Brits with high blood pressure may be able to claim Personal Independence Payment (PIP) if certain eligibility criteria are met, according to the latest official figures from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).
High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is very common, particularly in older adults, and "can lead to serious problems like heart attacks or strokes", the NHS website explains. "There are usually no symptoms, so you may not realise you have it," it adds. However, in severe cases it can cause symptoms including headaches, blurred vision, chest pain, and have considerable impacts on your ability to look after yourself.
If wider impacts of the condition or treatment are affecting your daily life or mobility, you may be able to get support through PIP. PIP is a benefit that can help with extra living costs if you have both a long-term physical or mental health condition or disability, and difficulty doing certain everyday tasks or getting around because of your condition, the GOV.UK website explains.
How much is PIP worth?
There are two parts you can apply for: daily living and mobility. The former is based on whether you're able to do a range of household tasks like washing and cooking, and the latter is based on your mobility and travel requirements. It's available to people 16 and over and under State Pension age.
You'll continue getting it beyond that point if you have an approved claim, but you generally can't make a new claim after reaching State Pension age. For the daily living part, the lower rate is £76.70 per week, while the enhanced rate is £114.60 per week.
For the mobility part, the lower rate is £30.30 per week, and the enhanced rate is £80. That would mean you'd get £194.60 per week in total if you meet the eligibility for the higher rate in both England and Wales. The enhanced rate for both parts comes to £778.40 every four weeks, which is when the benefit is paid.
What about Scotland and Northern Ireland?
Northern Ireland has PIP, and though it's a devolved matter, the rules largely run in parallel with those in the rest of the UK. PIP has been replaced with the Adult Disability Payment (ADP) in Scotland, though it also has most of the same eligibility criteria.
How to claim PIP for hypertension
You can be approved for PIP due to the impact of a wide range of health conditions, including hypertension. According to DWP figures, there were 1,684 cases where hypertension was listed as the primary disabling condition for people with PIP entitlement awarded both the daily living component and the mobility component at the enhanced rate as of July 31, 2026.
However, it's important to note that a diagnosis does not automatically unlock the support, and a successful claim will depend on it being established that the effect on your daily life and mobility makes you eligible for it. This assessment is made by the DWP, informed by independent medical advice. The department will do follow-up reviews of your eligibility, and you're required to inform them if your condition improves.
You can find out more about eligibility and how the benefit works on the GOV.UK website.
