People on PIP Most Likely to Keep Getting Payments of Up To £737 from DWP

Recent figures from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) reveal that over 1.5 million people, or 42.4% of all 3.6 million Personal Independence Payment (PIP) claimants, have awards lasting five years or more.

According to the Express, this includes 1,501,215 people in Scotland, England, Wales, and abroad receiving PIP for disabilities, long-term illnesses, or physical and mental health conditions.

Understanding PIP Award Lengths and Support for Different Conditions

More than half of those claiming PIP for a visual disease receive monthly payments of up to £737.20 for at least five years. Additionally, over half of claimants with musculoskeletal conditions like arthritis and joint pain (50.8%) have longer awards, as do nearly half (49.5%) of those with neurological conditions such as epilepsy and multiple sclerosis.

If you're considering applying for PIP (Personal Independence Payment), be aware that award lengths can vary—anywhere from nine months to 10 years. Official data only tracks awards of up to "five years or longer."

According to the 2024 edition of the PIP Handbook, decisions about PIP awards are based on how a person’s health condition or disability affects their daily life and independence. It says, "The length of award will be based upon each claimant’s individual circumstances."

Most awards will be regularly reviewed, regardless of how long they last, to ensure people continue to receive the right level of support. However, some people may receive a fixed-term award for up to two years without a review if it's expected that their health will improve, as reported by the Daily Record.

In contrast, some people with severe conditions that are unlikely to improve will have a "light touch review." This means they’ll receive payments for 10 years before being reassessed. A light touch review is usually given to those who have:

Very stable needs that aren’t expected to change.
High level needs that will either stay the same or worsen.
An award review set for when they reach State Pension age.
A claim under special rules for end of life when they reach State Pension age.

The DWP also says, “These claimants usually won’t need to have a face-to-face assessment during their review.”

Who Should Consider Applying for PIP

A successful PIP claim can provide between £28.70 and £184.30 per week in extra financial support. Since the benefit is paid every four weeks, this adds up to between £114.80 and £737.20 each payment period.

To qualify for PIP, you need to have a health condition or disability that has made daily activities or getting around difficult for at least 3 months, and you expect these difficulties to last for at least 9 more months. You also usually need to have lived in the UK for two of the last three years and be in the country when you apply.

If your condition means you get or need help with any of the following, you might want to apply for PIP: