More than 1.5 million people in the UK who claim Personal Independence Payment (PIP) are now receiving support for five years or longer, without needing to reapply or be reassessed frequently. This group makes up 41% of all current PIP claimants, showing just how many people rely on long-term help for managing their health conditions.
What Is PIP?
PIP is a financial benefit provided by the government to help people with:
- Long-term physical or mental health conditions
- Disabilities that make everyday life harder
- Mobility challenges (difficulty walking or moving around)
It’s not based on your income, savings, or whether you’re working — it’s purely about how your condition affects your daily activities and independence.
There are two parts to PIP:
- Daily Living – for help with things like cooking, washing, and dressing
- Mobility – for help with getting around
How Many People Get Long-Term PIP?
As of January 2025, over 1.5 million people in England, Wales, and even some living abroad are on five-year or longer PIP awards.
This means they don’t have to go through regular reviews or reapplications — a huge relief for people living with permanent or lifelong health issues.
Who Gets the Longest PIP Awards?
Some health conditions are more likely to result in longer awards, especially if they are:
- Severe
- Lifelong
- Unlikely to improve
Here are the conditions with the highest percentage of long-term PIP support:
1. Visual Conditions
Over 58% of people with serious vision problems get a five-year or longer award. Many receive up to £737.20 a month (going up to £749 from April 2025).
2. General Musculoskeletal Conditions
This includes arthritis, joint pain, and chronic back problems. Over half (50.8%) of these claimants are on long-term PIP.
3. Neurological Conditions
People with conditions like epilepsy, multiple sclerosis (MS), and muscular dystrophy also have a high rate of long-term awards — about 49.5%.
Other common conditions with long-term PIP awards:
- Respiratory diseases (e.g. COPD, chronic asthma)
- Autoimmune disorders (like lupus or rheumatoid arthritis)
- Localized musculoskeletal issues (such as long-term knee or shoulder pain)
Do All PIP Awards Last This Long?
Not always. The length of your PIP award depends on your:
- Medical condition
- Expected changes in health
- Daily needs
Some people receive short-term awards (up to two years), especially if there’s a chance they might get better with treatment. These short-term awards usually come with a review to reassess the person’s condition.
But if your condition is expected to stay the same or get worse, you might get a longer or even “ongoing” award — where the DWP doesn’t expect you to reapply unless something major changes.
Why Does This Matter?
Living with a disability or chronic illness is tough enough. Constant reassessments and paperwork just add stress. So getting a long-term PIP award means:
- Stability
- Less red tape
- More peace of mind
It allows people to focus on their health and daily lives instead of worrying about losing support.
FAQs
1. How many people are currently receiving long-term PIP support?
As of January 2025, over 1.5 million people in England, Wales, and even some living abroad are receiving ongoing or long-term PIP awards for their health conditions. These awards last five years or more.
2. What does a ‘five-year or longer PIP award’ mean?
It means the individual has been awarded PIP for at least five years without needing to reapply or be reassessed during that time. These awards are typically given to people with permanent or life-limiting conditions that are unlikely to improve.
3. Why do claimants with visual impairments get higher long-term awards?
Over 58% of people with visual diseases receive five-year or longer awards because conditions like blindness or severe vision loss are usually permanent, significantly impacting daily life and mobility.
4. Will my PIP still be reviewed even if it’s a long-term award?
Yes, the DWP can still review your case occasionally, even for five-year or ongoing awards, to make sure your condition and support level are still accurate.
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