The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has confirmed that more than 3.7 million people across Great Britain now receive Personal Independence Payment (PIP)—a disability benefit designed to support individuals living with long-term health conditions or disabilities.
By the end of April 2025, combined PIP and Adult Disability Payment (ADP) recipients exceeded 4.2 million.
Recent figures highlight that 210,000 new claims were lodged between January and April 2025, reflecting what the DWP described as “unprecedented levels of new applications.”
This rise follows growing awareness of the benefit and the extra costs faced by those living with disabling conditions.
A successful PIP claim can pay between £116.80 and £749.80 every four weeks, depending on whether applicants qualify for Daily Living, Mobility, or both at standard or enhanced rates. Notably, 37% of claimants now receive the maximum award.
Who Can Qualify for PIP?
PIP is awarded based not on a diagnosis alone, but on how your condition impacts daily living and mobility. To qualify, you must:
- Have faced difficulties for at least 3 months.
- Expect those challenges to continue for at least 9 months.
- Typically reside in the UK for at least two of the past three years.
The DWP assesses applicants across tasks such as cooking, eating, dressing, bathing, managing medication, and mobility. Your award level depends on whether you can carry out these activities safely, reliably, and in a timely manner.
Top 10 Health Conditions That Unlock PIP Support
The DWP recently published the 10 most common disabling conditions claimed under PIP. These categories represent the largest share of current awards and demonstrate the wide range of people eligible for support.
| Rank | Condition | Number of Claimants / Share |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psychiatric disorders | 1,444,016+ claimants (≈39%) |
| 2 | Musculoskeletal disease (general) | 707,084 claimants |
| 3 | Neurological disease | 476,659 claimants |
| 4 | Musculoskeletal disease (regional) | 447,794 claimants |
| 5 | Respiratory disease | 138,428 claimants |
| 6 | Malignant disease (cancer) | 121,154 claimants |
| 7 | Cardiovascular disease | 97,372 claimants |
| 8 | Visual disease | 58,960 claimants |
| 9 | Endocrine disease | 48,760 claimants |
| 10 | Hearing disorders | 39,418 claimants |
How Much Can You Get?
PIP has two components: Daily Living and Mobility. Each can be awarded at a standard or enhanced rate.
- Daily Living component:
- Standard rate: £73.90 per week
- Enhanced rate: £110.40 per week
- Mobility component:
- Standard rate: £29.20 per week
- Enhanced rate: £77.05 per week
This means the maximum weekly total is £187.45, which equals £749.80 every four weeks. Payments are made directly into claimants’ bank accounts.
Application and Assessment Process
To apply for PIP, you must contact the DWP and provide details such as:
- National Insurance number
- Bank account information
- Doctor or healthcare professional details
- Relevant medical history and evidence
An independent healthcare professional assesses your claim, which may be done via phone, video call, or in-person appointment. For ADP claimants in Scotland, assessments are more flexible, with fewer face-to-face requirements.
Changing Rules Ahead
From November 2026, new eligibility rules will apply. Claimants must score at least four points in one daily living task to qualify for the Daily Living component. This change could reduce eligibility for individuals with less visible or fluctuating conditions.
The DWP’s latest statistics show a surge in PIP applications, with over 3.7 million people in England and Wales alone receiving crucial financial support.
The top 10 conditions—led by psychiatric and musculoskeletal disorders—represent the majority of claims, highlighting the critical role PIP plays in supporting both mental and physical health needs.
With payments of up to £749.80 every four weeks, PIP is a lifeline for those facing the extra costs of disability.
However, with demand at record levels and stricter rules looming, it is more important than ever for eligible people to apply early and provide clear evidence of how their condition affects daily life.
FAQs
How much is the maximum PIP payment in 2025?
The maximum is £187.45 per week (or £749.80 every four weeks) for claimants awarded both Daily Living and Mobility at enhanced rates.
What are the most common conditions claimed under PIP?
The top three are psychiatric disorders, musculoskeletal diseases, and neurological diseases.
Can I backdate a PIP claim?
No. Payments start from the date you submit your application, not from when your condition began.