The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has identified 18 blood-related conditions among Personal Independence Payment (PIP) claims, with eligible claimants potentially receiving up to £748 every four weeks.
DWP data shows there are currently 10,014 PIP claims recorded across the 18 blood-condition categories. These figures follow the annual benefit increase, which saw PIP rates rise by 3.8% in April this year.
How PIP eligibility is assessed
Having one of these conditions does not automatically mean an individual will qualify for PIP. The benefit is assessed on how a person's condition affects their ability to carry out day-to-day activities and get around.
The DWP takes into account difficulties with tasks such as cooking, washing, managing medication and mobility, rather than simply considering a diagnosis. The condition must also have caused difficulties for a minimum of three months and be expected to persist for at least nine months.
The 18 blood-condition categories
The 18 blood-condition categories listed in the latest data are:
- Aplastic anaemia
- B12 (pernicious) or folate-deficiency anaemia
- Iron-deficiency anaemia
- Other anaemia or anaemia type not known
- Sickle cell anaemia
- Other haemolytic disorders or type not known
- Hereditary spherocytosis
- Thalassaemia
- Glucose 6 phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency
- Other metabolic red cell disorders or type not known
- Polycythaemia
- Other clotting disorders or type not known
- Haemophilia A
- Haemophilia B (Christmas disease)
- Von Willebrand's disease
- Autoimmune (idiopathic) thrombocytopaenic purpura (ITP)
- Other platelet disorders or type not known
- Blood disorders where the type is not known
Payment rates and eligibility
PIP is divided into two distinct components, a daily living component and a mobility component. The amount an individual receives is determined by the level of support they require.
The current standard daily living rate stands at £76.55 per week, while the enhanced rate is £114.80. The standard mobility rate is £30.20 per week, with the enhanced rate set at £80.10.
Those receiving the enhanced daily living rate alongside the relevant mobility payment could be entitled to as much as £187 a week, which is approximately £748 over a four-week period.
PIP is not means-tested, meaning that a person's income, savings or employment status play no part in determining whether they are eligible to claim. Instead, assessors focus on the practical impact of an individual's condition on their day-to-day life.
The DWP also makes clear that its list of 18 blood conditions is not definitive. Those living with a condition not included on the list may still be eligible if it causes sufficient difficulties with daily living or mobility.
These figures do not therefore guarantee that everyone with one of the listed blood conditions will receive £748 per month. Both eligibility and the amount awarded will depend entirely on an individual's personal circumstances and the extent to which their condition affects their ability to live independently.
