Millions of PIP claimants have been issued awards of five years or longer, with six health conditions showing the highest rates
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has hit the pause button on proposed changes to Personal Independence Payment (PIP), pending a comprehensive review of eligibility and assessment procedures. Spearheading this ‘Timms Review’ alongside disabled groups and charities is Minister for Social Security and Disability, Sir Stephen Timms, with findings anticipated by next Autumn.
Fresh data from the DWP reveals that 3.9 million PIP claimants in England and Wales are currently receiving weekly payments ranging from £29.20 to £187.45. The stats also highlight that nearly 1.8 million (45%) of all 3.9 million PIP recipients have been granted an award spanning five years or more.
A significant 67% of those claiming PIP due to a visual impairment receive a monthly payout of up to £749 for a period of five years or longer. Over half of all claimants suffering from general musculoskeletal conditions (50.8%) such as arthritis, muscle or joint pain, have been awarded a longer term, along with 49.5% of people with a neurological condition like epilepsy, multiple sclerosis and muscular dystrophy, reports the Daily Record.
For those considering a new PIP claim, it’s worth knowing that award durations can vary between nine months and a maximum of 10 years. However, the DWP only records awards labelled as ‘five years or longer’.
PIP guidance sets out that decision makers will grant awards based on how a claimant’s health condition or disability affects their everyday life and independence. It states: “The length of award will be based upon each claimant’s individual circumstances.”
Crucially, the DWP guidance warns that most recipients will face regular reviews of their award, “regardless of the length of the award” to ensure “everyone continues to receive the most appropriate level of support”.
Certain claimants receive limited term awards spanning up to two years – the DWP confirms these won’t face reviews. These fixed awards without review dates are allocated when someone’s condition might reasonably be expected to get better.
Ongoing awards featuring a ‘light touch’ review
A ‘light touch’ review is generally granted 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
Currently, PIP payments range from £29.20 to £187.45 weekly, equivalent to £116.80 or £749.80 per four-week payment period. Throughout the financial year, those receiving the highest awards will obtain £9,747 in additional financial support.
It’s crucial to understand that the maximum sum of £749.80 applies to people receiving the highest award across both daily living and mobility components.
Six conditions qualifying for PIP awards of five years or more
It’s crucial to note that people with varying health conditions can receive PIP for up to five years or more, depending on how their condition impacts them.
The following conditions have the highest percentage of claimants receiving awards for five years or longer as of October 2025.
Claimants with 5-year PIP award:
- Visual disease: 40,429 (67%)
- Musculoskeletal disease (general): 215,978 (29%)
- Neurological disease: 269,675 (55%)
- Respiratory disease: 70,700 (50%)
- Autoimmune disease (connective tissue disorders): 10,031 (48%)
- Musculoskeletal disease (regional): 215,978 (46%)
- Total PIP claimants with 5-year award: 1,762,659 (45.4%)
- Total number of PIP claimants: 3,882,571
Here’s a brief overview of PIP
Who might qualify for PIP?
To be eligible for PIP you must have a health condition or disability where you:
– Have had difficulties with daily living or mobility (or both) for 3 months.
– Expect these difficulties to continue for at least 9 months.
Typically, you need to have resided in the UK for at least two of the past three years and be in the country when you apply.
In addition to the above, if your condition requires or results in needing help with any of the following, you should consider applying for PIP.
- 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
There are different rules if you are terminally ill, you will find these on the GOV.UK website here.
DWP will assess how difficult you find daily living and mobility tasks. For each task they will look at:
- whether you can do it safely
- how long it takes you
- how often your condition affects this activity
- whether you need help to do it, from a person or using extra equipment
How is PIP disbursed?
PIP is typically paid every four weeks, unless you are terminally ill, in which case payments are made weekly. The funds will be directly deposited into your bank, building society or credit union account.
PIP payment rates
An assessment is required to determine the level of financial assistance you will receive, and 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.
Mobility.
Whether you qualify for one or both of these, and the amount you receive, depends on the severity of your condition’s impact on you.
Depending on your circumstances, you will be paid the following amounts per week:
Daily living
- Standard: £73.90
- Enhanced: £110.40
Mobility
- Standard: £29.20
- Enhanced: £77.05
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.
Wondering how to apply for PIP?
You can initiate a new claim by reaching out to the DWP. All the necessary information for application is available on the GOV.UK website here.
Before making the call, ensure you have:
– your contact details.
– your date of birth.
– your National Insurance number – this can be found on letters regarding 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 periods spent abroad, in a care home or hospital.
