Over 1.5 million PIP claimants receive long-term awards, DWP data reveals

Over 1.5 million individuals claiming Personal Independence Payment (PIP) have been awarded for five years or more, according to recent data. The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) figures reveal that this constitutes 42.4% of all 3.6 million PIP claimants.

As of the end of July, a total of 1,501,215 people across England, Scotland, Wales, and those residing abroad are receiving an ongoing award due to disabilities, long-term illnesses, or physical or mental health conditions. The statistics also indicate that over 58% of PIP recipients with visual impairments receive up to £737.20 monthly for a period of five years or longer.

Furthermore, over half of the claimants suffering from general musculoskeletal issues, such as arthritis, muscle or joint pain, have received extended awards. This is also the case for 49.5% of individuals with neurological conditions like epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, and muscular dystrophy.

For those considering applying for PIP, it's important to note that the duration of awards can vary significantly, ranging from nine months to a decade, although DWP records only detail awards of 'five years or longer'. The 2024 edition of the PIP Handbook clarifies that the decision maker will determine the PIP award based on how the claimant's health condition or disability affects their everyday life and independence.

The handbook elaborates: "The length of award will be based upon each claimant's individual circumstances," reports the Manchester Evening News.

It is important for claimants to note that, as per DWP guidance, most will undergo regular reviews of their award "regardless of the length of the award" to ensure they are receiving the appropriate level of support. In some instances, claimants may receive a fixed term award for up to two years without review if their health condition is anticipated to improve, as reported by the Daily Record.

Ongoing awards with a 'light touch' review are typically given to those who have:.

A successful PIP claim can now fetch between £28.70 and £184.30 weekly, or £114.80 to £737.20 on a four-weekly basis. According to data from April 2024, six conditions have the highest percentage of PIP awards lasting five years or more, including visual disease, musculoskeletal disease (general), neurological disease, respiratory disease, autoimmune disease (connective tissue disorders), and musculoskeletal disease (regional).

Six conditions with PIP award of five years or longer:.

- Visual disease: 58,685 claimants, 34,692 with awards lasting five years or longer.

- Musculoskeletal disease (general): 682,391 claimants, 341,434 with awards lasting five years or longer, which is 50.8%.

- Neurological disease: 468,113 claimants, 230,412 with awards lasting five years or longer.

- Respiratory disease: 138,376 claimants, 64,835 with awards lasting five years or longer.

- Autoimmune disease (connective tissue disorders): 19,542 claimants, 8,697 with awards lasting five years or longer.

- Musculoskeletal disease (regional): 426,038 claimants, 185,916 with awards lasting five years or longer, which is 44.6%.

The total number of PIP claimants stands at 3,606,058, with 1,501,215 having awards of five years or longer, equating to 42.4%.

According to the latest figures, there are 19,542 cases of autoimmune disease (connective tissue disorders) and 426,038 cases of musculoskeletal disease (regional). The total number of PIP claimants stands at 3,606,058.

So, who might be eligible for PIP or ADP?

To qualify for PIP, you must have a health condition or disability that has caused difficulties with daily living or mobility (or both) for three months, and these difficulties are expected to continue for at least nine 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.

If your condition requires or necessitates help with any of the following, you should consider applying for PIP. An assessment is needed to determine the level of financial aid you will receive.

Your rate will be regularly reviewed to ensure you are getting the right support. Payments are made every four weeks.

PIP is made up of two parts: Daily living and Mobility. Whether you receive one or both of these, and the amount, depends on how severely your condition affects you.

An independent healthcare professional will conduct your assessment to help the DWP decide the level of financial support, if any, you need for PIP. Health-related benefits consultations can be face-to-face, via video calls, telephone or paper-based assessments.

It's important to note that the health professional and DWP decide which type of assessment is best suited for each claimant.

If you need to make a claim for PIP, you can get in touch with the DWP. All the necessary information for applying can be found on the GOV.UK website.