Newly released government statistics have laid bare the five most common health conditions that lead to successful claims for Personal Independence Payment (PIP), a vital benefit for those living with long-term illness or disability.
How PIP Assessment Works
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) assesses claimants not on a prescribed list of medical diagnoses, but on how their condition impacts their daily life and mobility. This means eligibility hinges on the practical challenges faced, rather than the name of the illness itself.
PIP is split into two components: a daily living part and a mobility part. Each component has standard and enhanced rates. The weekly standard rate for daily living is £73.90, rising to £110.40 for the enhanced rate. For mobility, the standard rate is £29.20 per week, with an enhanced rate of £77.05.
This means a claimant receiving the highest level of both components could get £187.45 per week, equivalent to around £778 per month.
The Five Most Common Qualifying Conditions
Data published by the DWP for the period up to October 2025 shows a clear picture of the primary health issues affecting claimants across England and Wales.
Psychiatric disorders, encompassing a range of mental health conditions, are by far the most prevalent, accounting for a substantial 39% of all claims.
This is followed by musculoskeletal conditions, which are split into general (19% of claims) and regional (12% of claims) categories. Neurological diseases make up 13% of claims, while respiratory conditions account for 4%.
In the three months leading to the end of October 2025, approximately 210,000 new claims for PIP were registered. Of these, around 170,000 applications reached a decision, being either awarded, withdrawn, or disallowed.
Understanding PIP Awards and Reviews
PIP is not typically a lifelong award without review. Payments are usually granted for a fixed period, ranging from nine months up to ten years, after which a reassessment is required.
It is crucial for claimants to inform the DWP if their condition significantly improves or deteriorates, as this can affect the level of award. There is a special provision for those who are terminally ill, who normally receive PIP automatically without a face-to-face assessment and are awarded for a three-year period.
The benefit is available to individuals aged 16 or over but under the State Pension age. Current figures show 3.9 million people in England and Wales are now entitled to PIP, marking a 1% increase since July.
If you are already claiming PIP when you reach State Pension age, your payments will generally continue. You may also be eligible to make a new claim at State Pension age if you were eligible for PIP within the preceding 12 months.
