More than 1.5 million PIP claimants have been awarded five years or more – and the DWP data shows the conditions with the highest percentage rate of five-year or longer awards
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) confirmed last month that proposed plans to reform Personal Independence Payment (PIP), specifically introducing a change to the eligibility rules, will come into force in November 2026 for new and existing claimants.
DWP also said that existing claimants will only be affected by the change at their next review, after the November implementation date. The latest data shows that more than 1.5 million (41%) of all 3.7m PIP claimants have been issued with an award of five years or longer.
READ MORE: Save 20% on ‘painless’ hair removal device that delivers ‘amazing results’
The data indicates at the end of January, some 1,501,215 people in England, Wales and living abroad, have an ongoing award for a disability, long-term illness, or physical or mental health condition. The data does not include the remaining 35,000 Scots PIP claimants due to move to Adult Disability Payment (ADP) this Spring.
More than 58 per cent of people claiming PIP for a visual disease have a monthly award of up to £737.20 (rising to £749 this month) for five years or more.
More than half of all claimants with general musculoskeletal conditions (50.8%) such as arthritis, muscle or joint pain, have been given a longer award, along with 49.5 per cent of people with a neurological condition such as epilepsy, multiple sclerosis and muscular dystrophy.
If you’re considering making a new claim for PIP, or Adult Disability Payment (ADP), it’s crucial to know that award lengths vary and can last between nine months and up to 10 years. However, DWP data only records awards given up to ‘five years or longer’, reports the Daily Record.
The latest version of the PIP Handbook explains that the decision maker will determine an award of PIP based on the impact of the claimant’s health condition or disability on their daily life and their ability to live independently. It further states: “The length of award will be based upon each claimant’s individual circumstances.”
It’s also key to note that the DWP guidance indicates most claimants will have their award regularly reviewed, “regardless of the length of the award” to ensure “everyone continues to receive the most appropriate level of support”.
Some claimants will receive a limited term award for a fixed period of up to two years – DWP says these awards will not be reviewed. Limited awards with no review date are given where the claimant’s health condition may be reasonably expected to improve.
Ongoing awards with a ‘light touch’ review
A ‘light touch’ review is typically 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
The DWP guidance states: “These claimants would not usually be expected to have a face-to-face assessment at review.”
The annual uprating of 1.7 per cent will see people on disability benefits receive between £29.20 and £187.45 each week, some £116.80 or £749.80 every four-week pay period. Over the course of the financial year, this will see people on the highest awards receive £9,747 in extra cash help.
It’s important to be aware the maximum amount of £749.80 is based on someone in receipt of the highest award for both the daily living and mobility components.
Six conditions with PIP award of five years or longer
It’s important to be aware people with different health conditions can be awarded PIP for up to five years or longer. The award is based on 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 January 2025.
Visual disease
58,685
34,692
Musculoskeletal disease (general)
682,391
341,434
50.8%
Neurological disease
468,113
230,412
Respiratory disease
138,376
64,835
Autoimmune disease (connective tissue disorders)
19,542
8,697
Musculoskeletal disease (regional)
426,038
185,916
44.6%
Total number of PIP claimants
3,694,536
1,501,215
41%
Who might be eligible for PIP or ADP?
To be eligible 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
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.
In addition to what we have outlined above if you get or need help with any of the following because of your condition, you should consider applying for PIP or ADP.
- 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
How are PIP and ADP paid?
PIP and ADP are usually paid every four weeks unless you are terminally ill, in which case it is paid weekly. It will be paid directly into your bank, building society or credit union account. ADP is paid at the same rates as PIP.
PIP and ADP payment rates 2025/26
You will need an assessment to work out the level of financial help you will receive and your rate will be regularly reviewed to make sure you are getting the right support. Payments are made every four weeks.
PIP is made up of two components:
Whether you get one or both of these and how much depends on how severely your condition affects you.
You will be paid the following amounts per week depending on your circumstances:
Daily living
- Standard: £73.90 (from £72.65)
- Enhanced: £110.40 (from £108.55)
Mobility
- Standard: £29.20 (from £28.70)
- Enhanced: £77.05 (from £75.75)
How you are assessed
You will be assessed by an independent healthcare professional to help the DWP determine the level of financial support, if any, you need, for PIP.
Face-to-face consultations for health-related benefits are offered alongside video calls, telephone and paper-based assessments – it’s important to be aware the health professional and DWP determine which type of assessment is best suited for each claimant. You can find out more about DWP PIP assessments here.
Adult Disability Payment assessments will not involve face-to-face assessments, unless this is preferred by the claimant – find out more about the changes here.
How do you make a claim for PIP?
You can make a new claim by contacting the DWP, you will find all the information you need to apply on the GOV.UK website here.
Before you call, you will need:
- your contact details
- your date of birth
- your National Insurance number – this is 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
