The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has revealed that over 3.7 million people across Great Britain are currently claiming Personal Independence Payment (PIP), marking a record high in the number of working-age individuals receiving disability benefits.
However, those making a fresh claim for PIP 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 subject to a ‘light touch’ review every 10 years.
Over 65 per cent of individuals claiming PIP for an eye-related disease have been granted an award lasting five years or more, whilst more than half of all claimants suffering from general musculoskeletal conditions (50.8 per cent) 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.
For those considering making a new claim for PIP, 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’, reports the Daily Record.
The PIP guidebook which provides guidance to claimants explains that the decision maker will award PIP based on the impact of the claimant’s health condition or disability on their daily life and their ability to live independently. It adds: “The length of award will be based upon each claimant’s individual circumstances.”
It’s crucial to understand that DWP guidance also states 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”.
Certain claimants will receive a limited term award for a fixed period of up to two years – the DWP states these awards will not be reviewed. Limited awards without a review date are provided where the claimant’s health condition may reasonably be expected to improve.
Ongoing awards with a ‘light touch’ review
Usually, a ‘light touch’ review is awarded 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 states: “These claimants would not usually be expected to have a face-to-face assessment at review.” The annual uprating of 1.7 per cent will see people on disability benefits receive between £29.20 and £187.45 each week during the 2025/26 financial year – some £116.80 or £749.80 every four-week pay period.
Throughout the coming year, this will see people on the highest awards receive £9,747 in additional cash support. 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.
Six conditions with PIP award of five years or longer
It’s vital to understand that individuals with various health conditions can be awarded PIP for up to five years or longer. The award is based on how the condition affects the claimant. The conditions listed below have the highest percentage rate of five-year or longer awards given to claimants at the end of April 2025:
- Visual disease
- Musculoskeletal disease (general)
- Neurological disease
- Respiratory disease
- Autoimmune disease (connective tissue disorders)
- Musculoskeletal disease (regional)
To be eligible for PIP 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 the above, if your condition requires or results in needing assistance with any of the following, you should consider applying for PIP.
If you are terminally ill, different rules apply and these can be found on the GOV.UK website. The DWP will assess how challenging you find daily living and mobility tasks. They will examine each task individually.
PIP is typically paid every four weeks, unless you are terminally ill, in which case payments are made weekly. Payments are directly deposited into your bank, building society, or credit union account.
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