Yahoo News The five most common conditions people claim PIP for as DWP benefit 'reviewed'
Over three million people in the UK claim Personal Independence Payments (PIP), the disability benefit which helps people to live more comfortably. PIP is currently the subject of a review, with the Government keen to cut the amount is spends in providing the benefit, currently worth up to £184 a week.
Data has revealed the most common reasons why people lodge claims for PIP. The number one reason is psychiatric disorders. There has been a huge rise in these claims over recent years, which can relate to anxiety and mood disorders, to the extent it was the most common reason for PIP claims as of October 2023.
At that time, there were over 1.2 million claims - over a third of the total. Other common reasons for claims include musculoskeletal and neurological diseases. In fact, the top five disorders or conditions make up 85% of the total.
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It means under the current system, people with these conditions or disorders are likely to be accepted for PIP. But changes could be on the way.
There have been suggestions the Government could tighten the requirements for accessing PIP and force applicants to provide more evidence before they can get cash. Qualifying thresholds could also be altered as part of the shake-up.
Most common reasons for claims
Below are the conditions which people most commonly claim Personal Independence Payment (PIP) for, according to the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). As of October 2023, these five conditions comprised over 85% of total claims.
Psychiatric disorders - This includes stress, anxiety, mood disorders, cognitive disorders, eating disorders and learning disabilities.
Musculoskeletal diseases (general) - This includes osteoarthritis, fracture complications, muscle pain and joint pain.
Neurological diseases - This includes epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, headaches, head injuries, cerebral palsy and neuropathy.
Musculoskeletal diseases (regional) - This includes disorders affecting specific body parts such as the shoulders, wrists and hands, neck, back, hips, knees, ankles and feet.
Respiratory diseases - This includes asthma, cystic fibrosis, pulmonary fibrosis and diseases of the upper respiratory tract.
