Thousands of people across the UK are currently eligible for a monthly financial support package of up to £749.80, thanks to the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) Personal Independence Payment (PIP). This long-term benefit can be awarded for up to five years, or even longer in some cases, helping people with disabilities or long-term health conditions manage additional living costs.

Here’s what you need to know about this benefit, who qualifies, and how you can apply.

What is PIP?

Personal Independence Payment (PIP) is a non-means-tested, tax-free benefit designed to support individuals who struggle with daily activities or mobility due to a long-term illness, disability, or mental health condition.

It replaces the old Disability Living Allowance (DLA) for adults and is available to individuals aged 16 and over but under State Pension age.

Two Key Components

PIP consists of two parts:

• Daily Living Component – for help with tasks like cooking, washing, dressing, or managing medication.
• Mobility Component – for difficulties with moving around or making journeys independently.

Each component is paid at either a standard or enhanced rate, depending on the severity of your condition.

As of April 2025, those receiving the enhanced rate of both components can receive up to £187.45 per week – totaling approximately £749.80 every four weeks.

Long-Term and Ongoing Awards

Although PIP is sometimes granted for shorter durations (typically up to two years), the DWP may now issue long-term awards for up to five years, and in some cases, ongoing awards with no set end date.

These longer awards are generally reserved for claimants with conditions that are unlikely to improve, such as advanced multiple sclerosis, late-stage arthritis, or permanent physical impairments.

Long-term awards are periodically reviewed, but in the case of ongoing awards, a light-touch review may occur only every ten years.

Are You Eligible?

To qualify for PIP, you must meet the following criteria:

• Be aged 16 or over, but under State Pension age.
• Have a long-term physical or mental health condition or disability.
• Have had difficulties with daily living or mobility for at least three months.
• Expect these difficulties to last for at least nine more months.
• Be living in England, Wales, or Northern Ireland (Scotland uses a different system known as Adult Disability Payment).

It’s important to note that eligibility is based on how your condition affects your daily life, rather than the diagnosis itself.

Common qualifying conditions include:

• Arthritis
• Multiple sclerosis
• Epilepsy
• Chronic fatigue syndrome
• Mental health conditions such as anxiety, PTSD, and depression

More details on eligibility are available on the PIP eligibility page.

How to Apply

Applying for PIP involves several steps, starting with a phone call.

Step 1: Start Your Claim

Call the PIP new claims line:

• Telephone: 0800 917 2222
• Textphone: 0800 917 7777
• Relay UK (if you can’t hear or speak on the phone): 18001 then 0800 917 2222

Lines are open Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm.

Step 2: Complete the Form

You will receive a ‘How Your Disability Affects You’ (PIP2) form in the post. This must be completed and returned with detailed information about how your condition impacts daily tasks.

Step 3: Provide Supporting Evidence

Include relevant medical documents such as:

• GP letters
• Prescription lists
• Care plans
• Hospital discharge summaries

Step 4: Attend an Assessment (if required)

You may be asked to attend a medical assessment in person, by phone, or by video call. This helps DWP determine the severity of your condition and how it affects your life.

Changes on the Horizon

From November 2026, new PIP claims will be assessed under updated eligibility criteria, as part of wider welfare reforms.

Existing claimants will not be affected immediately, but will face reassessment under the new rules once their current award is due for renewal after that date. Those applying before this change may benefit from the current, potentially more favorable, assessment framework.

Final Thoughts

If you or someone you care for is struggling with a long-term health issue, the Personal Independence Payment could provide essential financial relief. With payments of up to £749.80 per month and options for five-year or ongoing awards, now is a good time to assess your eligibility and start your claim.