DWP Reveals Top Five Personal Independence Payment Claims: Psychiatric, Musculoskeletal, Neurological Dominate

Latest figures from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) have revealed the five most common health conditions for which people claim Personal Independence Payments (PIP) from the Government. Data shows that at the end of October, more than 3.6 million people across Britain were receiving PIP, with the number of claimants steadily rising.

According to the DWP, there are 21 main disabling conditions supporting over 530 health issues. However, five conditions alone account for an astounding 3,141,054 of the total 3,660,331 claimants – approximately 85.8% of all those receiving PIP. The conditions making the biggest impact include psychiatric disorders, musculoskeletal conditions, neurological issues, and respiratory disease, according to the Daily Record.

The figures reveal that psychiatric disorders are the most common reason for claims, with 1,406,044 claimants (37%). This category covers a range of issues including mixed anxiety, stress, depressive and mood disorders, as well as OCD and cognitive disorders. Musculoskeletal disease (general) is the second highest, with 691,426 claimants (20%), encompassing conditions such as muscle or joint pain and various arthritic conditions.

Neurological disease comes in third, with 470,380 claimants (13%). This broad category includes ailments like muscular dystrophy, epilepsy, headaches, multiple sclerosis, neuropathy, and other movement disorders. Musculoskeletal disease (regional) is the fourth most common, with 434,670 claimants (12%). This classification specifically addresses pain localized to areas such as the neck, back, shoulders, elbows, wrists, hands, hips, knees, and ankles. Finally, respiratory disease accounts for 138,534 claimants (4%), covering conditions such as asthma, diseases of the upper respiratory tract, pulmonary fibrosis, and cystic fibrosis.

PIP is designed to provide critical financial support, offering tax-free payments that range from £28.70 to £184.30 per week, distributed every four weeks. The benefits are not means-tested, do not affect the overall benefit cap, and are intended to help those whose conditions severely impact their daily lives.

With more than 530 health conditions supported through various disability benefits – including PIP, ADP, Disability Living Allowance (DLA), Child Disability Payment, Attendance Allowance, and Pension Age Disability Payment – it is important to remember that awards are determined by how the condition affects the individual rather than the condition itself. This means every claim for PIP is unique for each applicant, which could also help people thinking about making a new claim to start the process.

More details about PIP and how to claim are available on the Government website, offering essential guidance for those in need of support.