The Department for Work and Pensions has confirmed the full list of nine infectious diseases that qualify for Personal Independence Payment of up to £740 per month under Prime Minister Andy Burnham's government.
PIP Administration Under Burnham
Following Sir Keir Starmer's resignation, Mr Burnham's government now oversees the administration of Personal Independence Payment. He has reappointed Pat McFadden as DWP secretary in a mini-reshuffle. PIP is a tax-free, non-means-tested UK welfare benefit designed to help disabled people with the extra costs of disability. The TUC recently stated it must never be subject to work-related conditionality and should be based on need, not employment status.
Qualifying Infectious Diseases
According to DWP caseload statistics, the following nine infectious diseases qualify for PIP:
- HIV or AIDS: 5,627 recipients
- Coronavirus COVID-19: 6,163 recipients
- Viral diseases – Other / type not known: 975 recipients
- Bacterial diseases – Other / type not known: 824 recipients
- Tuberculosis: 640 recipients
- Malaria: 9 recipients
- Protozoal diseases – Other / type not known: 6 recipients
- Infectious diseases – Other / type not known: 596 recipients
Payment Rates and Components
PIP consists of two components: Daily Living and Mobility, each paid at a standard or enhanced rate. The amount depends on an assessment by an independent health professional. The daily living standard rate is £76.70 per week (£306.80 per month), and the enhanced rate is £114.60 per week (£458.40 per month). The mobility standard rate is £30.30 per week (£121.20 per month), and the enhanced rate is £80 per week (£320 per month). Claimants receiving both enhanced components can receive up to £740 per month.
Impact of Timms Review
The interim Timms Review found that PIP is failing to keep pace with changes in disability, health, and work over the past decade. PIP is paid every four weeks and is subject to regular reviews to ensure recipients continue to receive appropriate support; in most cases, reviews do not result in payment reductions.
