The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has released new data showing that as of April this year, a record 3.5 million people were receiving personal independence payments (PIP) each month. This figure is set to rise even further as more individuals with long-term illnesses, disabilities or mental or physical health conditions apply for financial aid to cover the additional costs associated with daily living or mobility needs.
Since the first coronavirus lockdown in March 2020, the number of PIP claimants has surged by nearly 1.1 million. Over this four-year span, there has been a significant increase in the number of people receiving support for Psychiatric Disorders, such as stress, anxiety, mood or depressive disorders, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) or eating disorders. This group has grown by almost half a million and represents 44% of the overall increase.
In March 2020, there were 2,455,177 PIP claimants. By the end of April 2024, this number had risen to 3,544,042, reports the Daily Record.
A successful claim for PIP can provide between £28.70 and £184.30 each week in additional financial support. As the benefit is paid every four weeks, this equates to between £114.80 and £737.20 per pay period.
The following health conditions have seen the largest increase in claimants over the past four years:
– Psychiatric disorders: March 2020 – 869,802, April 2024 – 1,347,889, Increase – 478,087
– Musculoskeletal disease (general): March 2020 – 501,788, April 2024 – 672,201, Increase – 170,413
– Musculoskeletal disease (regional): March 2020 – 304,415, April 2024 – 416,878, Increase – 112,463
– Neurological disease: March 2020 – 353,682, April 2024 – 465,187, Increase – 111,505
– Malignant disease: March 2020 – 75,794, April 2024 – 111,874, Increase – 36,080
– Cardiovascular disease: March 2020 – 57,794, April 2024 – 92,015, Increase – 34,221
– Respiratory disease: March 2020 – 109,443, April 2024 – 138,003, Increase – 28,560
– Endocrine disease: March 2020 – 22,069, April 2024 – 47,236, Increase – 25,167
– Gastrointestinal disease: March 2020 – 17,038, April 2024 – 33,315, Increase – 16,277
– Hearing disorders: March 2020 – 25,343, April 2024 – 37,384, Increase – 12,041
To be eligible for PIP, you must have a health condition or disability that has caused difficulties with daily living or getting around (or both) for 3 months and is expected to continue for at least 9 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.
An assessment is required to determine the level of financial assistance you will receive, and your rate will be regularly reviewed to ensure you are receiving the appropriate support. Payments are made every four weeks, and the assessment process involves evaluating your daily living and mobility tasks.
PIP is typically paid every four weeks unless you are terminally ill, in which case payments are made weekly. Payments are directly deposited into your bank, building society, or credit union account. The two components of PIP are Daily living and Mobility, with varying rates depending on the severity of your condition’s impact on you.
To initiate a new claim for PIP, contact the DWP with the necessary information mentioned above. The assessment will help determine the level of financial support you may need.