The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has officially confirmed the complete list of ten autoimmune diseases that may qualify individuals for Personal Independence Payments (PIP). These conditions include autoimmune disease, polymyalgia rheumatica, and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). According to the DWP, a total of 21,082 people are currently receiving this disability benefit due to these ten autoimmune diseases.
What is Personal Independence Payment?
Personal Independence Payment (PIP) is a disability benefit designed for individuals with long-term physical or mental health conditions, disabilities, or learning difficulties. It provides financial support for those who require assistance with daily living tasks, particularly people of State Pension age who wish to maintain their independence at home.
PIP is not a flat-rate payment. Instead, it is divided into two components based on how a claimant's condition affects their independence. Whether you receive one or both parts, and the amount you receive, depends on the difficulty you face with everyday tasks and getting around.
Daily Living Component
The daily living component covers the extra costs associated with managing everyday tasks. The standard rate is £76.55 per week, while the enhanced rate is £114.80. You may be eligible if you need help with activities such as preparing food, using the toilet, washing, eating, and drinking.
Mobility Component
The mobility component addresses challenges related to getting around. The base rate is £30.20 per week, with an increased rate of £80.10. You may qualify if you need assistance with physically moving around or leaving your home.
By qualifying for the enhanced daily living rate and a portion of the mobility support, eligible claimants can see their weekly total reach £187, amounting to £748 per month.
Claimant Data and Award Details
The current edition of the PIP Handbook explains that a decision maker will award PIP based on the impact of the claimant's health condition or disability on their daily life and ability to live independently. The handbook states: "The length of award will be based upon each claimant's individual circumstances." It is important to note that the DWP also advises that 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.
As of January 2026, the total number of claimants for autoimmune diseases was 21,082, according to the latest DWP data. Below is the full list of qualifying autoimmune diseases published by the DWP, along with the number of claims for each condition:
- Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) - 8,247
- Autoimmune disease - Other / type not known - 3,679
- Polymyalgia rheumatica - 2,825
- Sjogren's syndrome - 1,474
- Vasculitis - Other / type not known - 1,440
- Systemic sclerosis (scleroderma) - 1,199
- Antiphospholipid syndrome - 1,181
- Behcet's disease - 739
- Temporal (giant cell) arteritis (Headache) - 176
- Polyarteritis nodosa - 118
