Yahoo News Six health conditions that mean you can claim up to £737 a month
A new release of data from the Department for Work and Drugs (DWP) shows that nearly 1.5 million people, equivalent to 42.4% of the 3.5 million recipients, currently benefit from a Personal Independence Payment (PIP) award duration of at least five years.
Statistics up to the end of April show around 1,501,215 are receiving continuous support due to disabilities, long-term illnesses or mental and physical health conditions. Amongst these are claimants with visual impairments, who account for over 58%, enjoying benefits potentially up to £737.20 a month for periods extending over half a decade.
Furthermore, those enduring general musculoskeletal disorders such as arthritis or other muscle/joint pains often received a definition that's classified as long-term. This aligns with findings amongst neurological disease sufferers, where 49.5% had been afforded an extended stay on PIP.
Important for those considering applying for PIP, or its Scottish counterpart, Adult Disability Payment (ADP), is the variance in award lengths which can range from nine months to an incredible 10 years, with this DWP disclosure only addressing durations deemed 'five years or longer'.
Officials have articulated within the 2024 PIP Handbook, that the rationale behind each PIP decision hinges on the severity and impact of the claimants condition on their everyday life and autonomy. An excerpt elucidates: "The length of award will be based upon each claimant's individual circumstances.", reports the Daily Record.
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has released new guidelines indicating that most claimants will undergo regular reviews of their awards, "regardless of the length of the award", to ensure they continue to receive the correct level of support, as reported by the Daily Record.
Some individuals may receive a limited-term award for a set period of up to two years - these particular awards will not be subject to review, according to the DWP. Limited awards without a review date are allocated when it's anticipated that the claimant's health condition might improve.
Ongoing awards with a 'light touch' review.
Claimants who meet certain criteria may be eligible for a 'light touch' review:.
The DWP's guidance clarifies: "These claimants would not usually be expected to have a face-to-face assessment at review."
Those who successfully apply for Personal Independence Payment (PIP) or Attendance Allowance Disability Payment (ADP) could now receive between £28.70 and £184.30 weekly, providing additional financial assistance. Since the benefit is disbursed every four weeks, recipients get between £114.80 and £737.20 each payment cycle.
Six conditions with PIP award of five years or longer.
It's crucial to recognise that individuals with various health conditions may be granted PIP for durations of five years or more, depending on how their condition impacts them.
The following conditions have seen the highest rates of claimants receiving awards for five years or longer as of the end of April 2024.
Six conditions with PIP award of five years or longer
It's important to note that people with different 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 2024.
Condition | Total Claimants | 5-Year+ Awards | % |
Visual disease | 59,085 | 34,692 | 58.7% |
Musculoskeletal disease (general) | 672,201 | 341,434 | 50.8% |
Neurological disease | 465,187 | 230,412 | 49.5% |
Respiratory disease | 138,003 | 64,835 | 46.9% |
Autoimmune disease (connective tissue disorders) | 19,240 | 8,697 | 45.2% |
Musculoskeletal disease (regional) | 416,878 | 185,916 | 44.6% |
Total number of PIP claimants | 3,544,042 | 1,501,215 | 42.4% |
Below is a brief overview of PIP and ADP. Although new claims for PIP have been replaced in Scotland by ADP, the eligibility criteria remain largely the same.
Comprehensive guidance on ADP can be found on the MYGOV. SCOT website.
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 typically need to have resided in the UK for at least two of the past three years and be in the country when you apply.
In addition to what was outlined above, if you receive or require assistance with any of the following due to your condition, you should consider applying for PIP or ADP.
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
There are different rules if you are terminally ill, which can be found on the GOV. UK website.
The DWP will assess how challenging you find daily living and mobility tasks. For each task they will examine:
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 payments are made directly into your bank, building society or credit union account.
ADP is paid at the same rates as PIP.
PIP and ADP payment rates for 2024/25.
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 getting the right support. Payments are made every four weeks.
PIP consists of two components: Daily living and Mobility
Whether you get one or both of these and how much you get depends on how severely your condition affects you.
The following amounts will be paid per week depending on your circumstances:.
Daily living.
Standard rate: £72.65.
Enhanced rate: £108.55.
Mobility.
Standard rate: £28.70.
Enhanced rate: £75.75.
How you are assessed.
You'll be assessed by an independent healthcare professional 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 offered alongside video calls, telephone and paper-based assessments - it's important to be aware that the health professional and DWP determine which type of assessment is best suited for each claimant. You can find out more about DWP PIP assessments here.
Adult Disability Payment assessments will not involve face-to-face assessments unless this is preferred by the claimant - find out more about the changes here.
How do you apply for PIP?
To make a new claim, get in touch with the DWP. All the necessary information 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.
