New data from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) reveals that over 3.8 million people were claiming Personal Independence Payment (PIP) by the end of July. This marks a 2% rise from the figures recorded at April's end, with a significant 37% now pocketing the maximum payment awards.

Successful PIP claims can fetch between £29.20 and £187.45 weekly, typically paid out every four weeks, translating to awards ranging from £116.80 to £749.80, reports the Daily Record.

Number of PIP claimants - July 2025

• England and Wales - 3,821,354
• Living Abroad - 2,226
• Unknown - 3,422
• Total - 3,827,003

By the end of July, PIP was financially supporting a total of 4,311,058 people.

For new claims in the quarter ending July 2025:

79% of claims awarded were short term (0 to 2 years)

14% were longer term (over 2 years)

6% were ongoing

Five most commonly recorded disabling conditions for PIP

• Psychiatric disorder (39% of claims)
• Musculoskeletal disease (general) (19% of claims)
• Neurological disease (13% of claims)
• Musculoskeletal disease (regional) (12% of claims)
• Respiratory disease (4% of claims)

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Many might not realise that PIP caters to hundreds of health conditions, offering support for daily living tasks or mobility, or both. However, it would not be helpful to list all conditions noted by the DWP during the PIP application process. That is because disability benefit awards are based on how a person's health condition affects their ability to carry out daily tasks like cooking, washing, eating, dressing and interacting with others safely and promptly.

There are also awards available for those who struggle with mobility. This means that every PIP claim is unique to each applicant, which could provide useful insight for those considering making a new claim. Here's a comprehensive overview of PIP, including the top five most-claimed conditions and the main disabling conditions, as categorised by the DWP. PIP can't be backdated, but payments kick off from the date the claim was lodged, to account for the processing time at the DWP.

Disabling conditions recorded by DWP

These are the main disability categories, the overarching term under which more than 530 other conditions fall. This list merely provides an overview of conditions, disorders and diseases and how the DWP lists the main disabilities being claimed for.

• Haematological Disease
• Infectious disease
• Malignant disease
• Metabolic disease
• Psychiatric disorders
• Neurological disease
• Visual disease
• Hearing disorders
• Cardiovascular disease
• Gastrointestinal disease
• Diseases of the liver, gallbladder, biliary tract
• Skin disease
• Musculoskeletal disease (general)
• Musculoskeletal disease (regional)
• Autoimmune disease (connective tissue disorders)
• Genitourinary disease
• Endocrine disease
• Respiratory disease
• Multisystem and extremes of age
• Diseases of the immune system
• Unknown or missing

Who might be eligible for PIP?

To qualify for PIP, you must have a health condition or disability where you:

• have had difficulties with daily living or getting around (or both) for 3 months
• expect these difficulties to continue for at least 9 months

Typically, you need to have resided in the UK for a minimum of two out of the last three years and be in the country when you apply. In addition to the above, if your condition requires or will require help with any of the following, you should consider applying for PIP.

• preparing, cooking or eating food
• managing your medication
• washing, bathing or using the toilet
• dressing and undressing
• engaging and communicating with other people
• reading and understanding written information
• making decisions about money
• planning a journey or following a route
• moving around

There are different rules if you are terminally ill, you will find these on the GOV.UK website here. The DWP will assess how challenging you find daily living and mobility tasks. They will examine each task individually.

• whether you can do it safely
• how long it takes you
• how often your condition affects this activity
• whether you need help to do it, from a person or using extra equipment

How is PIP paid?

PIP is typically paid every four weeks unless you are terminally ill, in which case payments are made weekly. Payments will be directly deposited into your bank, building society, or credit union account.

PIP payment rates for 2025/26

An assessment will determine the level of financial aid you will receive, and your rate will be regularly reviewed to ensure you are receiving the appropriate support. Payments are made every four weeks.

• Daily living
• Mobility

Whether you get one or both of these and how much depends on how severely your condition affects you.

You will be paid the following amounts per week depending on your circumstances:

Daily living

• Standard rate: £73.90
• Enhanced rate: £110.40

Mobility

• Standard rate: £29.20
• Enhanced rate: £77.05

How you are assessed

You will be assessed by an independent healthcare professional to help the DWP determine the level of financial support, if any, you need, for PIP.

Face-to-face consultations for health-related benefits are offered alongside video calls, telephone and paper-based assessments - it's important to be aware that the health professional and DWP determine which type of assessment is best suited for each claimant. You can find out more about DWP PIP assessments here.

How do you make a claim for PIP?

You can make a new claim by contacting the DWP, you will find all the information you need to apply on the GOV.UK website here.

Before you call, you will need:

• your contact details
• your date of birth
• your National Insurance number - this is on letters about tax, pensions and benefits
• your bank or building society account number and sort code
• your doctor or health worker’s name, address and telephone number
• dates and addresses for any time you’ve spent abroad, in a care home or hospital