The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has confirmed 24 gastrointestinal conditions that could make Britons eligible for Personal Independence Payment (PIP). Latest DWP caseload figures show there are currently 40,458 active PIP claims linked to these conditions across the country.
How PIP works
PIP is designed to assist adults under State Pension age who face daily living or mobility challenges due to a long-term illness, health condition, or disability. The benefit is non-means-tested, meaning income and savings do not affect what is received, and it is not tied to National Insurance contributions.
How much a claimant receives depends entirely on the impact the condition has on their daily routine, such as preparing food, dressing, or moving around. PIP is split into two components: the Daily Living component supports those who need help with tasks like preparing or eating food, washing, dressing, communicating, or managing medication. The Mobility component is aimed at claimants who face significant challenges getting around, whether that involves physical movement difficulties, planning journeys, or leaving the house independently.
The 24 qualifying conditions
Depending on severity, individuals may qualify for one or both parts of the benefit. Each component is awarded at either a standard or enhanced rate based on a formal assessment. Payments range from £121.20 to £778.40 every four weeks, depending on the rates awarded.
DWP caseload statistics highlight 24 specific digestive system conditions currently receiving PIP support:
- Crohn's disease - 12,346
- Ulcerative colitis - 5,897
- Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) - 3,288
- Diverticular disease/diverticulitis - 2,845
- Other gastrointestinal (GI) tract conditions (NEC) - 2,844
- Oesophagus, stomach & duodenum disorders (NEC) - 2,354
- Hernia - 2,123
- Small bowel conditions - 1,925
- Attention to artificial openings (colostomy, ileostomy, stoma) - 1,574
- Hiatus hernia & reflux conditions - 1,537
- Coeliac disease - 618
- Peptic ulcer - 514
- Other rectal and anal conditions - 438
- Fistula in anus - 370
- Rectal prolapse - 262
- Constipation - 173
- Haemorrhoids - 118
- Cleft lip with cleft palate - 117
- Benign GI tumours - 114
- Tracheo-oesophageal fistula - 112
- Hirschsprung disease - 99
- Anorectal abscess - 90
- Oesophageal varices - 58
- Cleft lip - 8
These conditions include common issues like IBS, Crohn's disease, and ulcerative colitis, as well as rarer conditions. The figures reflect the number of active PIP claims for each condition, indicating the scale of support provided.
