Latest news with #PathwaystoWorkGreenPaper
Daily Mirror
4 days ago
- Business
- Daily Mirror
DWP explains work options for PIP claimants who lose benefits in major changes
The Department for Work and Pension has published its response to the Labour Party's Pathways to Work Green Paper - which sets out plans to reform disability and incapacity benefits The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has outlined the work support available to disabled individuals in light of impending major cuts to Personal Independence Payment (PIP), Universal Credit and Carer's Allowance. Labour's Pathways to Work Green Paper is targeting a reform of disability and incapacity benefits, with an aim to encourage more people back into employment, thus reducing economic inactivity and bolstering Britain's employment rate. These alterations are anticipated to lead to approximately 370,000 PIP claimants losing their daily living element, while around 430,000 new applicants won't be eligible for it from the outset. READ MORE: Simple airport duty free trick to bag cheaper beauty and alcohol before arriving Furthermore, 150,000 individuals will lose their entitlement to Carer's Allowance if the person they care for is no longer eligible for the daily living component of PIP. Universal Credit claimants who receive the incapacity top-up for having limited capability for work and work-related activity (LCWRA) will see this payment frozen for five years, while new recipients will receive half the amount, which will also be frozen. Some households will be impacted by changes to all three of these benefits, reports Birmingham Live. Sir Stephen Timms, DWP Minister for Social Security and Disability, has detailed the support that's on offer to disabled individuals who are encouraged to transition into work. He was responding to a query from Graham Leadbitter (SNP MP for Moray West, Nairn and Strathspey) regarding the effectiveness of the Disability Confident Employer Scheme and Access to Work. The Disability Confident Employer Scheme encourages employers to foster inclusive workplaces and support disabled individuals "to get work and get on in work." If an employer fails to adhere to the scheme, a complaints process is in place. The DWP has the authority to suspend a business from participating if it does not meet the criteria. Sir Stephen has been exploring ways to strengthen the rules and will present proposals "in due course." He also mentioned that assistance is available through Access to Work, which can provide personalised discretionary grants to support disabled individuals who wish to work. In 2023/2024, the scheme assisted 67,720 people either to secure a job or maintain employment. These grants can cover travel assistance, support workers, specialist aids and equipment, as well as mental health support for up to nine months. Sir Stephen further stated: "All employers have a duty under the Equality Act 2010 to make reasonable adjustments in the workplace where a disabled person would otherwise be put at a substantial disadvantage compared with their colleagues. "The Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) is responsible for enforcing the Equality Act and providing guidance on reasonable adjustments."
Daily Record
13-06-2025
- Politics
- Daily Record
New DWP update for older people on PIP ahead of welfare reforms next year
Nearly 700,000 people of State Pension age are receiving PIP payments of up to £749.80 each month. Personal Independence Payment (PIP) - information The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is set to introduce new changes to eligibility and assessments for Personal Independence Payment (PIP) from November 2026. The welfare reforms will impact new and existing claimants, however, Minister for Social Security and Disability Sir Stephen Timms, has said that people of State Pension age are not 'routinely fully reviewed and will not be affected by these changes'. But it's important to be aware that relates to existing PIP policy where people nearing State Pension age making a new claim for PIP, or existing claimants turning 66, are typically given a 'light-touch' review of 10 years. Conservative MP Alicia Kearns recently asked DWP whether 'existing Personal Independence Payment claimants of pension age with a planned award review from November 2026 will be required to score at least four points in one daily living activity in order to maintain their award'. In a written response, Sir Stephen explained how the 'Pathways to Work Green Paper' will introduce a new eligibility requirement to 'ensure that only those who score a minimum of four points in at least one daily living activity will be eligible for the daily living component of PIP' adding that this 'requirement will need to be met in addition to the existing PIP eligibility criteria'. He continued: 'In keeping with existing policy, people of State Pension age are not routinely fully reviewed and will not be affected by these changes. 'All claimants are required to notify the Department of any change to their circumstance, be that an improvement or deterioration in their needs. Upon notification of a change, a Case Manager will consider what further action might be required to ensure the claimant is receiving the correct level of support.' In a second written question from the MP for Rutland and Stamford, Ms Kearns asked whether PIP claimants of State Pension age 'who request a change of circumstances review from November 2026 will be required to score at least four points in one daily living activity'. Sir Stephen gave the same response to the first question. The latest figures from the DWP show there are now 3.7 million people across Great Britain claiming PIP. The data also indicates there are 690,186 people over State Pension age in receipt of the disability payment, boosting their monthly income