Activity 8: Reading and understanding signs, symbols and words

Scores reading basic and complex written information. Glasses and contact lenses are NOT scored as aids; audio aids and screen readers are.

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 read and understand basic and complex written information either unaided or using spectacles or contact lenses.
0 pts
B. Needs to use an aid or appliance, other than spectacles or contact lenses, to be able to read or understand either basic or complex written information.
2 pts
C. Needs prompting to be able to read or understand complex written information.
2 pts
D. Needs prompting to be able to read or understand basic written information.
4 pts
E. Cannot read or understand signs, symbols or words at all.
8 pts

Worked example: Severe dyslexia

You can read short signs but need a screen reader for any text longer than a paragraph. Descriptor b (aid) applies, scoring 2 points.

Descriptor scored: B, 2 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).

Related pages