Groups of PIP claimants most likely to get ongoing £737 payments from DWP

More than 1.5 million people have a PIP award of five years or longer from the DWP

Figures from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) show that out of the 3.6 million Personal Independence Payment (PIP) claimants, over 1.5 million people, or 45.4%, have an award lasting five years or longer. Some 1,501,215 individuals from Scotland, England, Wales and abroad have ongoing awards due to disabilities, long-term illnesses, or health conditions.

Data also indicates that more than half of those claiming PIP for a visual disease are granted a monthly PIP award of up to £737.20 for at least five years. Similarly, over half of those suffering general musculoskeletal conditions, including arthritis and muscle or joint pain, are awarded longer-term support.

This is also the case for nearly half (49.5%) of claimants with neurological conditions such as epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, and muscular dystrophy too. Those considering making a new claim for PIP should be aware that award lengths can range from nine months to 10 years.

The 2024 edition of the PIP Handbook explains that the decision maker will make an award of 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.”

DWP has outlined that most claimants will have their benefits regularly reviewed "regardless of the length of the award", to ensure that "everyone continues to receive the most appropriate level of support". Some individuals might be given a limited term award for a fixed period of up to two years, which won't be reviewed since their health condition may be expected to improve, as reported by the Daily Record.

In contrast, claimants with severe health conditions that are likely to remain constant will undergo a "light touch review", meaning they receive payments for ten years before requiring a reassessment. A light touch review is typically 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.

According to DWP guidance, these claimants would "These claimants would not usually be expected to have a face-to-face assessment at review."

Currently, a successful Personal Independence Payment (PIP) claim can provide between £28.70 and £184.30 each week in additional financial support, which equals to between £114.80 and £737.20 every four weeks.

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 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:

• preparing, cooking or eating food
• managing your medication
• washing, bathing or using the toilet
• dressing and undressing
• engaging and communicating with other people
• reading and understanding written information
• making decisions about money
• planning a journey or following a route
• moving around

You can make a new claim by contacting the DWP, you will find all the information you need to apply on the GOV.UK website here.