Mobility Activity 2: Moving around

The notorious 20-metre rule sits in this activity. Distances are scored at 20m, 50m and 200m, all subject to the reliability test (safely, to an acceptable standard, repeatedly, and in a reasonable time).

All figures on this page are taken from Benefit and pension rates 2026 to 2027 (DWP, published April 2026) and the Universal Credit and Personal Independence Payment Act 2025. Author: Oliver Wakefield-Smith. Last full review: 22 June 2026. Next scheduled review: April 2027 (post-uprating). See the full sources register.

Descriptors and points

A. Can stand and then move more than 200 metres, either aided or unaided.
0 pts
B. Can stand and then move more than 50 metres but no more than 200 metres, either aided or unaided.
4 pts
C. Can stand and then move unaided more than 20 metres but no more than 50 metres.
8 pts
D. Can stand and then move using an aid or appliance more than 20 metres but no more than 50 metres.
10 pts
E. Can stand and then move more than 1 metre but no more than 20 metres, either aided or unaided.
12 pts
F. Cannot, either aided or unaided, (i) stand; or (ii) move more than 1 metre.
12 pts

Worked example: Fibromyalgia and chronic pain

You can walk to the kitchen but cannot manage more than 20 metres safely on most days without a stick. Apply the reliability test: descriptor d (more than 20 but no more than 50 metres with an aid) becomes descriptor e (no more than 20 metres) when you fail more than half the time. Score 12, enhanced Mobility.

Descriptor scored: E, 12 points.

Reliability test

Whatever descriptor you pick must apply to you safely, to an acceptable standard, repeatedly, and in a reasonable time. If you can only manage the activity on a good day, the next-higher descriptor usually applies. This is the single most common reason claimants are under-scored on assessment.

Source

Descriptors and points are taken from Schedule 1 of the Social Security (PIP) Regulations 2013. Interpretation guidance is in the PIP assessment guide (DWP, Feb 2026).

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