The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has confirmed that a range of gastrointestinal conditions could qualify claimants for Personal Independence Payment (PIP), with weekly rates reaching up to £194.90. Among the conditions listed, Crohn’s disease accounts for the highest number of active PIP claims at 12,346, followed by ulcerative colitis at 5,897 and irritable bowel syndrome at 3,288.
PIP payment rates and eligibility
PIP is claimed by 4 million people and helps with extra living costs for those with long-term physical or mental health conditions that cause challenges with everyday tasks or getting around. The benefit is made up of two components: daily living, which pays £76.55 a week at the standard rate or £114.80 at the enhanced rate, and mobility, which pays £30.20 a week at the standard rate or £80.10 at the enhanced rate.
An individual receiving both enhanced rates would receive £194.90 per week, totalling £779.60 every four weeks, according to the Labour Party government website. The DWP assesses how difficult claimants find specific tasks, including preparing food, managing medicines, washing, dressing, socialising and handling money.
Mobility assessment and end-of-life rules
Mobility assessments consider a person’s ability to plan journeys, follow routes and physically move around. Individuals must experience difficulties on more than half of days over 12 months to be eligible. People nearing the end of life automatically qualify for the daily living component and may also receive mobility support depending on their needs.
The DWP has published the full list of gastrointestinal conditions with active PIP claims, which includes diverticular disease or diverticulitis (2,845 claims), other GI tract conditions (2,844), oesophagus, stomach and duodenum disorders (2,354), and hernia (2,123).
Full list of gastrointestinal conditions with active PIP claims
According to the DWP, the complete list of gastrointestinal conditions with active PIP claims is as follows:
- 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
