Fresh government statistics have shed light on which health conditions are most frequently associated with long-term Personal Independence Payment (PIP) awards, as the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) postpones planned changes to the benefit.
Long-Term Awards and the Timms Review
The DWP has halted proposed reforms to PIP pending a major review of eligibility and assessment processes. This 'Timms Review', led by Minister for Social Security and Disability Sir Stephen Timms alongside disability charities, is expected to report its findings by Autumn 2026.
Current data shows that 3.9 million people in England and Wales receive PIP, with weekly payments ranging from £29.20 to £187.45. Crucially, nearly 1.8 million claimants (45%) have been granted an award lasting five years or more.
Conditions with the Highest Rates of Long-Term Awards
The DWP's October 2025 figures highlight six specific health categories where claimants have the greatest likelihood of securing a PIP award for five years or longer.
Visual impairments top the list, with a significant 67% of related claimants receiving the longer-term award, equating to 40,429 individuals. This typically means a monthly payment of up to £749.
Following closely are claimants with neurological conditions, such as epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, and muscular dystrophy. Here, 49.5% (269,675 people) have awards of five years or more.
For those with general musculoskeletal diseases, like arthritis, the rate is 50.8% (215,978 claimants). Meanwhile, respiratory diseases see 50% (70,700 people) on long-term awards, and autoimmune or connective tissue disorders have a rate of 48% (10,031 claimants).
Finally, regional musculoskeletal diseases show 46% of claimants receiving the longer award duration.
How PIP Awards and Reviews Work
PIP award lengths are decided on an individual basis, ranging from as little as nine months up to a maximum of ten years. The DWP's guidance states that decision makers base the length on how a claimant's condition affects their daily life and independence.
It is important to note that most awards are subject to regular reviews, regardless of their length, to ensure the support level remains appropriate. However, fixed-term awards of up to two years, given when a condition is expected to improve, do not face reviews.
Some claimants may be given a 'light touch' review. This typically applies to those with very stable needs unlikely to change, those with high-level needs expected to stay the same or worsen, or those whose review date coincides with State Pension age.
The benefit is paid every four weeks directly into a bank account. The maximum weekly amount of £187.45 is for those who qualify for the enhanced rate of both the daily living and mobility components, providing nearly £9,750 in additional support per year.
Eligibility and Applying for PIP
To claim PIP, you must have a health condition or disability causing difficulties with daily living or mobility that you have experienced for three months and expect to last at least nine more months. You usually need to have been living in the UK for two of the last three years.
The assessment considers tasks like eating, washing, dressing, managing medication, making financial decisions, socialising, and moving around. The DWP evaluates how safely you can do an activity, how long it takes, how often your condition affects it, and if you need help from a person or equipment.
Applications can be started via the DWP. Before calling, have your contact details, National Insurance number, bank details, and your doctor's information ready. Assessments may be conducted face-to-face, by video call, telephone, or on paper, as determined by the DWP and an independent health professional.
