Thousands of Britons could be missing out on vital financial support from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) without realising they qualify for assistance. The DWP provides support for an extensive range of 48 health conditions that significantly impact daily living and mobility.
Understanding Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
Personal Independence Payment (PIP) is designed to help people with long-term physical or mental health conditions and disabilities. Unlike some benefits, PIP isn't means-tested, meaning your income and savings won't affect your eligibility. The support is available to those aged 16 to State Pension age who have difficulty with daily living activities, getting around, or both.
The Comprehensive List of Qualifying Conditions
The DWP recognises numerous health conditions that may qualify for support. While having one of these conditions doesn't automatically guarantee approval, it forms the basis for your claim assessment.
Mental Health Conditions
- Anxiety disorders
- Depression
- Bipolar disorder
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD)
- Personality disorders
- Schizophrenia
- Psychosis
- Cognitive disorders
- Dementia and Alzheimer's
- Learning disabilities
- Autism spectrum conditions
- Behavioural disorders
Physical Health Conditions
- Arthritis and joint problems
- Back pain and spinal conditions
- Heart disease and cardiovascular conditions
- Respiratory diseases including asthma and COPD
- Neurological conditions like epilepsy and multiple sclerosis
- Cancer and ongoing treatment
- Diabetes with complications
- Hearing and visual impairments
- Digestive disorders including Crohn's disease and colitis
- Skin conditions like severe eczema and psoriasis
- Musculoskeletal conditions
- Autoimmune diseases
How the Assessment Process Works
The DWP evaluates how your condition affects you, not the condition itself. Assessors consider your ability to carry out specific activities including:
- Daily living activities - preparing food, eating and drinking, managing treatments, washing and bathing, using the toilet, dressing and undressing, communicating, reading, and socialising
- Mobility activities - planning and following journeys, and moving around
Financial Support Available
Successful claimants can receive between £26.90 and £172.75 per week, depending on how their condition affects them. The payment consists of two components:
- Daily living component - for help with everyday tasks
- Mobility component - for help with getting around
Each component has standard and enhanced rates, depending on the level of help you need.
Taking the Next Steps
If you believe you may qualify for support, the first step is to contact the DWP to request a PIP claim form. You'll need to provide detailed information about how your condition affects your daily life, supported by medical evidence where possible.
Remember that many people successfully claim PIP even if they're working, as the benefit focuses on how your condition affects you rather than your employment status.
