Six kinds of people on PIP likeliest to get long-term DWP payments

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has revealed the groups of people who are most likely to continue to get payments for years to come. People with these conditions could benefit from Personal Independence Payment (PIP) for more than five years.

As reported by the Daily Record, proposed PIP changes have been put on hold until a review of the eligibility and assessment process has been completed. Minister for Social Security and Disability, Sir Stephen Timms, will co-produce the review with disabled groups and charities, which is expected to be completed by next autumn.

The DWP has previously stated that over 1,000 new PIP awards are being granted daily, with the latest statistics indicating that there are now over 3.8 million claimants in England and Wales receiving between £29.20 and £187.45 each week.

Adult Disability Payment (ADP) has replaced PIP for all new and existing claimants residing in Scotland.

The data also reveals that more than 1.5 million (39%) of all 3.8 million PIP claimants have received an award of five years or longer. More than 58% of people claiming PIP for a visual disease have a monthly award of up to £749 for five years or more.

Over half of all claimants with general musculoskeletal conditions (50.8%), such as arthritis, muscle or joint pain, have been given a longer award, along with 49.5% of people with a neurological condition such as epilepsy, multiple sclerosis and muscular dystrophy.

For those considering submitting a fresh application for PIP, or ADP, understand that award durations vary and can span from nine months to as long as 10 years, though DWP records only document awards granted for "five years or longer".

The latest version of the PIP Handbook states that decision makers will determine a PIP award based on how the applicant's health condition or disability affects their everyday life and capacity for independent living. It continues: "The length of award will be based upon each claimant's individual circumstances."

It's vital to understand that DWP guidance also indicates most recipients will undergo regular reviews of their award, "regardless of the length of the award" to ensure "everyone continues to receive the most appropriate level of support".

Certain recipients will receive a limited term award for a set period of up to two years - the DWP states these awards will not face review. Limited awards without review dates are provided where the recipient's health condition may reasonably be expected to get better.

Six conditions with PIP award of five years or longer

People with various health conditions can receive PIP for up to five years or longer. The award depends on how the condition impacts the recipient.

The conditions outlined below show the highest percentage rates of five-year or longer awards granted to recipients at the end of July 2025:

• Musculoskeletal disease (general)
• Visual disease
• Neurological disease
• Respiratory disease
• Autoimmune disease (connective tissue disorders)
• Musculoskeletal disease (regional)

To qualify for PIP or ADP, you must have a health condition or disability where you:

• Have had difficulties with daily living or getting around (or both) for three months
• Expect these difficulties to continue for at least nine months
• You usually need to have lived in the UK for at least two of the last three years and be in the country when you apply.

In addition to what we have outlined above if you get or need help with any of the following because of your condition, you should consider applying for PIP or ADP:

• Eating, drinking or preparing food
• Washing, bathing, using the toilet, managing incontinence
• Dressing and undressing
• Talking, listening, reading and understanding
• Managing your medicines or treatments
• Making decisions about money
• Mixing with other people
• Working out a route and following it
• Physically moving around
• Leaving your home

There are different rules if you are terminally ill, you will find these on the GOV.UK website.

You can make a new claim by contacting the DWP, you will find all the information you need to apply on the GOV.UK website here.

People can apply ADP, over the phone, by post or in-person. To find out more or apply, visit the dedicated pages on mygov.scot here or call Social Security Scotland on 0800 182 2222.