New Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) figures show more than 1.5 million Personal Independence Payment (PIP) claimants in England and Wales—39% of the total—have been awarded payments for five years or longer. The latest data, covering claims up to the end of July 2026, also reveals which health conditions are most likely to receive these longer awards.
Conditions with the highest five-year award rates
More than half of claimants with general musculoskeletal conditions (50.8%), such as arthritis, muscle or joint pain, have been given a longer award, along with 49.5% of people with a neurological condition including epilepsy, multiple sclerosis and muscular dystrophy. Over 58% of people claiming PIP for a visual condition are awarded the higher rates for over five years.
The DWP data lists the following conditions with the highest percentage of five-year or longer awards: visual disease (60,360 total claimants, 34,692 with five-year awards), musculoskeletal disease general (740,225 total, 34,434 with five-year awards), neurological disease (494,817 total, 230,412 with five-year awards), respiratory disease (141,072 total, 64,835 with five-year awards), autoimmune disease connective tissue disorders (21,082 total, 8,697 with five-year awards), and musculoskeletal disease regional (469,641 total, 185,916 with five-year awards).
PIP awards and reviews explained
PIP awards are usually issued for a fixed period rather than for life, with most claimants facing a review before their payments end. Awards can last between nine months and up to 10 years, although DWP data only records awards given up to 'five years or longer'.
The DWP guidance on GOV.UK explains that the decision maker will consider an award 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."
Most claimants will have their award regularly reviewed, "regardless of the length of the award" to ensure "everyone continues to receive the most appropriate level of support". Some claimants will be given a limited term award for a fixed period of up to two years, which will not be reviewed, typically where the claimant's health condition may be reasonably expected to improve.
Ongoing awards with 'light touch' review
A 'light touch' review is typically awarded to claimants with very stable needs 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, or a special rules for end of life claim due when of State Pension age. The DWP guidance states: "These claimants would not usually be expected to have a face-to-face assessment at review."
Proposed changes to PIP have been put on hold until a review of the eligibility and assessment process has been completed. Minister for Social Security and Disability, Sir Stephen Timms, will co-produce the review with disabled groups and charities, which is expected to be completed this autumn.
PIP and ADP eligibility and rates
There are now 4.1 million PIP claimants in England and Wales receiving between £30.30 and £194.60 every week. Adult Disability Payment (ADP) has replaced PIP for all new and existing claimants living in Scotland, with over 510,000 people receiving additional financial support through ADP, according to Social Security Scotland.
To be eligible 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 and 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.
PIP and ADP are usually paid every four weeks unless you are terminally ill, in which case it is paid weekly. The payments are made up of two components: daily living and mobility. Weekly rates are £76.70 (standard daily living), £114.60 (enhanced daily living), £30.30 (standard mobility) and £80.00 (enhanced mobility).
For PIP, you will be assessed by an independent healthcare professional to help the DWP determine the level of financial support you need. Face-to-face consultations are offered alongside video calls, telephone and paper-based assessments. Adult Disability Payment assessments will not involve face-to-face assessments unless this is preferred by the claimant.
New claims for PIP can be made by contacting the DWP, and for ADP by contacting Social Security Scotland on 0800 182 2222 or visiting mygov.scot.
