New figures from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) show that more than 3.5 million people across Great Britain are now claiming Personal Independence Payment (PIP). The record-breaking statistics exclude those in Scotland who have moved to Adult Disability Payment (ADP). Some 172,954 Scots still receive PIP, while 254,365 receive ADP, with the transfer expected to complete by the end of next year.
In the three months to April, 250,000 new PIP claims were registered in England and Wales—the highest level since the benefit's introduction in 2013. Just over one in three cases (36%) received the highest award of £737.20 every four weeks. PIP and ADP support over 500 health conditions, with awards ranging from £28.70 to £184.30 per week (£114.80 to £737.20 every four weeks).
Successful claims can also lead to additional support for housing costs, Council Tax, other benefits, and reduced public transport fares. The DWP lists main disability categories under which 547 conditions fall, though the list is not definitive and includes an 'unknown' category.
Eligibility requires a health condition or disability affecting daily living or mobility, and typically living in the UK for at least two of the last three years. Assessments consider how difficult tasks are, and payments are made every four weeks (weekly for terminal illness). ADP assessments avoid face-to-face meetings unless preferred, while PIP may use video, phone, or paper assessments.
New PIP claims can be made via the DWP, while ADP applications are handled by Social Security Scotland. The benefit rates and criteria remain largely the same between the two systems.
