Recent data from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) reveals that over 3.6 million people in Great Britain were receiving Personal Independence Payments (PIP) as of October 2024. The number of PIP claimants continues to rise, with over 530 health conditions covered under the scheme. However, five major conditions account for nearly 86% of all claims.
PIP is a non-means-tested, tax-free benefit designed to help people with disabilities or long-term health conditions manage their daily living and mobility needs. The amount awarded depends on how a person’s condition affects their daily life, rather than the diagnosis itself.
Breakdown of PIP Claimants by Health Condition
According to the DWP report, there are 21 primary disability categories, 178 sub-groups, and a total of 536 different health conditions that qualify for PIP. However, the majority of claims come from five key health conditions, which are:
1. Psychiatric Disorders (37% of claims – 1,406,044 claimants)
- Includes anxiety, depression, OCD, cognitive disorders, and stress-related conditions.
- This is the most common reason for claiming PIP.
2. Musculoskeletal Disease (General) (20% of claims – 691,426 claimants)
- Covers arthritis, joint pain, and muscle conditions that impact movement.
3. Neurological Disease (13% of claims – 470,380 claimants)
- Includes epilepsy, multiple sclerosis (MS), neuropathy, muscular dystrophy, and headaches.
4. Musculoskeletal Disease (Regional) (12% of claims – 434,670 claimants)
- Focuses on pain in specific body areas like the neck, back, shoulders, elbows, hands, knees, and ankles.
5. Respiratory Disease (4% of claims – 138,534 claimants)
- Covers asthma, pulmonary fibrosis, cystic fibrosis, and other respiratory conditions.
Together, these five categories account for 85.8% of all PIP claims, demonstrating the wide impact of mental health conditions, chronic pain, and mobility-related issues on individuals’ lives.
How Much Does PIP Pay?
PIP payments vary based on the level of assistance needed and are divided into two components:
1. Daily Living Component (For help with everyday tasks)
- Lower rate: £28.70 per week
- Higher rate: £114.80 per week
2. Mobility Component (For help with moving around)
- Lower rate: £28.70 per week
- Higher rate: £79.60 per week
Total Weekly PIP Payment Range
- Minimum: £28.70
- Maximum: £184.30
Total Monthly Payment Range
- Payments are made every four weeks, meaning recipients receive between £114.80 and £737.20 per payment cycle.
Who is Eligible for PIP?
To qualify for PIP, you must:
Have a long-term health condition or disability.
Have difficulties with daily living, mobility, or both for at least three months.
Expect these difficulties to continue for at least nine months.
Have lived in the UK for at least two of the past three years and be in the country when applying.
How PIP Assessments Work
The PIP assessment does not focus on a diagnosis but rather on how your condition impacts your daily life. Assessors will evaluate:
Whether you can perform daily tasks safely.
How long tasks take you to complete.
How often your condition affects these activities.
If you require help from another person or equipment.
Common activities assessed include:
- Preparing and cooking food
- Washing, dressing, and using the toilet
- Managing money and communication
- Moving around and going outdoors
Additional Support for PIP Claimants
Receiving PIP can also unlock other financial and practical support, including:
Extra benefits – May increase eligibility for Housing Benefit, Council Tax reductions, and Universal Credit top-ups.
Travel discounts – Free or discounted public transport, such as the Blue Badge scheme for parking and reduced rail fares.
Carer’s Allowance – If someone provides regular care, they may be eligible for additional financial support.
List of Main Disability Categories Recognised by the DWP
PIP covers over 530 specific conditions, grouped under 21 main disability categories:
- Gastrointestinal disease
- Hearing disorders
- Genitourinary disease
- Unknown or missing category
- Neurological disease
- Metabolic disease
- Malignant disease (cancer-related conditions)
- Multisystem and extremes of age
- Musculoskeletal disease (general and regional)
- Endocrine disease
- Skin disease
- Visual disease
- Cardiovascular disease
- Haematological disease (blood disorders)
- Psychiatric disorders
- Respiratory disease
- Diseases of the liver, gallbladder, and biliary tract
- Autoimmune diseases (connective tissue disorders)
- Diseases of the immune system
- Infectious diseases
The latest DWP statistics confirm that over 3.6 million people in Great Britain rely on PIP for financial support due to long-term health conditions. Mental health issues, musculoskeletal disorders, and neurological diseases are the top reasons for PIP claims, highlighting the broad range of disabilities affecting individuals.
PIP provides essential financial support, with maximum payments reaching up to £737.20 per month. Additionally, claimants may qualify for extra benefits, reduced travel costs, and other financial aid.
If you or someone you know is struggling with daily activities or mobility due to a long-term health condition, applying for PIP could provide valuable assistance. Each claim is assessed individually, ensuring that support is given based on the impact of the condition rather than just the diagnosis.
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FAQ’s
What is Personal Independence Payment (PIP)?
PIP is a tax-free benefit in the UK that helps people with disabilities or long-term health conditions manage their daily living and mobility costs.
Who is eligible for PIP?
To be eligible, you must have a long-term disability or health condition affecting daily living or mobility for at least 3 months and expect it to continue for 9 months.
How much does PIP pay?
PIP payments range from £28.70 to £184.30 per week, depending on the level of support needed. Payments are made every four weeks.
How is PIP assessed?
PIP assessments evaluate how a condition affects your daily life. Factors include safety, time taken to complete tasks, frequency of difficulty, and assistance needed.
Does PIP affect other benefits?
No, PIP is not means-tested and does not affect the benefit cap. In fact, it may increase eligibility for other benefits like Housing Benefit or Universal Credit.
