Personal Independence Payment (PIP) guide

How far can you walk and how long does it take

We suggest that you get somebody to take you to a safe, flat location so they can accurately measure how far you can walk before you have to stop for the first time because you feel severe discomfort. This can be measured in steps if you are only able to walk a short distance. Severe discomfort can be caused by things like breathlessness, chest pain, muscle or joint pain, nausea or dizziness. In other words, anything that means you have to stop walking. Say how long it takes for you to recover from the effort of walking. Ask the person assisting you to time how long it takes you to walk the distance achieved.

How many days a week do you have difficulty walking

If you have altered your lifestyle to enable you to walk but you cannot walk in a normal manner, this does not mean you don't have any difficulties and therefore should be counted. You should also count days that you can walk if they are followed by several days when you are severely incapacitated because of the exertion of walking on previous days, for example, if you have to stay in bed or are then housebound with little or no mobility.

If you feel that you fit any of the above descriptions, you should say 6 to 7 days. This should not be considered as exaggerating but looking at your situation realistically. If you really do have 2 good days out of 7, then say 4 to 5 days.

Most people tend to overestimate their own capabilities and fill in their claim form accordingly. The decision maker only looks at the information given and many people entitled to benefit lose out because they have not thought things through objectively. Put as much relevant information as you can on the form preferably with some examples.

Think about the following when filling in the form:

• are you unable to walk at all?
• do you have difficulties with walking, what are they and how does it affect you?
• do you experience severe pain that stops you from supporting your own weight or move your legs and do you have to stop walking to recover?
• do you tire or get fatigued easily when walking and if you have to stop your journey, how long it is before you can continue?
• do you suffer from vertigo and need someone to steady you?
• do you have balance problems or suffer with dizziness or nausea?
• do you feel faint if you are out for any length of time and have you had any falls or accidents?
• do you get breathless when trying to walk and if you have to stop your journey, how long it is before you can continue?
• do you experience varying degrees of pain if you have to walk any distance indoors or outdoors? Describe any pain you suffer
• do you suffer from any tingling and numbness in your feet which may make it difficult to feel the ground when you walk which may cause you to stumble or trip?
• do you use furniture or walls to hold on to when moving around indoors?
• do you use a walking stick or walking frame to enable you to keep mobile?
• do you need assistance from another person to help you by supporting your weight?
• do you need a wheelchair or mobility scooter?