The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has confirmed 24 gastrointestinal conditions that could qualify people for Personal Independence Payment (PIP), with current statistics showing 40,458 active PIP claims linked to these conditions across the country.
PIP is not a single flat rate. Instead, it is divided into two parts based on how a claimant’s condition affects their independence. The daily living component covers the extra costs of managing everyday tasks, with a standard rate of £76.55 per week and an enhanced rate of £114.80. The mobility component addresses the challenges of getting around, with a base rate of £30.20 and an increased level of £80.10.
By qualifying for the enhanced daily living rate and a portion of the mobility support, eligible claimants can see their weekly total reach the £187 mark, totalling £748 per month.
DWP’s approach to PIP eligibility
The DWP currently identifies 25 gastro conditions as qualifying criteria, though officials emphasise that this list is not exhaustive. Rather than focusing on a specific diagnosis, the department assesses how the condition impacts the claimant’s quality of life and ability to complete daily routines.
This functional approach means that even if a condition is not on the published list, claimants may still be considered if their daily living or mobility needs are sufficiently affected.
Full list of gastrointestinal conditions named by the DWP
The DWP has published the following stomach and intestinal conditions and the number of qualifying PIP claims for each:
- Hiatus hernia / gastroesophageal reflux disease / reflux oesophagitis (1,537)
- Oesophageal varices (58)
- Oesophagus stomach and duodenum - Other diseases of / type not known (2,354)
- Peptic ulcer (gastric and duodenal)/gastritis (514)
- Coeliac disease (618)
- Small bowel - Other diseases of / type not known (1,925)
- Crohns disease (12,346)
- Ulcerative colitis (5,897)
- Colon - Other diseases of / type not known (641)
- Constipation (173)
- Diverticular disease / diverticulitis (2,845)
- Anorectal abscess (90)
- Fistula in anus (370)
- Haemorrhoids (118)
- Rectal prolapse (262)
- Rectum/anus - Other diseases of / type not known (438)
- Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) (3,288)
- Tumours of the gastrointestinal tract - benign (114)
- Hernia (2,123)
- Cleft lip (8)
- Cleft lip with cleft palate (117)
- Hirschprung Disease (99)
- Tracheo-oesophageal fistula/atresia (112)
- Attention to artificial opening colostomy/ileostomy/ stoma - no underlying diagnosis (1,574)
- Gastrointestinal tract - Other diseases of / type not known (2,844)
Impact on claimants
Crohn’s disease accounts for the largest number of claims among the listed conditions, with 12,346 active claims, followed by ulcerative colitis with 5,897 claims. Irritable bowel syndrome has 3,288 claims, and diverticular disease or diverticulitis has 2,845.
The DWP’s confirmation of these conditions provides clarity for individuals with gastrointestinal issues who may be considering a PIP application. Claimants are assessed on how their condition affects their daily living and mobility, rather than on the diagnosis alone, meaning that the actual impact on independence is the key factor in determining eligibility and the level of payment received.
