Millions of people are currently receiving hundreds of pounds a month from the DWP to help with certain health conditions.
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has released new data listing the 12 most common conditions people are claiming the benefit for this year.
Personal Independence Payment (PIP), which is distributed by the DWP, is targeted at people who need extra support with daily tasks or getting around due to long-term illness, disabilities, or physical or mental health conditions.
Up to 3.4 million people were receiving the benefit as of April 2024 and when paid at its full rate, eligible recipients are entitled to up to around £798.63 a month.
The DWP has recorded as many as 536 disabling conditions that currently qualify for PIP, but 12 make up a larger proportion of claims than others and they’re commonly had amongst Britons.
12 most common PIP health conditions
According to the latest DWP data, psychiatric disorders made up most of the claims at 39 percent of all assessments
Just under three-quarters (74 percent) of normal rules claims classified as having “Psychiatric disorders” at assessment fall into one of the following five subgroups:
- Mixed anxiety and depressive disorders
- Autistic spectrum disorders
- Mood disorders
- Hyperkinetic disorder
- Psychotic disorders.
The second most common type of health condition people claim PIP for is musculoskeletal diseases (general) at 14 percent, followed by musculoskeletal diseases (regional), making up 11 percent of all claims.
Neurological disease claims make up 10 percent of all claims while malignant diseases make up six percent. Respiratory diseases are claimed for by four percent and cardiovascular diseases make up three percent.
Endocrine diseases and gastrointestinal diseases make up two percent while genitourinary diseases, visual diseases, and hearing disorders make up one percent.
There are two components to PIP. A daily living part for those who need help with everyday tasks, and a mobility part for those who need help moving around.
Each comes with two rates – a standard rate and an enhanced rate. Whether people get one or both parts and how much they get depends on how difficult they find certain tasks, and people can apply even if they’re working, have savings, or are already receiving other benefits.
PIP rates 2024/25
The standard and enhanced payment rates this year include:
Daily living tasks
- Standard rate – £72.65 per week
- Enhanced rate – £108.55 per week.
Mobility tasks
- Standard rate – £28.70 per week
- Enhanced rate – £75.75 per week.
The enhanced rate of the mobility component also gives people the option of getting a Motability vehicle instead of cash.
To claim PIP, people must be aged 16 or over and the following must apply:
The easiest way to claim is to phone the PIP helpline. Claimants must then fill in a form, after which they’ll then undergo an assessment.
