The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has put its planned changes to Personal Independence Payment (PIP) on hold while a thorough review — known as the Timms Review — takes place. This review, led by Minister for Social Security and Disability Sir Stephen Timms and supported by disability groups and charities, is expected to conclude by next autumn.
In the meantime, new DWP statistics reveal that out of 3.9 million PIP claimants in England and Wales, around 1.8 million (or 45%) currently receive long-term awards lasting five years or more. Certain health conditions are more likely to result in longer-term awards based on how they impact everyday life.
Overview
PIP offers financial support to people who struggle with daily activities or mobility due to a health condition or disability. Payments can range from £29.20 to £187.45 per week, with the highest rate providing around £749.80 every four weeks — equal to £9,747 per year.
Award lengths vary depending on individual circumstances, from short-term support lasting less than two years to long-term awards of five years or more. In some cases, an “ongoing award” is granted with a light touch review every 10 years or more.
Conditions
DWP data highlights several health conditions with the highest percentage of claimants receiving five-year awards or longer. Here are the six main conditions that stand out:
| Condition | Claimants with 5-Year Awards | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| Visual disease | 40,429 | 67% |
| Neurological disease | 269,675 | 55% |
| Respiratory disease | 70,700 | 50% |
| Musculoskeletal disease (regional) | 215,978 | 46% |
| Autoimmune disease (connective tissue issues) | 10,031 | 48% |
| Musculoskeletal disease (general) | 215,978 | 29% |
These figures show that individuals with stable or degenerative conditions are more likely to qualify for longer-term awards due to the unlikely prospect of significant improvement.
Duration
PIP awards can range from nine months up to 10 years or longer. The DWP decides how long an award should last based on:
- The severity of your condition
- How it impacts your daily life and mobility
- Whether it’s expected to improve over time
For conditions likely to improve, the DWP might issue limited term awards lasting up to two years, which aren’t usually reviewed.
For stable or worsening conditions, a longer or ongoing award may be issued, followed by a light touch review, especially for those approaching State Pension age or claiming under special end-of-life rules.
Eligibility
To be eligible for PIP, you must:
- Have difficulties with daily living or mobility, or both
- Have had these difficulties for at least three months
- Expect them to continue for at least nine months
- Have lived in the UK for at least two of the last three years
- Be present in the UK when applying
PIP is not based on your diagnosis alone — it focuses on how your condition affects your ability to function independently.
Daily Living and Mobility
The DWP considers whether you need help with the following activities:
- Eating, drinking or preparing food
- Washing, bathing, and using the toilet
- Dressing and undressing
- Reading, understanding, talking or listening
- Taking medication or managing treatment
- Managing finances
- Social interaction and mixing with others
- Navigating routes and physically moving around
- Leaving the house
When assessing you, the DWP looks at how safely and independently you can carry out these tasks, how long it takes, how frequently you’re affected, and whether you need support from a person or assistive equipment.
Payment Rates
PIP is made up of two components — Daily Living and Mobility — and you may qualify for one or both.
| Component | Standard Weekly Rate | Enhanced Weekly Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Daily Living | £73.90 | £110.40 |
| Mobility | £29.20 | £77.05 |
Payments are made every four weeks, except for terminally ill claimants, who are paid weekly. All payments are deposited directly into your bank, building society, or credit union account.
Assessments
Before getting PIP, you’ll be assessed by an independent healthcare professional. This can be done:
- In person (face-to-face)
- Over the phone
- Via video call
- Through a paper-based review
The DWP decides which format applies to your case. The goal is to assess the level of support you require.
How to Apply
To apply for PIP, you must contact the DWP. The easiest way is by phone, and all the details are listed on the GOV.UK website.
Before you call, gather this information:
- Your contact details and date of birth
- Your National Insurance number
- Your bank or building society account number and sort code
- Contact info for your doctor or other healthcare providers
- Dates and locations of any time spent abroad, in a hospital or care home
Once you apply, you’ll be sent a form to describe how your condition affects you, followed by the assessment stage.
Whether you receive a short-term or long-term award, PIP can provide significant support — and knowing your condition and how it’s reviewed can help you prepare for the application process or manage your current award more effectively.
FAQs
Which condition has the most 5-year awards?
Visual disease tops the list with 67% of claimants getting long-term awards.
How much is the highest PIP monthly payment?
£749.80 per month for claimants on both enhanced rates.
Can PIP awards last 10 years?
Yes, some stable conditions receive ongoing awards with light reviews.
Do all claimants get reviewed?
Yes, most awards are reviewed to ensure the correct support level.
Is PIP affected by income or savings?
No, PIP is not means-tested and isn’t affected by savings or income.