to up to £1,670.80. During the current financial year, thousands of people over State Pension age in Scotland, England and Wales will receive support of between £116.80 and £749.80 every four-week pay period. Pensioners on PIP The latest DWP figures show that across Scotland, England and Wales, the number of people over 65 on PIP includes: Aged 65 - 69: 416,230 Aged 70 - 74: 213,113 Aged 75 - 79: 60,846 Total: 690,186 Many people over 56 and nearing State Pension age may not be aware of a change to PIP guidance in 2019 that states 'claimants whose review would have taken place when they were of State Pension age means that they are now generally awarded ongoing awards'. Award types and review periods are set on an individual basis, based on the claimant's needs and the likelihood of those needs changing. It takes into account such matters as planned treatment/therapy or learning/adapting to manage a condition. PIP awards Guidance from DWP states: For fixed length awards, the review period usually ranges from a minimum of nine months to a maximum 10 years Review periods of less than nine months are set only in exceptional circumstances An award of two years or less is considered short-term Combined incomes The full, New State Pension is now worth £230.25 each week (£921 every 4-week pay period) and the Basic State Pension up to £176.45 (£705.80 every 4-week pay period) - how much you are paid depends on the amount of National Insurance contributions made. Although payments for State Pension, PIP and ADP are made separately, they could provide a combined monthly income of up to £1,670.80 - based on someone in receipt of the full, New State Pension and highest PIP or ADP awards for the daily living and mobility component. PIP and ADP payment rates 2025/26 You will need an assessment to work out the level of financial help you will receive and your rate will be regularly reviewed to make sure you are getting the right support. Payments are made every four weeks. PIP is made up of two components: Daily living Mobility Whether you get one or both of these and how much depends on how severely your condition affects you. You will be paid the following amounts per week depending on your circumstances: Daily living Standard rate: £73.90 Enhanced rate: £110.40 Mobility Standard rate: £29.20 Enhanced rate: £77.05 PIP, ADP and State Pension age When someone reaches State Pension age, they can no longer make a new claim for PIP, Disability Living Allowance (DLA) or ADP. However, if someone is already receiving PIP, DLA, or ADP when they reach State Pension age, they will continue to receive the benefit until the award period ends where it will be reviewed following the normal process. People who reach State Pension age who are no longer claiming any of the working age disability benefits may also be able to reclaim it - as long as they are claiming for the same health conditions that they initially received the award for and the last claim ended less than 12 months before reaching State Pension age. For people over State Pension age with a health condition, long-term illness or disability they may be eligible for Attendance Allowance - this is worth either £73.90 or £110.40 every week from DWP. Find out more about claiming Attendance Allowance here. If you have not yet reached State Pension age but are living with a health condition, disability or long-term illness, you may qualify for PIP or ADP. Below is an overview of both benefits. Who is eligible for PIP or ADP? To be eligible 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 3 months expect these difficulties 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. 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. preparing, cooking or eating food managing your medication washing, bathing or using the toilet dressing and undressing engaging and communicating with other people reading and understanding written information making decisions about money planning a journey or following a route moving around There are different rules if you are terminally ill, you will find these on the website here. DWP or Social Security Scotland will assess how difficult you find daily living and mobility tasks. For each task they will look at: whether you can do it safely how long it takes you how often your condition affects this activity whether you need help to do it, from a person or using extra equipment How you are assessed You will be assessed by an independent healthcare professional to help the DWP determine the level of financial support, if any, you need, for PIP. Face-to-face consultations for health-related benefits are offered alongside video calls, telephone and paper-based assessments. Most assessments take place over the phone. Adult Disability Payment assessments will not involve face-to-face assessments, unless this is preferred by the claimant - find out more about the changes here. How to make a new claim for PIP You can make a new claim by contacting the DWP, you will find all the information you need to apply on the website here. Before you call, you will need: your contact details your date of birth your National Insurance number - this is on letters about tax, pensions and benefits your bank or building society account number and sort code your doctor or health worker's name, address and telephone number dates and addresses for any time you've spent abroad, in a care home or hospital Even if you don't qualify for financial support, you could be eligible for a National Entitlement Travel Card, which offers free or reduced travel across Scotland on most public transport links. For more information about PIP, visit here. How to apply for Adult Disability Payment People can apply ADP, over the phone, by post or in-person. To find out more or apply, visit the dedicated pages on here or call Social Security Scotland on 0800 182 2222.
