More than 1.5 million people claiming Personal Independence Payment (PIP) have been awarded support for five years or longer, according to the latest Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) figures. As reported by Daily Record, these long-term awards provide up to £737.20 per month for those with disabilities, chronic illnesses, or mental health conditions.
Who Is Most Likely to Get a Long-Term PIP Award?
PIP awards vary in length, but some claimants receive ongoing support with fewer reviews. The DWP guidance states that claimants with very stable or high-level needs are more likely to receive a ‘light touch’ review rather than frequent reassessments.
The four groups most likely to receive these long-term awards include:
- Claimants with stable conditions unlikely to improve over time
- Individuals with high-level needs expected to remain the same or worsen
- People whose PIP review is due when they reach State Pension age
- Those eligible under the Special Rules for End of Life (SREL)
According to the DWP Handbook, while most claimants have their award regularly reviewed, these groups may not need a face-to-face reassessment if their condition is unlikely to change.
Health Conditions with the Highest Long-Term PIP Awards
Certain medical conditions are more commonly granted five-year or longer awards. The six conditions most likely to receive long-term PIP payments include:
- Visual diseases – 58.7% of claimants receive extended awards
- General musculoskeletal conditions (e.g., arthritis, joint pain) – 50.8%
- Neurological conditions (e.g., epilepsy, MS, muscular dystrophy) – 49.5%
- Respiratory diseases (e.g., COPD, asthma) – 46.9%
- Autoimmune diseases (e.g., lupus, rheumatoid arthritis) – 44.5%
- Regional musculoskeletal conditions (e.g., back pain, spinal injuries) – 44.6%
These statistics highlight that mobility-limiting and progressive illnesses often result in longer PIP awards, reducing the need for frequent reassessments.
How PIP Payments Are Structured
PIP consists of two components:
- Daily Living Component – Standard (£72.65 per week) / Enhanced (£108.55 per week)
- Mobility Component – Standard (£28.70 per week) / Enhanced (£75.75 per week)
Depending on their level of need, claimants can receive up to £184.30 per week. Since PIP is paid every four weeks, this equates to a maximum of £737.20 per month in support.
What Claimants Should Know About PIP Reviews
While some claimants receive fixed-term awards of up to two years, others are placed on an ongoing award with periodic ‘light touch’ reviews. The DWP clarifies that even for those with long-term awards, reviews may still occur to ensure claimants receive the most appropriate level of support.
For those considering a new PIP application, it is essential to provide detailed medical evidence showing how a condition affects daily living and mobility, as this plays a crucial role in determining award length.
