The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has confirmed that over 1.5 million Personal Independence Payment (PIP) claimants receive long-term awards of at least five years, with some getting up to £737 per month.
PIP is a crucial financial lifeline for individuals with medical conditions that affect daily life. Unlike other benefits, it isn’t based on income or employment status, meaning both working and non-working individuals can qualify.
So, who qualifies for an ongoing PIP award? How are payments changing in 2025? And which conditions are most likely to secure long-term support? Let’s dive in.
Eligibility
Most PIP claims are awarded for a fixed period of two to three years, with a review at the end. However, some individuals with long-term or worsening conditions may qualify for an “ongoing” or “indefinite” award, which can last up to ten years.
Who Gets a Long-Term PIP Award?
According to DWP data:
- 1.5 million claimants (41% of all PIP recipients) have awards lasting at least five years.
- These claimants are spread across England, Scotland, Wales, and abroad.
- Certain medical conditions significantly increase the likelihood of receiving long-term PIP.
Conditions
Some health conditions are more likely to result in a long-term PIP award. The following groups have the highest percentage of five-year-plus claims:
| Condition | Total Claimants | Five-Year Plus Awards | Percentage (%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Visual Impairments | 58,685 | 34,692 | 58.6% |
| Musculoskeletal (General) | 682,391 | 341,434 | 50.8% |
| Neurological Conditions | 468,113 | 230,412 | 49.5% |
| Respiratory Diseases | 138,376 | 64,835 | 46.9% |
Other conditions with a high percentage of long-term PIP awards include:
- Autoimmune diseases (44.5%)
- Regional musculoskeletal conditions (43.6%)
Payments
PIP consists of two components:
- Daily Living Component – for assistance with everyday tasks.
- Mobility Component – for help with getting around.
Each component has two payment levels: standard and enhanced.
PIP Increases from April 2025
The government has announced a 1.7% increase in PIP payments starting 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 possible monthly payment from April 2025 will be £737.20.
Reviews
Even if you receive a long-term award, your PIP claim will still be reviewed. The DWP regularly checks eligibility to ensure individuals continue to receive the correct level of support.
- Most PIP claims are reviewed, regardless of award length.
- Individuals with progressive or severe conditions may receive an indefinite award but could still be asked for medical evidence.
If you think you qualify for a longer PIP award, make sure your application includes detailed medical records to support your claim.
With over 1.5 million claimants receiving long-term PIP support, and payments increasing in 2025, now is the time to check if you’re eligible for an ongoing award.
For full details and to apply, visit gov.uk/pip.
