Six health conditions most likely to receive long-term PIP awards of up to £749 (Image: Getty)
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has postponed proposed changes to Personal Independence Payment (PIP) until a review of the eligibility and assessment process is finalised. The review, expected to be concluded by next Autumn, will be jointly conducted by the Minister for Social Security and Disability, Sir Stephen Timms, along with disabled groups and charities.
The DWP has previously reported that over 1,000 new PIP awards are being granted daily, with recent statistics indicating that there are now more than 3.8 million recipients in England and Wales receiving weekly payments ranging from £29.20 to £187.45. It’s crucial to note that the Adult Disability Payment (ADP) has replaced PIP for all new and existing claimants residing in Scotland. The figures also show that over 1.5 million (39%) of all 3.8 million PIP claimants have been granted an award lasting five years or longer.
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More than 3.8 million people claim Personal Independence Payment (PIP) across England and Wales (Image: Getty)
More than 58% of individuals claiming PIP for a visual disease receive a monthly award of up to £749.8 for a period of five years or more.
Over half of all claimants suffering from general musculoskeletal conditions (50.8%), such as arthritis, muscle or joint pain, have been given a longer award. This is also true for 49.5% of people diagnosed with a neurological condition like epilepsy, multiple sclerosis and muscular dystrophy.
For those considering submitting a fresh claim for PIP or ADP, it’s crucial to understand that award durations vary and can span from nine months to as long as 10 years, although DWP records only document awards granted for ‘five years or longer’, the Daily Record reports.
The latest PIP Handbook states that decision makers will determine a PIP award based on how a claimant’s health condition or disability affects their daily routine and capacity for independent living. It added: “The length of the award will be based upon each claimant’s individual circumstances.”
It’s vital to be aware that DWP guidance also indicates most claimants will undergo regular reviews of their award, “regardless of the length of the award” to ensure “everyone continues to receive the most appropriate level of support”.
Certain claimants will receive a fixed-term award for a set duration of up to two years; the DWP states that these awards will not undergo review. Fixed awards without review dates are allocated when the claimant’s health condition is likely to improve.
Ongoing awards with a ‘light touch’ review
A ‘light touch’ review is commonly granted 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
The DWP guidance reads: “These claimants would not usually be expected to have a face-to-face assessment at review.”
PIP and ADP payments now range from £29.20 to £187.45 per week, equating to £116.80 or £749.80 every four weeks. Over the financial year, those on the highest awards will receive an additional £9,747 in financial assistance.
It’s crucial 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.
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Six conditions with PIP award of five years or longer
It’s important to note that individuals with different health conditions can be awarded PIP for up to five years or more. The award is determined by how the condition affects the claimant.
The conditions listed below have the highest percentage rate of five-year or longer awards given to claimants at the end of July 2025.
Visual disease
59,609 claimants
34,692 awarded a light touch review
58% of claimants with an award of five years or longer
Musculoskeletal disease (general)
721,575 claimants
341,434 awarded a light touch review
47% of claimants with an award of five years or longer
Neurological disease
484,872 claimants
230,412 awarded a light touch review
47.5% of claimants with an award of five years or longer
Respiratory disease
140,065 claimants
64,835 awarded a light touch review
46.2% of claimants with an award of five years or longer
Autoimmune disease (connective tissue disorders)
20,576 claimants
8,697 awarded a light touch review
42.3% of claimants with an award of five years or longer
Musculoskeletal disease (regional)
458,583 claimants
185,916 awarded a light touch review
40.5% of claimants with an award of five years or longer
Total number of PIP claimants
3,829,571 claimants
1,501,215 awarded a light touch review
39.2% of claimants with an award of five years or longer
The DWP has previously reported that over 1,000 new PIP awards are being granted daily (Image: Getty)
Who might be eligible for PIP or ADP?
To qualify for PIP or ADP, 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
If you’ve been struggling with daily living or mobility (or both) for three months and anticipate these difficulties to persist for at least nine more months, you may be eligible for certain benefits. Typically, you need to have resided in the UK for at least two of the last three years and be in the country when you apply.
In addition to the above criteria, if your condition requires assistance with any specific tasks, you might want to consider applying. Different rules apply if you’re terminally ill; these can be found on the GOV.UK website.
Your ability to perform daily living and mobility tasks will be assessed by the DWP or Social Security Scotland. They will evaluate each task based on various factors.
PIP and ADP are generally paid every four weeks directly into your bank, building society, or credit union account. If you’re terminally ill, payments are made weekly. ADP is paid at the same rates as PIP.
An assessment will determine the level of financial aid you’ll receive, and your rate will be regularly reviewed to ensure you’re receiving the appropriate support. Payments are made every four weeks.
PIP consists of two components: Daily Living and Mobility. Whether you qualify for one or both, and the amount you receive, depends on the severity of your condition’s impact on you.
How do you apply for PIP?
You can make a new claim by contacting the DWP. All the necessary information for the application is available on the GOV.UK website here.
Before you make the call, ensure you have:
- Your contact details.
- Your date of birth.
- Your National Insurance number – this can be found on letters about tax, pensions and benefits.
- Your bank or building society account number and sort code.
- Your doctor or health worker’s name, address and telephone number.
- Dates and addresses for any time you’ve spent abroad, in a care home or hospital.
How can you apply for ADP?
Individuals can apply for ADP over the phone, by post or in person. To learn more or apply, visit the dedicated pages on mygov.scot or ring Social Security Scotland on 0800 182 2222.