Personal Independence Payment (PIP) offers financial support to individuals with disabilities or health conditions, providing up to several hundred pounds each week to assist with daily living and mobility needs. According to the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP)’s most recent figures, psychiatric disorders have emerged as the most commonly cited primary conditions among PIP claimants.
As of April 2026, over four million people were receiving PIP. Of these, approximately 1.5 million claimants - more than one-quarter - identified a psychiatric disorder as their main disabling condition. This represents an increase of around one million claimants compared to May 2025, underscoring the growing prevalence of mental health conditions within the claimant population. The DWP’s system tracks multiple categories of disabilities, and psychiatric disorders now top this list.
Within the psychiatric disorder category, there are 20 specific conditions recognised for PIP claims. While some of these conditions account for comparatively few successful claims (fewer than 50), others approach half a million claimants, reflecting substantial variation in prevalence.
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It is important to note that receiving a diagnosis alone does not guarantee eligibility for PIP. To qualify, a claimant’s condition must demonstrably impact their ability to perform daily living tasks or affect their mobility. Some individuals may qualify for PIP before receiving an official diagnosis if they can show ongoing difficulties.
PIP payments can reach up to £191.30 per week, although the actual amount awarded depends on the severity of the claimant’s condition and its functional effects. The benefit is divided into two components: the daily living element and the mobility element. Claimants may be entitled to one or both elements, depending on their needs.
Each element has two rates-standard and enhanced-reflecting the degree of support required. Consequently, some claimants may receive over £700 monthly if awarded enhanced rates for both elements.
Eligibility criteria also include being aged 16 or over but below the state pension age when applying for the first time. Additionally, the claimant’s impairments are expected to have lasted, or be expected to last, for at least 12 months from the onset of difficulties.