Daily Mirror
12-06-2025
- Politics
- Daily Mirror
Benefit claimants likely to keep daily living payments after major reforms
The DWP has analysed Personal Independence Payment (PIP) claimants who did not score four points in at least one daily living activity in 18 of the most common disabling conditions The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has signalled that next year's proposed changes to Personal Independence Payment (PIP) will deliver essential financial aid to two sets of beneficiaries. Social Security and Disability Minister Sir Stephen Timms commented that PIP is being honed to cater for "those with the greatest needs, who are unable to complete activities at all, or who require more help from others to complete them". But, he pointed out, a shake-up of eligibility criteria in November – necessitating claimants to notch four points in any one of the ten daily living activities for PIP qualification – will see "people with lower needs" missing out on monthly sums of either £295.60 or £441.60. Sir Stephen Timms made these observations in a written reply to Labour MP Noah Law, who queried whether the DWP had evaluated the potential advantages of allowing individuals to maintain their PIP entitlement even if they accrue points across various activities but fail to reach four points in a single activity. In his response, Sir Stephen said: "PIP is an important, non-means tested benefit for disabled people and people with health conditions - regardless of whether they are in or out of work." Sir Stephen said: "However, the rate of increases in claims and expenditure is not sustainable and has outstripped the growth in disability prevalence. Changes are needed that will control the spend on the welfare bill, while continuing to support those people with higher needs relating to their long-term health condition or disability." He added: "In our Pathways to Work Green Paper we announced that we will introduce a new eligibility requirement to ensure that only those who score a minimum of four points in at least one daily living activity will be eligible for the daily living component of PIP. This requirement will need to be met in addition to the existing PIP eligibility criteria. "This will focus PIP more on those with the greatest needs, who are unable to complete activities at all, or who require more help from others to complete them. This means that people who have lower needs only in the daily living activities (scoring three or less for each activity) will no longer be eligible for the daily living component of PIP. "Our intention is that this change will apply to new claims and award reviews from November 2026, subject to parliamentary approval." According to the DWP's estimates, the proposed eligibility rule changes to the daily living component of PIP will result in approximately 370,000 existing claimants losing their entitlement when their award is reviewed during the 2029/30 financial year. The impact assessment, released in March, also forecasts that 430,000 future PIP claimants will not be eligible for the disability benefit once the reforms are implemented, with an average annual loss of £4,500 each, reports the Daily Record. The DWP has now carried out an analysis of PIP claimants who did not score four points in at least one daily living activity in 18 of the most prevalent disabling conditions. These conditions were selected as they constitute the largest proportions of PIP caseloads. DWP analysis of current daily living awards DWP notes on the analysis state that the health condition category is based on primary health condition as recorded on the PIP Computer System at time of latest assessment. Many claimants have multiple health conditions but only primary condition is available for analysis. The list below shows PIP health conditions, the number of comments in receipt of PIP daily living component and the number of claimants awarded less than four points in all daily living activities at the end of January 2025. Back Pain - 194,000 claimants, 154,000 (79%) scored less than 4 points Arthritis - 279,000 claimants, 13,000 (6%) scored less than 4 points Other Regional Musculoskeletal Diseases - 136,000 claimants, 97,000 (71%) scored less than 4 points Chronic Pain Syndromes - 173,00 claimants, 97,000 (71%) scored less than 4 points Cardiovascular Diseases - 61,000 claimants, 38,000 (62%) scored less than 4 points Respiratory Diseases - 83,000 claimants, 45,000 (55%) scored less than 4 points Multiple Sclerosis and Neuropathic Diseases - 80,000 claimants, 38,000 (48%) scored less than 4 points All