How to write PIP notes
A calm, practical guide to structuring your own PIP notes, with examples and common mistakes to avoid. This is reference-only and not legal, medical, or benefits advice.
What are PIP notes?
PIP notes are your own written explanations of how your health condition or disability affects you in daily life. They help you describe real situations clearly and in your own words, so you are prepared when it comes to completing the PIP2 form or attending an assessment.
PIP decisions are not based on diagnosis alone. What matters is how each activity is affected, whether you can do it reliably, and what support you need. Good notes focus on what actually happens in your day-to-day life, not on medical terminology or general statements about your condition.
Taking the time to write notes before you start the form can make the whole process less stressful. It gives you a chance to think things through at your own pace, rather than trying to remember everything under pressure.
Writing clear PIP notes
Examples: turning a thought into a clear note
Below are some examples of how you might turn a general thought into a clearer, activity-focused note. These are for illustration only and should not be copied into your own form.
“I struggle to cook meals.”
“When I try to prepare a meal, I often forget steps and leave food unattended. I need reminders from another person to stay on task. On bad days, I stop part-way through because I feel overwhelmed. This happens three or four times a week.”
“I have trouble getting washed.”
“I need to sit on a shower stool because I cannot stand for long enough to wash. Even with the stool, I cannot reach my lower legs or feet, so my partner helps me wash those areas. On bad days I do not wash at all because the effort feels too much, and this happens about two or three days a week.”
“I find it hard to manage my money.”
“I avoid opening letters and bills because they make me feel panicked. My mum checks my bank account for me each week and pays my bills because I have missed payments several times when left to do it myself. I have had late fees twice in the last six months because of this.”
Using GuidedPIPs
GuidedPIPs provides a structured space to write, organise, and refine your notes across conditions and activities. It walks you through each daily living and mobility activity with guided prompts, so you can build your notes step by step.
You can start for free and decide whether full access is right for you.