The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has confirmed the full list of 62 eye and ear conditions that qualify for Personal Independence Payment (PIP), a move that comes as Prime Minister Andy Burnham vows to "get serious" with the welfare bill. The list, which expands on the previously recognised 59 conditions, is central to the ongoing Timms Review, which aims to ensure PIP remains fair, effective, and sustainable for those facing extra disability costs.
PIP payment rates and components
PIP is available in two components: daily living and mobility. For the daily living component, the standard rate is £76.55 per week, while the enhanced rate provides £114.80. The mobility component, which addresses challenges with getting around, has a base rate of £30.20 and an increased level of £80.10 per week. These rates are crucial for many claimants who rely on the benefit to cover additional costs associated with their conditions.
The Timms Review, co-chaired by Sir Stephen Timms MP, Sharon Brennan, and Dr Clenton Farquharson CBE, published its interim findings in July 2026. The report highlighted that PIP suffers from "deep-rooted, systematic problems" and an "onerous application process." The final recommendations are expected to be delivered to the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions in autumn 2026, with no immediate benefit changes enacted before then.
Complete list of qualifying eye conditions
The DWP's list of eye conditions that qualify for PIP includes a wide range of ailments, from common refractive errors to more severe conditions like cortical blindness. Each condition is accompanied by the number of claimants currently receiving PIP for that specific diagnosis. For instance, cortical blindness has 9,322 claimants, while vision-related diseases not otherwise specified account for 13,255 claimants. Other notable eye conditions include:
- Conjunctiva cornea eyelids - 1,298
- Lacrimal apparatus - 1,298
- Corneal ulceration - 95
- Entropion - 7
- Herpes zoster - ophthalmic - 19
- Keratitis - 110
- Keratoconus - 1,363
- Orbital cellulitis - 9
- Ptosis - 35
- Scleritis - 37
- Anterior Uveitis (iritis) - 242
- Chorioretinal disorders - Other / type not known - 392
- Posterior (choroiditis) - 62
- Glaucoma - 4,094
- Eyes - Injuries to - 592
- Posterior vitreous detachment - 38
- Vitreous disease - Other / type not known - 119
- Vitreous haemorrhage - 115
- Diabetic retinopathy - 1,996
- Hypertensive retinopathy - 53
- Macular degeneration - 3,282
- Optic atrophy - 1,434
- Optic neuritis - 324
- Retina and optic nerve - Other diseases of / type not known - 4,078
- Retinal artery occlusion - 103
- Retinal detachment - 1,098
- Retinal vein occlusion - 137
- Retinitis Pigmentosa - 5,066
- Retinopathy - Other / type not known - 1,029
- Cataract - 1,825
- Astigmatism - 127
- Hypermetropia (long-sighted) - 66
- Myopia (short-sighted) - 485
- Presbyopia - 0
- Refractive errors - Other / type not known - 132
- Eye movement - Other disorders of / type not known - 447
- Nystagmus - 2,075
- Strabismus (Squint) - 60
- Amblyopia - 170
- Cortical blindness - 9,322
- Diplopia (double vision) - 395
- Hemianopia - 247
- Quadrantanopia - 17
- Scotoma - 15
- Tunnel vision - 561
- Visual field defects - Other / type not known - 4,643
- Vision - Other diseases affecting / type not known - 13,255
Complete list of qualifying ear conditions
In addition to eye conditions, the DWP has also listed ear conditions that qualify for PIP. These include hearing loss and balance disorders, with congenital deafness being the most common at 15,854 claimants. The full list of ear conditions is as follows:
- Chronic secretory otitis media - 31
- Chronic suppurative otitis media - 29
- Conductive hearing loss - Other causes of / type not known - 2,292
- Conductive hearing loss due to Trauma - 86
- Mastoiditis - 81
- Otitis externa - chronic - 33
- Otosclerosis - 170
- Deafness - congenital - 15,854
- Labyrinthitis - 173
- Menieres disease - 2,285
- Presbyacusis - 6
- Sensorineural hearing loss - Other causes of / type not known - 7,534
- Sensorineural hearing loss due to Trauma - 187
- Hearing loss - mixed - 6,854
- Disease affecting hearing & balance - Other/ type not known - 6,490
Impact of the Timms Review on PIP claimants
According to the interim findings of the Timms Review, the PIP system is currently plagued by systemic issues that make it difficult for claimants to navigate. The review is expected to propose significant changes to simplify the application process and ensure that the benefit adequately covers the costs associated with disabilities. Prime Minister Andy Burnham has expressed his commitment to reforming the welfare system, stating that the government must "get serious" about addressing these challenges.
While no immediate changes to PIP will be made before the final recommendations are delivered, claimants and stakeholders are advised to stay informed about potential adjustments that could affect eligibility or payment rates. The confirmation of the 62 qualifying conditions provides clarity for those with eye and ear ailments, but the future of PIP remains uncertain as the review progresses.
