Personal Independence Payments (PIP) offer crucial financial support, potentially providing hundreds of pounds each week to individuals living with disabilities or health conditions. Recent figures released by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) have shed light on the most commonly reported conditions among PIP claimants, emphasising the prevalence of psychiatric disorders as the leading primary disabling condition.
As of April 2026, over four million people were receiving PIP, with approximately 1.5 million of these claims listing a psychiatric disorder as the main disabling condition. This represents a significant increase of around one million claimants compared to May 2025. Consequently, psychiatric conditions currently constitute the largest group among the primary disability categories tracked by the DWP’s system.
The category of psychiatric disorders includes 20 specific conditions. The number of successful PIP claims varies widely among these, from fewer than 50 claims for some conditions to nearly 500,000 claims for others.
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It is important to note that PIP is not means-tested, and having a diagnosis alone does not guarantee eligibility. To qualify, an individual’s condition must impact their ability to carry out daily living activities or affect their mobility. Notably, some claimants may qualify for PIP even before receiving an official diagnosis if their difficulties meet the criteria.
PIP payments can reach up to £191.30 per week; however, the exact amount awarded depends on the severity of the claimant’s condition. The benefit consists of two separate elements: the daily living component and the mobility component. Claimants may receive one or both elements based on their needs.
Each element is paid at either a standard or enhanced weekly rate, meaning total support varies between individuals. Those qualifying for both enhanced rates could receive over £700 monthly.
Eligibility for PIP requires claimants to be aged 16 or over, but below the state pension age if applying for the first time. Additionally, claimants must expect their condition-related difficulties to last for at least 12 months from their onset.