mobility and other learning difficulties. She was expelled from nursery at 3 years old as they said her behaviour was unacceptable. She had fought and fought but is still waiting for some help and support with no luck. 
    Her other 11 year old girl has severe anxiety as well as other behavioural problems. She hasn’t started anything it’s that daughter yet as the 8 year old wears mum out day and night.  Come on help her government she didn’t choose this for either girl. 
    • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
      VikingMermaid · 6 months ago
      @Laraine Patterson Laraine, have you asked CAB (Citizens Advice Bureau) for support?  They are brilliant.  They work through each descriptor with you over the phone (book in an appointment to do this), looking at all possible scenarios that might apply to the claimant, then write down sentences for each descriptor that are applicable.  They then email this through to you.  

      They did this with me for my daughter (and her autism), and I was amazed at the things they suggested that I wouldn't have thought about, as challenges and behaviours become so 'normal' to you, you forget that they cause real difficulties in day-to-day life.

      My CAB advisor also told me to write on the 'any other information' page "I have been helped to make this claim by XX, from XX Citizens Advice Bureau".  I'm sure having this on your application makes the PIP assessor sit up and realise you mean business - and also it means that if you are turned down, your CAB advisor will automatically put in for a Mandatory Reconsideration - so they don't automatically brush you off.

      For the record, my daughter was given the Enhanced award, for both Daily Living and Mobility components :)

      Please do ask your niece to get in touch with CAB and ask for their support.  I totally get that she is worn out looking after and supporting her children.  Good luck!
  • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
    Bobby · 1 years ago
    I submitted a PIP claim in 2020 as an appointee on behalf of my adult son, who has ADHD & ASD. He was awarded the standard rate until January 2024. We have completed a review form already but not heard anything. 

    My son would not have been able to go through the claims process without my help. He struggled to understand the questions being asked. I believe having another adult acting as his appointee was crucial and was key to  achieving an award. 

    • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
      Sarah · 1 years ago
      @Bobby I totally agree with you Bobby.  I also am an appointee for my son.  My son took one look at the pip form and said - there’s no way I can fill that in - he didn’t understand any of it.  It took me a long time for him to understand what I was doing and what pip was at first. 
  • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
    P · 1 years ago
    I was refused PIP for ASD and ADHD in 2019 despite my psychiatrist letter, mediation s and letters from an assessment .
    The PIP assessor lied about me, called me dirty and repeated the same questions over and over again resulting in my frustration making an outburst due to my short temper. I was also asked repeatedly I had ever been in a mental institution.
    My father came with me and saw my nil points letter and was alarmed that I was lied about.
    I was called hostile,  aggressive etc
    It took me almost a year to recover from the assessment as I felt that I was wasnt worth anything.

    This year I applied for ADP (Scotland) and was awarded both  parts for ADHD and ASD, mostly ADHD 
    I wish the rest of the UK would have ADP, as Social Security were fantastic!
    I am now 49 BTW! 
    • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
      Dale · 1 years ago
      @P I was refused and took it to tribunal. 18 months after my application for ADHD, at the start of the tribunal the presenting officer from DWP said she had reassessed and I was awarded enough points for standard in daily living and mobility. The PIP process breaches the Equalities Act 2010 and the Public Sector Bodies Accessibility Regulations 2018. Yet DWP are never taken to task for it. 
  • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
    Lesley · 1 years ago
    My daughter in law was recently turned down for PIP with zero awards for both care and mobility even though she had a supporting letter . Assesser told that her that he would read support letter but didnt and now we are having to go through MR . 
    • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
      Anon · 11 months ago
      @Lesley Our son AdHd ( diagnosed at 20 , now 24 under local MH team) , we're at 3rd stage of claiming Pip as initially scored 2 points , went up to 3 upon appeal , but as he's bright and answers questions as he "thinks he should" and doesn't want to take money away from others , he's not got passed yet for PIP even though he's at home and we do everything for him . We've even had letters from his MH nurse and psychiatrist say" don't believe a word the claimant says " as they believe he's entitled to Pip. Needless to say he's not on UC as he won't / cant get round to claiming this either so we're paying for everything including meds ... and we all know how expensive private ADHD meds are .... 
  • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
    Moggie · 1 years ago
    I would say it's massively skewed towards younger people getting PIP for AdHD because many older people have gone under the radar. I was very late diagnosed with Audhd (autism and ADHD) in my 60s. More and more (particularly women) are getting late diagnosed although many older people won't know they have it and/or won't bother pursuing a diagnosis. I imagine the backlog will be reflected in the figures eventually but even so many will still go undiagnosed.
    • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
      Paul · 6 months ago
      @Moggie Hi Maggie,

      Your an inspiration.
      I’m currently going through MR 
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