The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has shared the length of awards for Personal Independence Payment (PIP) and Adult Disability Payment (ADP)
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has revealed that over 3.7 million people across Great Britain are now claiming Personal Independence Payment (PIP) – marking a record high in disability benefits for working-age people and reforms are on the horizon for next year.
Social Security Scotland’s recent data indicates that as of the end of April, approximately 476,295 individuals were receiving Adult Disability Payments (ADP), the devolved benefit that has superseded all new claims for Personal Independence Payment (PIP) in Scotland.
However, those applying for PIP or ADP may not realise that the duration of a successful award can vary. The shortest award lasts nine months, while the longest is an ongoing award with a ‘light touch’ review every 10 years.
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Over 65 per cent of individuals claiming PIP for a visual disease have been granted an award lasting five years or more. Similarly, more than half of all claimants suffering from general musculoskeletal conditions (50.8%) such as arthritis, muscle or joint pain, have received a longer award.
This also applies to 49.5 per cent of individuals with a neurological condition like epilepsy, multiple sclerosis and muscular dystrophy, reports the Daily Record.
For those considering making a new claim for PIP or Adult Disability Payment, it’s crucial to understand that award lengths vary and can last anywhere between nine months and up to 10 years. However, DWP data only records awards given for ‘five years or longer’.
The current PIP Handbook explains that the decision maker will award PIP based on how a claimant’s health condition or disability affects their daily life and their ability to live independently. It states: “The length of award will be based upon each claimant’s individual circumstances.”
It’s crucial to note that DWP guidance also 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 – these awards, according to the DWP, will not be reviewed. Limited awards with no review date are given where it is reasonably expected that the claimant’s health condition may improve.
Ongoing awards with a ‘light touch’ review
A ‘light touch’ review is typically given 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 notes: “These claimants would not usually be expected to have a face-to-face assessment at review.”
PIP and ADP are worth between £29.20 and £187.45 each week during the current financial year – some £116.80 or £749.80 every four-week pay period.
It’s crucial to remember that the maximum amount of £749.80 is based on someone receiving the highest award for both the daily living and mobility components.
Six conditions with PIP award of five years or longer
It’s crucial to note that individuals with varying health conditions can receive PIP for up to five years or more. The award is determined by how the condition impacts the claimant.
The conditions listed below had the highest percentage rate of five-year or longer awards given to claimants at the end of April 2025.
Visual disease
58,539
38,112
Musculoskeletal disease (general)
697,476
365,238
52%
Neurological disease
472,121
252,214
Respiratory disease
137,957
66,647
Autoimmune disease (connective tissue disorders)
19,921
9,310
Musculoskeletal disease (regional)
440,684
202.317
46%
Total number of PIP claimants
3,744,671
1,631,688
44%
Here’s a brief overview of PIP and ADP. Although new claims for PIP have been replaced in Scotland by ADP, it shares most of the same eligibility criteria. Comprehensive guidance on ADP can be found on the MYGOV.SCOT website here.
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Who might qualify for PIP or ADP?
To qualify 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
If you’re terminally ill, there are different rules which can be found on the GOV.UK website.
The DWP or Social Security Scotland will assess how challenging you find daily living and mobility tasks. They will examine each task in detail:
- 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 are PIP and ADP paid?
PIP and ADP are typically paid every four weeks unless you’re terminally ill, in which case it’s paid weekly. The payment will be directly deposited into your bank, building society or credit union account. ADP is paid at the same rates as PIP.
PIP and ADP payment rates
An assessment is required to determine the level of financial assistance you’ll receive, and your rate will be regularly reviewed to ensure you’re receiving the appropriate support. Payments are made every four weeks.
PIP consists of two components:
Whether you receive one or both of these and the amount depends on how severely your condition affects you.
Depending on your circumstances, you’ll 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
An independent healthcare professional will assess you 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 available, as well as video calls, telephone and paper-based assessments – it’s crucial to understand that the health professional and DWP decide which type of assessment is most suitable for each claimant. More information about DWP PIP assessments can be found here.
Assessments for Adult Disability Payment will not require face-to-face meetings, unless the claimant prefers this – learn more about these changes here.
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Wondering how to make a claim for PIP?
You can initiate a new claim by getting in touch with the DWP. All the necessary information you need to apply can be found on the GOV.UK website here.
Before you ring up, ensure you have:
- your contact details
- your date of birth
- your National Insurance number – this can be found on letters about tax, pensions and benefits
- your bank or building society account number and sort code
- the name, address and telephone number of your doctor or health worker
- dates and addresses for any periods you’ve spent abroad, in a care home or hospital
How to submit an application for ADP
Individuals can apply for ADP via phone, post or in-person. To learn more or apply, visit the dedicated pages on mygov.scot here or ring Social Security Scotland on 0800 182 2222.
