The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has released statistics for the latest quarter of Personal Independence Payment (PIP), with some groups seeing a significant increase in the number of awards
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has unveiled the most recent statistics, showing that over 3.7 million individuals across Great Britain are now receiving Personal Independence Payment (PIP). The number of working-age individuals benefiting from these disability allowances has hit an all-time high, with reforms slated to be implemented next year.
However, those submitting a new application for PIP may not be aware that the duration of a successful award can differ. The shortest award spans nine months, while the longest is a continuous award with a ‘light touch’ review every decade.
Over 65 per cent of individuals claiming PIP for a visual disease have been granted an award lasting five years or longer.
Likewise, more than half of all claimants with general musculoskeletal conditions (50.8%), such as arthritis, muscle or joint pain, have received a lengthier award. This also applies to 49.5 per cent of individuals with a neurological condition like epilepsy, multiple sclerosis and muscular dystrophy.
For those contemplating making a new application for PIP, it’s vital to comprehend that award lengths fluctuate and can last anywhere from nine months to up to 10 years. However, DWP data only documents awards given for ‘five years or longer’, reports the Liverpool Echo.
The most recent edition of the PIP Handbook states that a PIP award will be determined by how a claimant’s health condition or disability impacts their daily life and their capacity to live independently. It continues: “The length of award will be based upon each claimant’s circumstances.”
It’s crucial to understand that DWP guidance also suggests that most claimants will have their award periodically reviewed, “regardless of the length of the award”, to guarantee “everyone continues to receive the most appropriate level of support”.
Certain claimants may be granted a limited term award for a fixed duration of up to two years – the DWP confirms these awards will not be reviewed. Limited awards without a review date are provided where it is reasonably anticipated that the claimant’s health condition may improve.
Ongoing awards with a ‘light touch’ review
A ‘light touch’ review is usually awarded to claimants who have:
- very stable needs which are unlikely to change over time
- high level needs which will either stay the same or get worse
- a planned award review date due on or at State Pension age
- a special rules for end of life claim due when of State Pension age
According to DWP guidance: “These claimants would not usually be expected to have a face-to-face assessment at review.”
PIP can offer between £29.20 and £187.45 per week during the current financial year – equivalent to approximately £116.80 or £749.80 every four-week pay period. It’s vital to note that the maximum amount of £749.80 is based on someone receiving the highest award for both the daily living and mobility components.
Six conditions with PIP award of five years or longer
It’s vital to note that individuals with diverse health conditions can be awarded PIP for up to five years or more, depending on the impact of their condition. As of the end of April 2025, the following conditions have the highest percentage of claimants receiving awards for five years or longer:.
Visual disease:
- 58,539 claimants
- 38,112 claimants awarded a Light Touch review
- 65 per cent of claimants with an award of five years or longer
Musculoskeletal disease (general):
- 697,476 claimants
- 365,238 claimants awarded a Light Touch review
- 52 per cent of claimants with an award of five years or longer
Neurological disease:
- 472,121 claimants
- 252,214 claimants awarded a Light Touch review
- 53.4 per cent of claimants with an award of five years or longer
Respiratory disease:
- 472,121 claimants
- 252,214 claimants awarded a Light Touch review
- 53.4 per cent of claimants with an award of five years or longer
Autoimmune disease (connective tissue disorders):
- 19,921 claimants
- 9,310 claimants awarded a Light Touch review
- 46.7 per cent of claimants with an award of five years or longer
Musculoskeletal disease (regional):
- 440,684 claimants
- 202.317 claimants awarded a Light Touch review
- 46 per cent of claimants with an award of five years or longer
Total number of PIP claimants:
- 3,744,671 claimants
- 1,631,688 claimants awarded a Light Touch review
- 44 per cent of claimants with an award of five years or longer
So, who might be eligible for PIP?
To qualify for PIP, you must have a health condition or disability where you:
- have had difficulties with daily living or getting around (or both) for 3 months
- expect these difficulties to continue for at least 9 months
Typically, you need to have resided in the UK for at least two of the past three years and be in the country when you apply. Besides what we’ve outlined above, if you receive or require assistance with any of the following due to your condition, you should contemplate applying for PIP.
- eating, drinking or preparing food
- washing, bathing, using the toilet, managing incontinence
- dressing and undressing
- talking, listening, reading and understanding
- managing your medicines or treatments
- making decisions about money
- mixing with other people
- working out a route and following it
- physically moving around
- leaving your home
Different rules apply if you are terminally ill, which can be found on the GOV.UK website here.
The DWP will assess how difficult you find daily living and mobility tasks. They will scrutinise each task in detail, including:
- whether you can do it safely
- how long it takes you
- how often your condition affects this activity
- whether you need help to do it, from a person or using extra equipment
How is PIP paid?
PIP is usually paid every four weeks, unless you’re terminally ill, in which case payments are made weekly. Payments are directly deposited into your bank, building society or credit union account.
PIP payment rates
An evaluation is necessary to establish the amount of financial aid you’ll be granted, and your rate will be routinely reassessed to ensure you’re receiving the correct support. Payments are issued every four weeks.
PIP is comprised of two elements:
The receipt of one or both of these components, as well as the specific amount, hinges on the severity of your condition’s impact on your daily life.
Based on your individual circumstances, you’ll receive the following weekly amounts:.
Daily living:
- Standard: £73.90
- Enhanced: £110.40
Mobility:
- Standard: £29.20
- Enhanced: £77.05
Assessment process
An independent healthcare professional will conduct an assessment to assist the DWP in determining the level of financial support, if any, you require for PIP.
Face-to-face consultations for health-related benefits are available, alongside video calls, telephone and paper-based assessments – it’s vital to note that the health professional and DWP determine which type of assessment is most appropriate for each applicant. Further details about DWP PIP assessments can be found here.
Curious about how to submit a PIP claim?
To start a new claim, you’ll need to contact the DWP. All the required information for application can be located on the GOV.UK website here.
For the latest breaking news and stories from across the globe from the Daily Star, sign up for our newsletters.
#DWP #exposes #conditions #maximum #PIP #award #length
