The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has confirmed that 25 gastrointestinal conditions could qualify individuals for Personal Independence Payment (PIP). According to the latest DWP caseload statistics, there are currently 40,458 active PIP claims linked to gastrointestinal conditions across Great Britain.
PIP is a benefit designed for people under State Pension age who require assistance with daily activities or mobility due to a long-term illness or disability. The benefit is not based on National Insurance contributions and is not means-tested, meaning savings do not affect eligibility. Recipients have the freedom to spend PIP on whatever they need.
Eligibility and Components
For those who have reached State Pension age and are claiming for the first time, Attendance Allowance should be claimed instead. The amount of PIP a person can receive depends on the difficulty they face in performing certain tasks, such as preparing food, dressing, or getting around.
PIP consists of two components: a daily living component and a mobility component. Claimants may be eligible for one or both components, depending on their circumstances.
List of Gastrointestinal Conditions with Active PIP Claims
The DWP data lists the following 25 conditions, along with the number of active PIP claims for each:
- Crohn’s disease — 12,346
- Ulcerative colitis — 5,897
- Irritable bowel syndrome — 3,288
- Diverticular disease / diverticulitis — 2,845
- Other 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 & 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 figures represent active claims as of the latest data release, providing a clear picture of the prevalence of these conditions among PIP claimants.