Other Conditions - 272,000 claimants, 126,000 (46%) scored less than 4 points Other Neurological Diseases - 97,000 claimants,35,000 (36%) scored less than 4 points Cerebrovascular Diseases - 56,000 claimants, 19,000 (34%) scored less than 4 points Cancer - 70,000 claimants, 23,000 (33%) scored less than 4 points Epilepsy - 36,000 claimants, 11,000 (30%) scored less than 4 points Other Psychiatric Disorders - 90,000 claimants, 25,000 (28%) scored less than 4 points Cerebral Palsy and Neurological Muscular Diseases - 47,000 claimants, 11,000 (24%) scored less than 4 points Psychotic Disorders - 112,000 claimants, 26,000 (23%) scored less than 4 points ADHD / ADD - 75,000 claimants, 14,000 (19%) scored less than 4 points Autistic Spectrum Disorders - 206,000 claimants, 13,000 (6%) scored less than 4 points Learning Disabilities - 188,000claimants, 7,000 (3%) scored less than 4 points Other disabling condition groups which cover smaller proportions of the PIP caseload are covered in the 'Other Conditions' category. This includes: Visual Diseases Other General Musculoskeletal Diseases Endocrine Diseases Hearing Disorders Gastrointestinal Diseases Genitourinary Diseases Skin Diseases Autoimmune Diseases (Connective Tissue Disorders) Infectious Diseases Diseases of the Liver, Gallbladder or Biliary Tract Haematological Diseases Metabolic Diseases Multisystem and Extremes of Age Diseases of the Immune System Anxiety and Depression Anxiety disorders - Other / type not known Post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) Stress reaction disorders - Other / type not known Generalised anxiety disorder Phobia - Specific Phobia - Social Agoraphobia Panic disorder Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) Anxiety and depressive disorders - mixed Conversion disorder (hysteria) Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) Dissociative disorders - Other / type not known Somatoform disorders - Other / type not known Depressive disorder Bipolar affective disorder (Hypomania / Mania) Mood disorders - Other / type not known Daily living component for PIP You might get the daily living component of PIP if you need help with: 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 How difficulty with tasks is assessed The DWP will assess how difficult you find daily living and mobility tasks. For each task, the DWP will look at: whether you can do it safely how long it takes you how often your condition affects this activity whether you need help to do it, from a person or using extra equipment The descriptors Your ability to carry out each activity is measured against a list of standard statements describing what you can or cannot do. These are known as the descriptors. The health professional will advise the DWP which descriptor applies to you for each activity. The Citizen's Advice website has a whole section dedicated to this along with a downloadable guide to all the points awarded for each response - you can view this here. An example they use is there are six descriptors for 'Dressing and undressing', ranging from 'Can dress and undress unaided' to 'Cannot dress or undress at all'. Each descriptor carries a points score ranging from 0 to 12. Using aids or appliances Your ability to carry out the daily living activities and the mobility activities will be assessed as if you were wearing or using any aids or appliances it would be reasonable for you to use. This applies whether or not you normally use those aids or appliances. However, if you use or need aids and appliances, this can help you to score more points - find out more here. Citizens Advice explains: 'An aid is any item which improves, provides or replaces impaired physical or mental function. It doesn't have to be specially designed as a disability aid. Examples include a stool you need to sit on when cooking, or a walking stick to help you stand.' Daily living scores Citizens Advice explains to get the daily living component of PIP, you must have a physical or mental condition that limits your ability to carry out some or all of the activities below. The maximum amount of PIP points that can be awarded for that question are shown. Daily living activity: Preparing food - 8 Taking medication - 10 Managing therapy or monitoring a health condition - 8 Washing and bathing - 8 Managing toilet needs or incontinence - 8 Dressing and undressing - 8 Communicating verbally - 12 Reading and understanding symbols and words - 8 Engaging with other people face to face - 8 Making budgeting decisions - 6 Points and payment rates After answering all the daily living activity questions: If you get between 8 and 11 points in total - you will be awarded the standard rate of PIP If you get at least 12 points in total - you will be awarded the enhanced rate of PIP After answering all the mobility activity questions: If you get between 8 and 11 points in total - you will be awarded the standard rate of PIP If you get at least 12 points in total - you will be awarded the enhanced rate of PIP The latest DWP figures show that at the end of January there were 3.7 million PIP claimants across Great Britain. Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall has previously said more than 1,000 PIP claims are being awarded per day, making the argument for welfare reforms to ensure the system is sustainable for the future. The proposed changes will come into force in November 2026, subject to parliamentary approval. Reforms also include increasing the number of face-to-face assessments. At present, most are being conducted remotely over the phone, by video call, or paper-based. However, there will be no freeze on PIP payments, which will continue to be non-means-tested, and rise in-line with the September inflation rate. There will be no changes to the mobility component.
Daily Record
09-06-2025
- Health
- Daily Record
Why people on a PIP ‘light touch' award still need a DWP review after 10 years
DWP explains the need for a PIP review even if someone has a condition unlikely to change. The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has confirmed planned reforms to Personal Independence Payment (PIP) will also include changes for people with an ongoing 'light touch' award, which is typically in place for 10 years before the need for a review. Minister for Social Security and Disability Sir Stephen Timms explained that PIP reviews are 'an important feature' of PIP to ensure the support 'continues to meet the individual's needs' as circumstances can change over time. He also said the review is needed to make sure the 'correct level of financial support is being provided'. PIP is worth between £116.80 and £749.80 every four-week payment period. It's important to be aware that how much someone receives depends on the impact their condition has on their daily living needs. Sir Stephen's comments came after Liberal Democrat MP Victoria Collins asked what steps DWP is taking to ensure people claiming PIP with chronic health conditions 'are not subject to reviews unless there is evidence of significant change in their circumstances'. In a written response to the Harpenden and Berkhamsted MP, Sir Stephen said: 'People who receive the highest level of PIP and whose needs will not improve receive an ongoing PIP award with a light touch review at the 10-year point. 'The light touch review is intended to maintain a minimal level of contact with claimants to ensure nothing has changed and that we hold up to date information such as contact details.' He continued: 'In the Pathways to Work Green Paper published on 18 March, we announced that we are considering ways to improve communication with people receiving these ongoing awards in PIP to ensure they provide the right reassurance for people whose conditions are unlikely to change and who are likely to remain on disability benefits for life that they will not be required to undergo regular award reviews. 'We have also launched a review of the PIP assessment, which I am leading. During this first phase of the review, I am speaking to stakeholders to gather views on how best to approach the review. We will then publish the Terms of Reference in due course.' The planned welfare reforms are due to come into effect in November 2026 for new claimants. Existing claimants would not see any changes until their current award is due for review - the date of this can be found on your award letter. Ongoing PIP awards The latest DWP statistics show that at the end of January some 3.7 million people across Great Britain were in receipt of PIP. The data also indicates that 1.5m PIP claimants have an ongoing award, of five years or longer, for a disability, long-term illness, physical or mental health condition. More than 58 per cent of people claiming PIP for a visual disease have a monthly award of up to £749.80 for five years or more. More than 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 per cent of people with a neurological condition such as epilepsy, multiple sclerosis and muscular dystrophy. The current edition of the PIP Handbook explains the decision maker will make an award of PIP based on the impact of the claimant's health condition or disability on their daily life and