Can You Get a Mortgage on PIP?

Personal Independence Payment (PIP) is a disability benefit received by millions in the United Kingdom.

As of early 2025, about 3.7 million people in England and Wales were entitled to PIP.

Yet, fewer disabled people in the UK own their home, compared to non-disabled people (source). This gap highlights the hurdles disabled homebuyers might face. 

Interestingly, a 2025 survey found that 81% of people didn’t know lenders could count benefits like PIP as income when assessing mortgages. In reality, many lenders do accept PIP, thanks in part to legal protections.

Under the Equality Act 2010, banks cannot refuse you a mortgage just because you’re disabled or on a health-related benefit, nor can they demand a higher deposit or interest rate solely for that reason.

In this guide, we explain how lenders view PIP and what steps you can take to secure a mortgage in the UK.

Does PIP Count as Income for a Mortgage?

In most cases, yes, PIP can count as income in a mortgage application. 

PIP is a non-means-tested benefit (not based on income or savings), so lenders often view it as a stable source of income. 

In fact, many lenders will include PIP in their affordability calculations alongside any salary or other income you have.

If you work and receive PIP, this could even boost your affordability since PIP is tax-free and paid regardless of employment.

Essentially, PIP can increase your total income on paper, potentially allowing you to borrow more than you could with your salary alone.

However, not all banks have the exact same policy. Lenders have different rules on which benefits they accept as income and some wont accept PIP at all.

The good news is that disability benefits like PIP (and the older Disability Living Allowance) are generally among the more accepted benefits because they’re often long-term.

The main concern for any lender is that you can reliably pay your mortgage. Since PIP is meant for long-term conditions, many lenders are willing to count it, especially if you can show it’s an ongoing award. 

You will typically need to provide your PIP award letter from the DWP as proof of this income.

Also, even when lenders accept PIP, some may not count 100% of it. It’s common for banks to only include a portion (like 50% or 60%) of certain benefit income in their calculations. Often, lenders will also look for your income on the bank statements. 

Can You Get a Mortgage on PIP If It Is Your Only Income?

If you rely fully on PIP (and perhaps other benefits) with no employment income, getting a mortgage is more difficult, but not impossible.

Lenders will scrutinize affordability carefully, since PIP alone tends to be a modest amount (even the highest PIP rate is only a few hundred pounds a month).

Here are key considerations and challenges when PIP is your sole income:

Affordability and loan size

Mortgage providers typically lend around 4 to 4.5 times your annual income. 

If PIP is your only income, that annual amount might be quite low (for example, PIP might provide on the order of £8,000-£10,000 per year at the high rate). This would translate to a relatively small maximum mortgage. 

For context, the average house price in England is about £290,000 as of late 2024, which would normally require a much higher income to afford. 

As a result, a PIP-only borrower will likely need either a large deposit or to look at cheaper properties to keep the loan amount realistic.

Perceived stability

Some mortgage lenders view benefits-only income as less stable than a salary. Their worry is that your circumstances could change, for instance, benefits can be reduced or stopped if your condition or government policy changes. 

PIP awards are usually reviewed every few years. If your benefit is awarded on a short-term basis (say 1-2 years before review), a lender might be cautious. 

Showing a track record of long-term PIP awards or having a condition that is unlikely to improve can reassure lenders. 

In any case, be prepared to show evidence of your PIP duration and that you’re managing finances well.

Lender availability

While all lenders must consider disabled applicants by law, many mainstream banks prefer you to have at least some earned income. 

Some lenders do not accept disability benefits at all as a sole income source. This narrows your options.

Schemes and Support for Homebuyers on Disability Benefits

Because standard mortgages can be tricky on a low benefit income, the UK has some schemes designed to assist disabled individuals (including those on PIP) in buying a home:

HOLD (Home Ownership for People with Long-Term Disabilities)

HOLD is a special shared ownership scheme available in England for people with disabilities.

Under HOLD, you can buy a share of a property (usually from a housing association) and pay rent on the rest, with the option to increase your share over time. This reduces the mortgage needed.

Scotland and Northern Ireland have analogous advisory services (Housing Options Scotland and Disability Action NI), which can help disabled buyers, although the specific HOLD scheme is England-only.

Other Shared Ownership Options

Even outside HOLD, you can apply for mainstream Shared Ownership (part buy, part rent) if your income is modest. 

Shared Ownership is open to first-time buyers or those who can’t afford a suitable home otherwise, and being on benefits doesn’t exclude you.

In a shared ownership, you purchase, say, 25-75% of a home and rent the rest. This lowers the mortgage needed and the monthly cost. 

For someone on PIP, this could make buying feasible where a full purchase isn’t.

Right to Buy

If you live in a council or housing association property, don’t forget about Right to Buy (or Right to Acquire for housing assoc.). 

If you’re eligible, you could purchase your current home at a significant discount. That discount acts as your deposit.

Consult a Mortgage Adviser

If your situation is outside the norm, a knowledgeable mortgage advisor can be invaluable.

Experienced mortgage advisors know which lenders are most flexible with benefit income. They might even help you find lenders who accept 100% of PIP in calculations and who are open to benefits-only applications. 

An advisor will also help package your application to meet the lender’s criteria and suggest alternatives (like specialized schemes or credit unions) if needed.

You can connect with experienced mortgage advisors we work with and get personalized advice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a mortgage on benefits other than PIP?

Yes, many lenders will consider a range of income types, including Employment and Support Allowance, Universal Credit, pension or child benefits, etc., especially if you also have a job.

How much deposit do I need if I’m on PIP and benefits?

There’s no fixed rule, and in theory, you can find mortgages with 5-10% deposits just like any borrower. However, having a larger deposit is often advisable if you’re on a low income.

Will getting a mortgage affect my PIP?

No, PIP is not means-tested, so it doesn’t matter if you have a mortgage, own a home, or how much savings you have – your PIP continues as long as you meet the health criteria.

What if my PIP award is only for a few years? Will lenders still accept it?

Many lenders will still accept it, but they may look for some reassurance. Typically, lenders know PIP awards can be time-limited with review dates. If your PIP is due to be reviewed in the near future, the lender might ask for evidence of past renewals or the nature of your condition.

Can I use a joint borrower sole proprietor to help me get approved for a mortgage with PIP?

Yes. If you’re struggling to get a mortgage on your own, a joint borrower sole proprietor mortgage or a joint mortgage with a family member are options.

Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage.

All content is written by qualified mortgage advisors to provide current, reliable and accurate mortgage information. The information on this website is not specific for each individual reader and therefore does not constitute financial advice.