DWP PIP claimants most likely to get ongoing £737 payments

More than 1.5 million people claiming Personal Independence Payment (PIP) have been granted an award for five years or more, new data shows. Figures from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) reveals that this amounts to 42.4% of all 3.6 million Personal Independence Payment (PIP) claimants.

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

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

For those considering applying for PIP, it's crucial to understand 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 further notes: "The length of award will be based upon each claimant's individual circumstances." Claimants should be aware that the DWP guidance states most people will have their award regularly reviewed.

This is "regardless of the length of the award" - to ensure they receive the right level of support. However, some claimants may be given a limited term award for up to two years, which will not be reviewed, if their health condition is expected to improve, reports the Daily Record.

Ongoing awards with a ‘light touch’ review

A ‘light touch’ review is typically awarded to claimants who have:

• a special rules for end of life claim due when of State Pension age
• a planned award review date due on or at State Pension age
• high level needs which will either stay the same or get worse
• very stable needs which are unlikely to change over time

A successful PIP claim is now worth between £28.70 and £184.30 per week, or £114.80 and £737.20 every four weeks. Six conditions have the highest percentage rate of PIP awards lasting five years or longer, based on data from April 2024, including visual disease, musculoskeletal disease, neurological disease, and respiratory disease.

Six conditions with PIP award of five years or longer

According to the data, 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 is 3,606,058.

Who might be eligible for PIP or ADP?

To be eligible 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 and expect these difficulties to continue for at least 9 months.

You usually need to have lived in the UK for at least two of the last three years and be in the country when you apply. If you get or need help with any of the following because of your condition, you should consider applying for PIP.

• managing your medication
• making decisions about money
• preparing, cooking or eating food
• engaging and communicating with other people
• moving around
• dressing and undressing
• reading and understanding written information
• washing, bathing or using the toilet
• planning a journey or following a route

To determine the level of financial assistance you will receive, an assessment is required. Your rate will be regularly reviewed to ensure you are receiving the appropriate support. Payments are made every four weeks. PIP consists of two components: Daily living and Mobility.

Whether you receive one or both of these, and the amount, depends on how severely your condition affects you. Your assessment will be conducted by an independent healthcare professional to assist the DWP in determining the level of financial support, if any, you need for PIP.

Health-related benefits consultations are offered face-to-face, via video calls, telephone and paper-based assessments. It's crucial to understand that the health professional and DWP decide which type of assessment is best suited for each claimant.

To make a claim for PIP, you can contact the DWP. All the information needed to apply can be found on the GOV.UK website here.