their ability to live independently. It adds: 'The length of award will be based upon each claimant's individual circumstances.' It's important to be aware the guidance from the DWP also says most claimants will have their award regularly reviewed, 'regardless of the length of the award' in order to make sure 'everyone continues to receive the most appropriate level of support'. Some claimants will be given a limited term award for a fixed period of up to two years - DWP says these awards will not be reviewed. Limited awards with no review date are given where the claimant's health condition may be reasonably expected to improve. Ongoing awards with a 'light touch' review A 'light touch' review is typically awarded to claimants who have: very stable needs which are unlikely to change over time high level needs which will either stay the same or get worse a planned award review date due on or at State Pension age a special rules for end of life claim due when of State Pension age The DWP guidance states: 'These claimants would not usually be expected to have a face-to-face assessment at review.' Six conditions with PIP award of five years or longer It's important to be aware people with different health conditions can be awarded PIP for up to five years or longer. The award is based on how the condition affects the claimant. The conditions listed below have the highest percentage rate of five-year or longer awards given to claimants at the end of January 2025. Visual disease 58,685 34,692 Musculoskeletal disease (general) 682,391 341,434 50.8% Neurological disease 468,113 230,412 Respiratory disease 138,376 64,835 Autoimmune disease (connective tissue disorders) 19,542 8,697 Musculoskeletal disease (regional) 426,038 185,916 44.6% Total number of PIP claimants 3,694,536 1,501,215 41% PIP payment rates You will be paid the following amounts per week (paid every four weeks in arrears) - depending on your award: Daily living Standard: £73.90 Enhanced: £110.40 Mobility Standard: £29.20 Enhanced: £77.05
Wales Online
04-06-2025
- Business
- Wales Online
DWP to reform PIP payments next year – full list of those who will keep benefit
DWP to reform PIP payments next year – full list of those who will keep benefit The DWP has provided a new update on the forthcoming changes to PIP, which will provide crucial financial support to two groups of claimants The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has signalled key changes to the personal independence payment (PIP) arriving next year, promising vital monetary aid for two specific groups of recipients. Sir Stephen Timms, the UK Government minister for social security and disability, said the PIP adjustments were focusing on "those with the greatest needs, who are unable to complete activities at all, or who require more help from others to complete them". Yet he pointed out with concern that as a consequence of the qualifying rule alteration scheduled for next November – stipulating claimants must accumulate four points in at least one of the 10 daily living tasks to be eligible for PIP – "people with lower needs" will be stripped of either £295.60 or £441.60 in monthly support. The remarks from Sir Stephen came in a written reply to an enquiry by Labour MP Noah Law, who asked if the DWP would "make an assessment of the potential merits of allowing people who accumulate points across multiple personal independence payment activities, but do not score four points in any single activity, to retain their entitlement." For money-saving tips, sign up to our Money newsletter here In response Sir Stephen said: "PIP is an important, non-means tested benefit for disabled people and people with health conditions – regardless of whether they are in or out of work. "However the rate of increases in claims and expenditure is not sustainable and has outstripped the growth in disability prevalence. Changes are needed that will control the spend on the welfare bill while continuing to support those people with higher needs relating to their long-term health condition or disability." He went on to say: "In our Pathways to Work Green Paper we announced that we will introduce a new eligibility requirement to ensure that only those who score a minimum of four points in at least one daily living activity will be eligible for the daily living component of PIP. This requirement will need to be met in addition to the existing PIP eligibility criteria. Article continues below "This will focus PIP more on those with the greatest needs, who are unable to complete activities at all, or who require more help from