Millions of people with certain health conditions are entitled to hundreds of pounds every month. Around 3.2 million people with disabilities are claiming personal independence payments (PIP) as of January 2023, according to Department for Work and Pensions statistics.
The benefit is given to those living with a long-term illness, mental health condition or physical or learning disability. It is paid every four weeks and recently increased in April as part of the 2023/24 uplift to benefits.
Millions of people with conditions including hearing disorders, psychiatric disorders and musculoskeletal diseases are eligible for the payment, and the most recent statistics have revealed an increase in the number of claimants from 3,224,778 in December 2022 to 3,255,158 in January 2023.
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Here is everything you need to know about personal independence payments (PIP) including how much the new rates are and the conditions that qualify. To get all the latest money-saving news straight to your inbox twice a week sign up here.
How much is PIP for 2023/24?
PIP rates increased on April 10 this year in line with the UK government uplift given to benefits, which saw payments increase in line with September's inflation (consumer price index) figure of 10.1%. Here are the new weekly rates for 2023/24, though it is important to note that the payment is given monthly unless you are terminally ill, in which case it is paid weekly.
Daily living component
Enhanced: £101.75 (from £92.40)
Standard: £68.10 (from £61.85)
Mobility component
Enhanced: £71.05 (from £64.50)
Standard: £26.95 (from £24.45)
Therefore, someone getting the standard daily and mobility component would receive £95.05 a week, or £380.20 a month. Someone receiving the enhanced daily and mobility components would get £172.80 a week, or £691.20 a month.
What conditions qualify for the money?
These are the main disability categories, which more than 500 conditions fall under. This list is only an overview of conditions, disorders and diseases and how the DWP lists the main disabilities being claimed for. Here are the conditions and how many people claimed as of January 2023;
- Haematological disease - 7,577
- Infectious disease - 10,970
- Malignant disease - 100,968
- Metabolic disease - 4,786
- Psychiatric disorders - 1,207,278
- Neurological disease - 412,289
- Visual disease - 57,231
- Hearing disorders - 34,425
- Cardiovascular disease - 83,630
- Gastrointestinal disease - 29,050
- Diseases of the liver, gallbladder, biliary tract -11,772
- Skin disease - 21,390
- Musculoskeletal disease (general) - 650,393
- Musculoskeletal disease (regional) - 387,555
- Autoimmune disease (connective tissue disorders) - 18,032
- Genitourinary disease - 24,788
- Endocrine disease - 43,313
- Respiratory disease - 136,839
- Multisystem and extremes of age - 1,239
- Diseases of the immune system - 1,083
- Unknown or missing - 10,553
As these conditions are quite broad, whether or not you qualify and whether you receive the standard or enhanced payment, or the additional mobility component, will depend on how you are assessed. You can find out more about eligibility here.
How am I assessed?
Prospective claimants are assessed by an independent healthcare professional to help the DWP determine the level of financial support, if any, you need. Face-to-face consultations for health-related benefits are offered alongside video calls, telephone and paper-based assessments. It's important to be aware that there is no choice here - it's up to the health professional and DWP. You can find out more about DWP PIP assessments here.
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