Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) caseload statistics confirm 45 cancer conditions could qualify for Personal Independence Payment (PIP). The data shows there are currently 131,386 claims for various cancer conditions out of a total of 1,232,164 PIP claims for conditions that could make claimants eligible for the regular support payment.
PIP is available to people who need extra help with daily living tasks because of an illness, disability or mental health condition. Claims can be made whether or not the claimant receives help from anyone else. There is no requirement to have worked or paid National Insurance, and eligibility is not affected by income, savings or employment status.
Eligibility criteria for PIP claims
To qualify for PIP, applicants must find it hard to do everyday tasks or get around because of a physical or mental health condition. These difficulties must have lasted at least 3 months and be expected to continue for at least another 9 months. The DWP advises claimants not to wait to see if their condition improves before applying.
PIP cannot be backdated, meaning claimants will not receive money for any period before they made their claim. Those unsure about how long their difficulties might last are encouraged to speak to a healthcare professional. Applicants must be living in England or Wales when they apply, unless they or a close family member are in the armed forces.
Full list of cancer conditions linked to PIP
The DWP caseload statistics break down the number of PIP claims for each cancer condition. The largest category is breast cancer, with 30,622 claims. Bowel, colon, rectum and anus cancer accounts for 12,435 claims, while lung cancers (other) total 11,982.
Other significant categories include cancers of other or unknown type at 9,432 claims, prostate cancer at 7,155, and brain and spinal cord cancer at 7,027. Non-Hodgkin lymphoma accounts for 4,728 claims, myeloma for 4,206, and kidney cancer for 3,119.
The full list of 45 conditions includes: bowel (colon, rectum, anus) cancer (12,435), gastrointestinal tract other cancers (2,377), liver cancer (1,380), mouth/tongue cancer (2,338), oesophagus cancer (2,636), pancreas cancer (1,790), stomach cancer (900), bronchus cancer (17), larynx cancer (877), lung cancers other (11,982), mesothelioma (321), respiratory tract other cancers (611), bladder cancer (2,268), cervix cancer (1,829), endometrium (uterus/womb) cancer (1,641), genitourinary tract other cancers (876), kidney cancer (3,119), ovary cancer (2,643), prostate cancer (7,155), testicle cancer (602), Wilms tumour (10), haematological system other cancers (1,966), Hodgkin's lymphoma (2,452), acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (860), chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (1,184), acute myelogenous (myeloid) leukaemia (1,097), chronic myeloid leukaemia (1,193), other/unknown leukaemias (1,567), myeloma (4,206), non-Hodgkin lymphoma (4,728), melanoma (2,026), other/unknown skin cancers (1,342), brain and spinal cord cancer (7,027), angiosarcoma (30), other/unknown bone cancers (1,075), chondrosarcoma (221), Ewing's sarcoma (253), fibrosarcoma (51), malignant giant cell tumour (104), osteosarcoma (404), breast cancer (30,622), other/unknown cancers (9,432), neuroblastoma (125), primary cancer of unknown site (590), and other/unknown sarcomas (1,038).
How to apply for PIP
Claimants can apply for PIP regardless of whether they receive help from others, and there is no need to have paid National Insurance. The application process requires demonstrating that daily living or mobility tasks are difficult due to a health condition.
Given that PIP cannot be backdated, the DWP encourages early claims. Those considering applying should consult a healthcare professional if they are uncertain about the expected duration of their difficulties. The full list of cancer conditions and associated claim numbers is based on DWP caseload statistics.
