PIP for PTSD and severe depression
39% of all PIP awards are for mental health: PTSD, severe depression, anxiety, agoraphobia, the after-effects of torture. The main routes for refugees are Activity 9 (engaging socially), Activity 11 (planning journeys), and Activities 1/4/6 (basic self-care). The landmark case MH v SSWP [2016] UKUT 531 established "overwhelming psychological distress" as grounds for 12 points under Activity 11. The Helen Bamber Foundation and Freedom from Torture help survivors prepare evidence.
4 main activities for PTSD/depression
If you are not sure where to start, describe the functional impact through these 4 areas.
• "I cannot be in a room with an unfamiliar man — at the GP appointment I left within 30 seconds when I saw the doctor was a man"
• "When the support worker comes round, I sit and shake, I cannot speak"
• "I only leave the house with my daughter, without her I have a panic attack"
• "At the WCA assessment I could not answer questions for 20 minutes"
• "I cannot use public transport — I have panic attacks on buses ever since the bombing"
• "If the GP appointment time changes by even an hour, I have a panic attack and cannot leave the house all day"
• "My daughter goes with me to all appointments — I cannot manage without her"
• "From home to the shop is 200 metres — it takes me 30 minutes because I have to stop when triggers come up"
• "I do not wash up for 3-4 days at a time — I have no energy, my daughter does it for me"
• "I do not wash for 4-5 days — the social worker reminds me every morning"
• "I only cook in the microwave — the hob triggers PTSD from a fire during a bombing"
• "I wear the same clothes for weeks — I do not have the energy to choose what to wear"
• "I take sertraline 200mg + mirtazapine — I forget to take them, my daughter gives them to me every morning"
• "I see an IAPT psychotherapist once a week — without reminders I miss it"
• "I have a crisis plan — I call the Samaritans when I have suicidal thoughts, last time was 14 April 2026"
Case law — what to cite at MR and Tribunal
These decisions form the legal framework for mental health PIP. Use them in Mandatory Reconsideration and tribunal submissions.
Evidence hierarchy — from strongest to weakest
The higher up the list, the stronger the argument. Ideally you would have several.
Refugee-specific scenarios — typical patterns
Each scenario shows a typical PIP points configuration. Not a replacement for an individual assessment, but a starting point.
- Write in the third person if the first person is too hard: "This person was subjected to..." instead of "I was subjected to...". This is often easier emotionally.
- Describe the EVENTS briefly (dates, places, type of harm), and the IMPACT in detail (how it affects day-to-day functioning now).
- Take breaks. Write for 30 minutes a day, not in one sitting.
- Bring in a support person — a friend, family member or social worker — to help structure things.
- If you have a Helen Bamber / Freedom from Torture report, they will do most of the work for you. These reports are written specifically for immigration and benefits processes.
- Do not write for "effect" — precise concrete examples with frequency and duration are stronger than emotional descriptions.
- If your condition gets worse while filling things in, put it down. Use an extension request (1 month + extension if there is a good reason).
Frequently asked questions
I am just "on edge after the war" — surely that is not a PIP issue?
It is exactly a PIP issue. PTSD in survivors of war, persecution, torture or sexual violence is a typical reason for PIP awards. 39% of all PIP awards are for mental health. You do not need a "disability" in the physical sense. The DWP assesses functional impact: can you leave the house, talk to strangers, prepare food, wash, make decisions. If PTSD disrupts these things, you may qualify.
I have no diagnosis from a psychiatrist — can I still apply?
You can, but your chances are higher with a diagnosis. The minimum is a fit note from your GP that mentions a mental health condition. An NHS IAPT therapist (talking therapies) can write a letter describing severity. Ideally, a psychiatrist letter (available through an NHS Community Mental Health Team if your condition is severe). If your GP will not write more than "anxiety", a report from the Helen Bamber Foundation or Freedom from Torture often turns a Fit-for-Work decision into an enhanced rate award.
I am scared to talk about torture or violence with the assessor — what can I do?
You have the right to a support person (friend, advocate, social worker) — ask when booking. You have the right to ask for a female assessor — request one. You can ask for a face-to-face assessment if you are afraid of phone calls. You can request a paper-based assessment if a conversation would be re-traumatising — but make sure to send a psychiatric report to replace the interview. The Helen Bamber Foundation and Freedom from Torture help survivors of torture prepare for assessments specifically.
I was refused — should I tell the assessor "working" things (I go to the shop, I cook)?
Do not lie — it will destroy your credibility. But honestly describe HOW: "I go to the shop once a week with a support worker, without her I cannot leave the house". "I cook food — but only in the microwave, because the hob triggers panic from memories of a fire". The reliability test (safely / to an acceptable standard / repeatedly / in a reasonable time) means that if even one of these is not met, the descriptor applies in your favour.
How long does a tribunal take and what are the chances?
MR (one month after the decision) — success rate is low at around 10-22%. Tribunal — 6-12 months wait, free, you do not need a lawyer (you can bring an advocate). Success rate is 58-67% on paper, higher for an oral hearing. The effective rate is around 80% if you persist (this includes DWP "lapsed" decisions — the DWP withdrawing the decision before the hearing). Free help: Citizens Advice, Z2K, Mind, Rethink, Disability Rights UK, Law Centres.