The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has confirmed the six medical conditions that are most likely to get the maximum Personal Independence Payment (PIP) award length
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has recently revealed that as of April 2025, there are a total of 3,744,671 Personal Independence Payment (PIP) claims in the UK. However, those making new PIP claims may not realise that the duration of a successful award can vary greatly.
The shortest award lasts only nine months, while the longest is an ongoing award with a ‘light touch’ review every 10 years.
This comes as the number of working-age individuals receiving this disability benefit reaches a record high, with reforms planned for the following year, according to the Daily Record.
Personal Independence Payment (PIP) is a disability benefit provided to individuals with long-term physical or mental health conditions, disabilities, or learning difficulties. It assists those who require help with daily living tasks, particularly those of State Pension age who wish to maintain their independence at home.
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Over 65 per cent of people claiming PIP for a visual disease have been granted an award for five years or more. Additionally, over half of all claimants with general musculoskeletal conditions (50.8%) such as arthritis, muscle or joint pain, have received a longer award.
This also includes 49.5 per cent of people with a neurological condition like epilepsy, multiple sclerosis and muscular dystrophy. For those considering submitting a fresh application for PIP, or Adult Disability Payment, it’s crucial to understand that award durations differ and can span from nine months to as long as 10 years, though DWP records only document awards granted for ‘five years or longer’.
The current PIP Handbook states that decision makers will determine PIP awards based on how a claimant’s health condition or disability affects their daily routine and capacity for independent living. It notes: “The length of award will be based upon each claimant’s individual circumstances.”
It’s vital to recognise that DWP guidance also indicates most recipients will undergo regular award reviews, “regardless of the length of the award” to ensure “everyone continues to receive the most appropriate level of support”.
Certain recipients will receive a fixed-term award for a set duration of up to two years – the DWP states these awards won’t face review. Fixed awards without review dates are allocated where the recipient’s health condition might reasonably be anticipated to improve.
Ongoing awards with a ‘light touch’ review
A ‘light touch’ review is commonly granted to recipients 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 explains: “These claimants would not usually be expected to have a face-to-face assessment at review.” PIP and ADP currently offer between £29.20 and £187.45 per week during this financial year, which equates to £116.80 or £749.80 every four weeks.
It’s crucial to note that the maximum amount of £749.80 is based on someone receiving the highest award for both the daily living and mobility components. There are six conditions with a PIP award duration of five years or more. People with various health conditions can be awarded PIP for up to five years or longer, depending on how their condition affects them.
The following conditions have the highest percentage rate of five-year or longer awards given to claimants as of the end of April 2025:.
Visual disease
- 58,539 claimants
- 38,112 claimants awarded a Light Touch review
- 65 per cent of claimants with an award of five years or longer
Musculoskeletal disease (general)
- 697,476 claimants
- 365,238 claimants awarded a Light Touch review
- 52 per cent of claimants with an award of five years or longer
Neurological disease
- 472,121 claimants
- 252,214 claimants awarded a Light Touch review
- 53.4 per cent of claimants with an award of five years or longer
Respiratory disease
- 137,957 claimants
- 66,647 claimants awarded a Light Touch review
- 48.3 per cent of claimants with an award of five years or longer
Autoimmune disease (connective tissue disorders)
- 19,921 claimants
- 9,310 claimants awarded a Light Touch review
- 46.7 per cent of claimants with an award of five years or longer
Musculoskeletal disease (regional)
- 440,684 claimants
- 202.317 claimants awarded a Light Touch review
- 46 per cent of claimants with an award of five years or longer
The total number of PIP claimants
- 3,744,671 claimants
- 1,631,688 claimants awarded a Light Touch review
- 44 per cent of claimants with an award of five years or longer
The rates of PIP
These are the updated weekly rates, but it’s important to remember that PIP is paid every four weeks:
- Daily living component: £73.90 (lower weekly rate) or £110.40 (higher weekly rate)
- Mobility component: £29.20 (lower weekly rate) or £77.05 (higher weekly rate)
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