others to complete them. This means that people who have lower needs only in the daily living activities (scoring three or less for each activity) will no longer be eligible for the daily living component of PIP." Sir Stephen further added: "Our intention is that this change will apply to new claims and award reviews from November 2026 subject to parliamentary approval." The DWP estimates that proposed eligibility rule changes to the daily living component of PIP will result in 370,000 existing claimants losing their entitlement when their award is reviewed during the 2029-30 financial year. An impact assessment published in March 2025 predicts that 430,000 future PIP claimants will not qualify for the disability benefit once reforms are implemented resulting in an average annual loss of £4,500 each. The DWP has carried out an analysis of PIP claimants who did not score four points in at least one daily living activity across 18 of the most common disabling conditions. These conditions were selected as they represent the largest proportions of PIP caseloads. DWP analysis of current daily living awards According to the DWP's notes on the analysis the health condition category is based on the primary health condition recorded on the PIP computer system at the time of the latest assessment. While many claimants have multiple health conditions only the primary condition is available for analysis. The following list details PIP health conditions, the number of claimants receiving the PIP daily living component, and the number of claimants awarded fewer than four points in all daily living activities as of the end of January 2025. Back Pain - 194,000 claimants, 154,000 (79%) scored less than 4 points - 194,000 claimants, 154,000 (79%) scored less than 4 points Arthritis - 279,000 claimants, 13,000 (6%) scored less than 4 points - 279,000 claimants, 13,000 (6%) scored less than 4 points Other Regional Musculoskeletal Diseases - 136,000 claimants, 97,000 (71%) scored less than 4 points - 136,000 claimants, 97,000 (71%) scored less than 4 points Chronic Pain Syndromes - 173,00 claimants, 97,000 (71%) scored less than 4 points - 173,00 claimants, 97,000 (71%) scored less than 4 points Cardiovascular Diseases - 61,000 claimants, 38,000 (62%) scored less than 4 points - 61,000 claimants, 38,000 (62%) scored less than 4 points Respiratory Diseases - 83,000 claimants, 45,000 (55%) scored less than 4 points - 83,000 claimants, 45,000 (55%) scored less than 4 points Multiple Sclerosis and Neuropathic Diseases - 80,000 claimants, 38,000 (48%) scored less than 4 points - 80,000 claimants, 38,000 (48%) scored less than 4 points All Other Conditions - 272,000 claimants, 126,000 (46%) scored less than 4 points - 272,000 claimants, 126,000 (46%) scored less than 4 points Other Neurological Diseases - 97,000 claimants,35,000 (36%) scored less than 4 points - 97,000 claimants,35,000 (36%) scored less than 4 points Cerebrovascular Diseases - 56,000 claimants, 19,000 (34%) scored less than 4 points - 56,000 claimants, 19,000 (34%) scored less than 4 points Cancer - 70,000 claimants, 23,000 (33%) scored less than 4 points - 70,000 claimants, 23,000 (33%) scored less than 4 points Epilepsy - 36,000 claimants, 11,000 (30%) scored less than 4 points - 36,000 claimants, 11,000 (30%) scored less than 4 points Other Psychiatric Disorders - 90,000 claimants, 25,000 (28%) scored less than 4 points - 90,000 claimants, 25,000 (28%) scored less than 4 points Cerebral Palsy and Neurological Muscular Diseases - 47,000 claimants, 11,000 (24%) scored less than 4 points - 47,000 claimants, 11,000 (24%) scored less than 4 points Psychotic Disorders - 112,000 claimants, 26,000 (23%) scored less than 4 points - 112,000 claimants, 26,000 (23%) scored less than 4 points ADHD / ADD - 75,000 claimants, 14,000 (19%) scored less than 4 points - 75,000 claimants, 14,000 (19%) scored less than 4 points Autistic Spectrum Disorders - 206,000 claimants, 13,000 (6%) scored less than 4 points - 206,000 claimants, 13,000 (6%) scored less than 4 points Learning Disabilities - 188,000claimants, 7,000 (3%) scored less than 4 points Other disabling condition groups which cover smaller proportions of the PIP caseload are covered in the 'Other Conditions' category. This includes: Visual Diseases Other General Musculoskeletal Diseases Endocrine Diseases Hearing Disorders Gastrointestinal Diseases Genitourinary Diseases Skin Diseases Autoimmune Diseases (Connective Tissue Disorders) Infectious Diseases Diseases of the Liver, Gallbladder or Biliary Tract Haematological Diseases Metabolic Diseases