The DWP provides PIP to millions of people each year to help them with their living expenses associated with a disability or long-term health condition.
Even though many people with common illnesses qualify for this support, most of them fail to claim it.
Common health conditions including certain mental health or muscular problems could enable you to get regular cash payments from the DWP, which can amount to £470 per month for those requiring assistance with daily living expenses. An extra mobility-related payment can provide an additional £328 to each PIP remittance.
Despite a rise in claims caused by work-related illnesses, DWP data shows that most PIP applications (59%) are denied because they don't meet the requirements. It can be difficult to determine if you fall into the department's broad categories of illness or disability.
PIP Assessment Process
Homecare's research shows that the majority of PIP applicants fit into five groups, though there isn't a set of requirements that ensures financial assistance. If you're among the millions of people who struggle with day-to-day living due to a common illness, you might be able to get some help to ease your stress.
According to The Mirror, an assessment process is required to access the benefits. The process evaluates your capacity for work or even to perform routine tasks, before deciding whether to accept or reject your application.
The standard rate of the PIP daily living benefit totals £315 per month.
Health Conditions that Qualify You for PIP Benefits
Mental Health Conditions
For people struggling with a mental health issue that affects their interaction with other people and their environment, PIP can be very helpful. Nearly one-third of all PIP claims are linked with mental health conditions and psychiatric disorders, which makes them the most common reason for seeking extra support.
Though not all applicants will qualify for PIP after assessment, the most common conditions that can make you eligible for it include:
- Addictions (drug or alcohol misuse)
- Anxiety
- Bipolar disorder
- Depression
- Eating disorders
- Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD)
- Panic attacks
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
Respiratory Conditions
Breathing issues can make routine tasks much more difficult, if not impossible. You should think about requesting financial aid for living expenses if you have an underlying medical condition that is making breathing difficult for you.
Common respiratory conditions that may qualify individuals for PIP include:
- Asthma.
- Cystic fibrosis.
- Emphysema.
- Chronic bronchitis.
These conditions can severely impact daily life, making financial support crucial for managing associated challenges.
Musculoskeletal — General
People suffering from general musculoskeletal disorders often have trouble moving around and working full-time because of their conditions.
Those with severe impairments may be eligible for additional PIP mobility support. Common muscle or bone-related conditions that people can claim PIP for include:
- Arthritis.
- Carpal tunnel syndrome.
- Fibromyalgia.
- Osteoarthritis.
- Tendonitis.
Musculoskeletal — Regional
If your muscular or bone-related issues only impact a part of your body, it is considered as a regional musculoskeletal issue. This could include a problem with nearly any body part, including a repetitive motion injury, or a fractured limb.
Neurological Conditions
PIP provides support to those with neurological disorders that affect the nervous system and the brain. These conditions range widely from age-related illnesses to more prevalent neurological disorders like epilepsy. Other neurological conditions that qualify for PIP include:
- Alzheimer's disease.
- Narcolepsy.
- Motor neurone disease
- Multiple sclerosis (MS).
- Parkinson's disease.