Personal Independence Payment (PIP) guide

Some people understandably find it embarrassing to be honest about their personal needs but it is important to be clear about the help you need.

Think about the following when filling in the form:

• do you have difficulty getting to the toilet, perhaps you have to go upstairs or downstairs and you need help or you use a urine bottle or commode and need help cleaning or emptying
• do you need help from someone else to help you to the toilet?
• are you incontinent or are you unable to move quickly if you need to use the toilet urgently?
• do you need help to change your clothes if you are unable to reach the toilet in time?
• do you have a condition such as irritable bowel syndrome that means you must make frequent visits to the toilet?
• do you have problems getting on or off the toilet because of pain or stiffness for example?
• do you have a grab rail or use something else to get on or off the toilet?
• do you use any equipment like a raised seat rail, or the wall or the sink, to help lever yourself up?
• do you have problems adjusting your clothing before or after using the toilet?
• do you have difficulty pulling up or down clothing?
• does your disability make it difficult for you to wipe yourself or wash your hands afterwards?
• if you are a woman, do you need help with sanitary protection?
• do you get dizzy or have breathing problems due to the effort of going to the toilet?
• if you need help with any of the above, say so.