Multisystem and Extremes of Age Diseases of the Immune System Anxiety and Depression Anxiety disorders - Other / type not known Post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) Stress reaction disorders - Other / type not known Generalised anxiety disorder Phobia - Specific Phobia - Social Agoraphobia Panic disorder Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) Anxiety and depressive disorders - mixed Conversion disorder (hysteria) Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) Dissociative disorders - Other / type not known Somatoform disorders - Other / type not known Depressive disorder Bipolar affective disorder (Hypomania / Mania) Mood disorders - Other / type not known Daily living component for PIP You might get the daily living component of PIP if you need help with: 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 How difficulty with tasks is assessed The DWP will assess how difficult you find daily living and mobility tasks. For each task the DWP will look at: whether you can do it safely how long it takes you how often your condition affects this activity whether you need help to do it from a person or using extra equipment The descriptors The ability of the potential claimant to carry out each activity is measured compared to a list of standard statements describing what you can or cannot do and these are known as the descriptors. Health professionals will advise the DWP which descriptor applies to the claimant for each activity. The Citizens Advice website has a whole section dedicated to this along with a downloadable guide to all the points awarded for each response.. An example they use is there are six descriptors for "dressing and undressing" ranging from "can dress and undress unaided" to "cannot dress or undress at all". Each descriptor carries a points score ranging from zero to 12. Using aids or appliances Your ability to perform daily living exercises and mobility activities will be assessed as if you were using any aids or appliances that it would be reasonable for you to use. This applies whether or not you typically use those aids or appliances. However using or needing aids and appliances can make you score more points. According to Citizens Advice: "An aid is any item which improves, provides or replaces impaired physical or mental function. It doesn't have to be specially designed as a disability aid. Examples include a stool you need to sit on when cooking or a walking stick to help you stand." Daily living scores Citizens Advice outlines that to qualify for the daily living component of PIP individuals must have a physical or mental health condition that restricts their ability to perform certain activities. The maximum number of PIP points that can be awarded for each question is indicated. Daily living activity: Preparing food - 8 Taking medication - 10 Managing therapy or monitoring a health condition - 8 Washing and bathing - 8 Managing toilet needs or incontinence - 8 Dressing and undressing - 8 Communicating verbally - 12 Reading and understanding symbols and words - 8 Engaging with other people face to face - 8 Making budgeting decisions - 6 Points and payment rates After responding to all the daily living activity questions: If you get between 8 and 11 points in total - you will be awarded the standard rate of PIP If you get at least 12 points in total - you will be awarded the enhanced rate of PIP After responding to all the mobility activity questions: If you get between 8 and 11 points in total - you will be awarded the standard rate of PIP If you get at least 12 points in total - you will be awarded the enhanced rate of PIP According to the most recent DWP statistics, as of the end of January there were 3.7m PIP claimants across Great Britain. Work and pensions secretary Liz Kendall has previously stated that more than 1,000 PIP claims are being granted daily, underscoring the need for welfare reforms to ensure future sustainability. Subject to parliamentary approval the proposed changes will take effect in November 2026. The reforms also propose an increase in face-to-face assessments. Currently most assessments are conducted remotely via phone, video call, or paper-based methods. However, there will be no freeze on PIP payments which will remain non-means-tested and will increase in line with the September inflation rate. There will be no alterations to the mobility component. You can participate in the UK Government's consultation on the proposed changes to PIP and the benefits system on here. The consultation period ends on June 30, 2025. Article continues below
