The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has confirmed the full list of 40 mental health conditions that can qualify for Personal Independence Payment (PIP), with successful claimants able to receive up to £748 per month. The benefit, currently claimed by around 4 million people across the UK, is designed to help cover the extra costs associated with long-term physical or mental health conditions or disabilities.
How much can you get from PIP?
PIP is split into two components. The daily living component, worth between £76.55 and £114.80 per week, helps with the extra costs of managing everyday tasks. The mobility component, worth between £30.20 and £80.10 per week, assists with the challenges of getting around. By qualifying for the enhanced rate of both components, claimants can receive up to £194.90 per week, which works out at roughly £748 per month.
According to the benefits advice website Benefits and Work, the DWP records every successful PIP claim under one of over 500 different health conditions, depending on which one they consider to be the claimant's main source of points. However, they warn that the DWP uses some fairly odd and unpredictable terms. For example, those looking for epilepsy will need to search for seizures, and there is no listing for depression – instead, it is recorded as depressive disorders.
Full list of 40 mental health conditions
The DWP's list of mental health conditions that can qualify for PIP includes the following 40 conditions:
- Personality disorder
- Specific learning disorder (dyslexia / dyspraxia / other / type not known)
- Speech or language disorder
- Post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Stress reaction disorders (Other / type not known)
- Agoraphobia
- Anxiety disorders (Other / type not known)
- Generalised anxiety disorder
- Panic disorder
- Phobia (Social / Specific)
- Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD)
- Anxiety and depressive disorders (Mixed)
- Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD)
- Conversion disorder (hysteria)
- Dissociative disorders (Other / type not known)
- Somatoform disorders (Other / type not known)
- Bipolar affective disorder (Hypomania / Mania)
- Depressive disorder
- Mood disorders (Other / type not known)
- Psychotic disorders (Other / type not known)
- Schizophrenia
- Cognitive disorders (due to stroke / other / type not known)
- Dementia
- Anorexia nervosa
- Bulimia nervosa
- Eating disorders not otherwise specified (EDNOS)
- Substance misuse disorders (alcohol or drug)
- Factitious disorders (Other / type not known)
- Munchausen syndrome
- Down's syndrome
- Fragile X syndrome
- Learning disability (Other / type not known)
- Asperger syndrome
- Autism
- Retts disorder
- ADHD / ADD
- Conduct disorder (including oppositional defiant disorder)
- Bedwetting (enuresis)
- Faecal soiling (encopresis)
- Psychiatric disorders of childhood (Other / type not known)
How to claim PIP
To claim PIP, individuals must contact the DWP directly. The application process involves filling out a detailed form that assesses how your condition affects your daily living and mobility needs. You may also be asked to attend a face-to-face assessment with a health professional. It is important to provide as much evidence as possible about your condition and how it impacts your life.
PIP is not means-tested, so it is available regardless of your income or savings. The benefit is also tax-free and can be claimed whether you are in or out of work. If you think you might qualify, it is worth applying, as many people with mental health conditions may be entitled to support they are not currently receiving.
