The length of each award is down to the claimants’ personal circumstances
The Department for Work and Pensions ( DWP ) has published the complete list of 12 medical conditions that are likely to qualify for the maximum PIP award duration of five years.
Personal Independence Payment (PIP) is a disability benefit intended to support people living with long-term physical or mental health conditions or disabilities, helping with everyday activities and additional living costs.
It assists those requiring support with daily tasks, especially individuals of State Pension age who wish to remain independent in their own homes. Award periods vary, with the shortest lasting just nine months, while the longest is an indefinite award subject to a ‘light touch’ review after 10 years, reports the Manchester Evening News.
Who is most likely to receive a five-year PIP award?
Recent DWP figures have shown the top 12 conditions with the greatest number of long-term PIP claimants. In total, there are 1,804,025 claimants who have been in receipt of PIP for five years or longer out of the 3,926,015 claimants across these 12 conditions.
Below, you can find the full list of 12 medical conditions most likely to receive a five-year PIP award duration, alongside the number of long-term claimants, the total number of claimants per condition, and the proportion of claimants who qualify as long-term.
- Visual disease: 40,809 / 60,360 (68%)
- Neurological disease: 273,628 / 494,817 (55%)
- Hearing disorders: 22,317 / 41,155 (54%)
- Musculoskeletal disease (general): 398,534 / 740,225 (54%)
- Respiratory disease: 71,941 / 141,072 (51%)
- Musculoskeletal disease (regional): 220,169 / 469,641 (47%)
- Skin disease: 11,936 / 26,676 (45%)
- Endocrine disease: 22,297 / 51,089 (44%)
- Cardiovascular disease: 42,925 / 102,889 (42%)
- Psychiatric disorders: 617,281 / 1,523,811 (41%)
- Gastrointestinal disease: 13,121 / 38,987 (34%)
- Malignant disease: 32,044 / 127,423 (25%)
How does PIP work?
PIP operates on a variable rate structure rather than a fixed payment. It is made up of two components determined by how a claimant’s condition impacts their independence.
The daily living component helps cover additional expenses for managing routine tasks. The standard rate stands at £76.55 weekly, while the enhanced rate offers £114.80.
The mobility component is aimed at supporting those who need additional support with movement and travel. The basic rate for this element is £30.20, with a higher tier of £80.10.
Claimants who qualify for the enhanced daily living rate alongside mobility support can receive up to £187 weekly – amounting to £748 monthly. For individuals considering applying for PIP, or Adult Disability Payment, it’s crucial to understand that award durations differ and can range from nine months to as long as 10 years, though DWP statistics only categorise awards as ‘five years or longer’.
The latest PIP Handbook states that the decision maker will determine a PIP award based on how the claimant’s health condition or disability affects their everyday life and their capacity to live independently. It continues: “The length of award will be based upon each claimant’s individual circumstances.”
It’s worth noting that DWP guidance also indicates that most claimants will have their award periodically reviewed, “regardless of the length of the award” to ensure “everyone continues to receive the most appropriate level of support”.
Certain claimants will receive a limited term award for a set period of up to two years – the DWP states these awards will not be subject to review. Limited awards without a review date are issued where the claimant’s health condition could reasonably be expected to improve.
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