Four DWP PIP claimant groups likely to receive ongoing £749 monthly awards

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has put proposed changes to Personal Independence Payment (PIP) on hold until a review of the eligibility and assessment process is completed. The Minister for Social Security and Disability, Sir Stephen Timms, will work alongside disabled groups and charities to conduct the review, which is expected to be finished by next Autumn.

The DWP has previously stated that over 1,000 new PIP awards are being issued daily, with the latest figures revealing there are now over 3.8 million claimants in England and Wales receiving between £29.20 and £187.45 every week.

The data also indicates that more than 1.5m (39%) of all 3.8m PIP claimants have been given an award of five years or longer. More than 58 per cent of people claiming PIP for a visual disease have a monthly award of up to £749 for five years or more.

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Over half of all claimants with general musculoskeletal conditions (50.8%) such as arthritis, muscle or joint pain, have received a longer award, along with 49.5 per cent of people with a neurological condition such as epilepsy, multiple sclerosis and muscular dystrophy.

For people considering submitting a fresh claim for PIP it's crucial to understand that award durations vary and can span from nine months to a decade, though DWP records only document awards lasting 'five years or longer', reports the Daily Record.

The latest PIP Handbook states that decision makers will determine PIP awards based on how a claimant's medical condition or disability affects their everyday life and capacity for independent living. It notes: "The length of award will be based upon each claimant's individual circumstances."

It's vital to recognise that DWP guidance also indicates most claimants will undergo regular award reviews, "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 set period of up to two years - the DWP states these awards won't be reviewed. Limited awards without review dates are provided where the claimant's medical condition might reasonably be anticipated to improve.

Ongoing awards with a ‘light touch’ review

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

The DWP guidance says: "These claimants would not usually be expected to have a face-to-face assessment at review."

PIP payments now range from £29.20 to £187.45 per week, equating to approximately £116.80 or £749.80 every four weeks. Over the financial year, those on the highest awards will receive an additional £9,747 in cash assistance.

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 important to understand that people with varying health conditions can be awarded PIP for up to five years or more. The award is determined by how the condition impacts the claimant.

The conditions listed below have the highest percentage rate of five-year or longer awards given to claimants at the end of July 2025.

Visual disease

58,539 claimants

38,112 claimants awarded a Light Touch review

65 per cent of claimants with an award of five years or longer

Musculoskeletal disease (general)

697,476 claimants

365,238 claimants awarded a Light Touch review

52 per cent of claimants with an award of five years or longer

Neurological disease

472,121 claimants

252,214 claimants awarded a Light Touch review

53.4 per cent of claimants with an award of five years or longer

Respiratory disease

137,957 claimants

66,647 claimants awarded a Light Touch review

48.3 per cent of claimants with an award of five years or longer

Autoimmune disease (connective tissue disorders)

19,921 claimants

9,310 claimants awarded a Light Touch review

46.7 per cent of claimants with an award of five years or longer

Musculoskeletal disease (regional)

440,684 claimants

202.317 claimants awarded a Light Touch review

46 per cent of claimants with an award of five years or longer

Total number of PIP claimants

3,744,671 claimants

1,631,688 claimants awarded a Light Touch review

44 per cent of claimants with an award of five years or longer

Below is a summary of PIP.

Who might be eligible for PIP?

To qualify 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.

Typically, you need to have resided in the UK for a minimum of two out of the last three years and be in the country when you apply.

In addition to the above, if your condition requires or will require help with any of the following, you should consider applying for PIP.

• eating, drinking or preparing food
• washing, bathing, using the toilet, managing incontinence
• dressing and undressing
• talking, listening, reading and understanding
• managing your medicines or treatments
• making decisions about money
• mixing with other people
• working out a route and following it
• physically moving around
• leaving your home

Different rules apply if you are terminally ill; these can be found on the GOV.UK website.

DWP will assess how difficult you find daily living and mobility tasks. For each task they will look at:

• 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 is PIP paid?

PIP is typically paid every four weeks unless you are terminally ill, in which case payments are made weekly. Payments will be directly deposited into your bank, building society, or credit union account.

PIP payment rates

An assessment is required to determine the level of financial aid you will receive, and your rate will be regularly reviewed to ensure you are receiving the appropriate support. Payments are made every four weeks.

PIP consists of two components:

• Daily living.
• Mobility.

Whether you receive one or both of these and the amount depends on the severity of your condition's impact on you.

You will be paid the following amounts per week depending on your circumstances:

Daily living

• Standard: £73.90
• Enhanced: £110.40

Mobility

• Standard: £29.20
• Enhanced: £77.05

How you are assessed

An independent healthcare professional will assess you to assist the DWP in determining the level of financial support, if any, you require for PIP.

Health-related benefits consultations are available face-to-face, via video calls, telephone and paper-based assessments - it's crucial to note that the health professional and DWP decide which type of assessment is most appropriate for each claimant. More information about DWP PIP assessments can be found here.

Wondering how to make a claim for PIP?

You can initiate a new claim by contacting the DWP, all the necessary information to apply can be found on the GOV.UK website here.

Before you ring, 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 time you've spent abroad, in a care home or hospital.