The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has disclosed that over 1.5 million Personal Independence Payment (PIP) claimants receive long-term awards of five years or more, with payments reaching £737 per month.
PIP is a disability benefit designed to assist individuals with the extra costs of living with a medical condition. It is not based on employment status, meaning claimants can receive payments whether they work or not.
This article explores who qualifies for ongoing PIP awards, payment increases for 2025, and the most common conditions linked to long-term claims.
Who Gets an Ongoing PIP Award?
Typically, PIP claims are granted for two to three years, after which a review is conducted. However, individuals with long-term or deteriorating conditions may qualify for an “ongoing” or “indefinite” award, usually lasting at least five years and up to ten years.
Key Statistics on Ongoing PIP Awards
- 1.5 million claimants (41% of all PIP recipients) have received awards lasting five years or more.
- These claimants are from England, Scotland, Wales, and abroad.
- Four groups are most likely to receive long-term PIP awards.
Four Groups Most Likely to Receive Long-Term PIP Awards
According to the DWP’s latest data, claimants with the following conditions have the highest percentage of five-year-plus PIP awards:
- Visual Impairments (58.6%)
- Total claimants: 58,685
- Five-year plus awards: 34,692
- Musculoskeletal Conditions (General) – 50.8%
- Includes conditions like arthritis and joint pain
- Total claimants: 682,391
- Five-year plus awards: 341,434
- Neurological Conditions (49.5%)
- Includes conditions like epilepsy and multiple sclerosis
- Total claimants: 468,113
- Five-year plus awards: 230,412
- Respiratory Diseases (46.9%)
- Includes severe asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
- Total claimants: 138,376
- Five-year plus awards: 64,835
Other conditions with a high percentage of long-term PIP awards include:
- Autoimmune diseases (connective tissue disorders) – 44.5%
- Regional musculoskeletal conditions – 43.6%
How Much PIP Can You Receive?
PIP payments consist of two components:
- Daily Living Component – for help with everyday tasks
- Mobility Component – for individuals who need assistance moving around
Each component has two rates: standard and enhanced.
PIP Payment Increases from April 2025
PIP rates are set to increase by 1.7% in April 2025:
| Component | Current Weekly Rate | New Weekly Rate (April 2025) |
|---|---|---|
| Daily Living (Standard) | £72.65 | £73.90 |
| Daily Living (Enhanced) | £108.55 | £110.40 |
| Mobility (Standard) | £28.70 | £29.20 |
| Mobility (Enhanced) | £75.75 | £77.05 |
Since PIP is paid every four weeks, the maximum monthly payment will be £737.20 from April 2025.
Will My PIP Award Be Reviewed?
Even if a claimant receives a long-term PIP award, the DWP regularly reviews cases to ensure claimants continue to receive the appropriate level of support.
According to DWP guidance:
“Most PIP claims are regularly reviewed, regardless of the length of the award.”
Individuals with deteriorating conditions may qualify for an indefinite award, but they may still need to provide medical evidence to confirm their eligibility.
More than 1.5 million PIP claimants receive long-term support of at least five years, with four main groups most likely to qualify. With PIP rates increasing from April 2025, individuals receiving the highest payments could receive up to £737 per month.
Even with long-term awards, the DWP continues to review claims to ensure claimants receive the correct level of support. If you believe you are eligible for a longer PIP award, ensure your application includes detailed medical evidence.
For more details, visit the official government website: gov.uk/pip.
Source: Link
Who qualifies for an ongoing PIP award?
Claimants with long-term or deteriorating conditions like visual impairments, musculoskeletal issues, neurological conditions, and respiratory diseases are most likely to receive a five-year or longer PIP award.
How much is the maximum PIP payment per month?
From April 2025, the highest possible PIP payment will be £737.20 per month if you receive both enhanced rates of the daily living and mobility components.
Will my PIP award be reviewed even if it is long-term?
Yes, the DWP regularly reviews most PIP claims to ensure claimants receive the appropriate level of support, even for five-year or indefinite awards.
What are the new PIP rates from April 2025?
The standard daily living rate will rise to £73.90 per week, and the enhanced rate will increase to £110.40 per week. Mobility rates will also increase.
Can I receive PIP if I am working?
Yes, PIP is not an out-of-work benefit. You can receive payments whether you are employed or unemployed, as long as you meet the eligibility criteria.
How often is PIP paid?
PIP is paid every four weeks, meaning you receive your payments monthly.
How can I apply for PIP?
You can apply for PIP by calling the DWP or visiting the official government website at gov.uk/pip.
