Starting April 2024, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is giving more help to people with disabilities or long-term health problems. This comes in the form of increased Personal Independence Payment (PIP) benefits. The adjustment follows a 6.7% inflation rate recorded in September 2023 and is meant to better support those who struggle with daily living or mobility.
This financial aid is especially helpful for individuals whose conditions make everyday tasks very difficult. With the new rates, people at the highest level can receive up to £184.30 every week. That adds up to over £9,500 a year. These changes will help claimants afford personal care, transportation, home equipment, and medical support.
Now is a great time to apply for PIP. Whether you’re already living with one of the 25 qualifying health conditions or are newly diagnosed, this benefit could offer the support you need. The process involves an assessment, but the extra money can really improve daily life and reduce financial stress.
Understanding What PIP Is
Personal Independence Payment (PIP) is a financial benefit from the UK government, given to people whose physical or mental health problems make daily life or moving around hard. It is not based on your income or savings, which means anyone who meets the health criteria can apply.
PIP helps with extra costs, such as buying special equipment, getting personal care, or making your home easier to live in. It’s a way for the government to support people in living independently, even if they have serious health challenges.
Who Can Get PIP Support?
To apply for PIP, you must meet some important conditions:
- Be between the age of 16 and the State Pension age.
- Have a health issue that affects you daily or limits your mobility.
- Have had the condition for at least 3 months and expect it to continue for at least 9 more.
- Have lived in the UK for at least 2 of the last 3 years and be living in the UK now.
If you meet these points, you can fill out a form, attend an assessment, and possibly start receiving payments.
Updated PIP Payment Amounts for 2024
PIP has two main parts: one for daily living needs and one for mobility. Each part comes with two levels—Standard and Enhanced. The more support you need, the higher the level you might get.
| Component | Standard Weekly Rate | Enhanced Weekly Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Daily Living | £72.65 | £108.55 |
| Mobility | £28.70 | £75.75 |
If you qualify for the highest level for both parts, you’ll receive £184.30 each week. That’s £798.53 a month and £9,582.60 a year.
List of 25 Conditions That Often Qualify for PIP
While PIP is given based on how your condition affects your life (not just the diagnosis), these 25 conditions are often seen as qualifying:
Lung and Breathing Issues:
- Obstructive Sleep Apnoea
- COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease)
- Chronic Bronchitis
- Cystic Fibrosis
- Emphysema
- Empyema
- Bronchiectasis
- Asthma
- Asbestosis
Inflammatory Lung Diseases: 10. Extrinsic Allergic Alveolitis
11. Fibrosing Alveolitis
12. Sarcoidosis
13. Silicosis
14. Granulomatous Lung Disease
15. Other types of Pulmonary Fibrosis
16. Pneumoconiosis
Other Lung and Chest Conditions: 17. Pleura Disorders
18. Pleural Effusion
19. Pneumothorax
20. Pulmonary Embolism
21. Pneumonia
Organ Transplant-Related: 22. Lung Transplant
23. Heart and Lung Transplant
Additional Medical Problems: 24. Severe Breathing Difficulties
25. Long-term Respiratory Infections
These conditions may lead to trouble breathing, walking, or doing tasks around the house—key factors considered in PIP assessments.
How the PIP Review Process Works
To get PIP, you must go through an assessment. Here’s how it usually works:
- First, you fill out a form about how your condition affects your everyday life.
- Then, you’ll likely have a meeting with a health professional. This can be in person, by phone, or over video call.
- They will ask questions and may look at how you perform certain tasks.
- The DWP will use this report to decide how much help you need.
- Over time, they might check again to make sure your condition still qualifies.
Why You Should Apply Soon
Now is a smart time to apply for PIP, especially with the payment increase already in effect.
- Higher Financial Support – More money can help with extra living costs.
- Stable Help Over Time – If your condition doesn’t improve, PIP continues.
- Better Access to Resources – You can use the funds for care, equipment, or travel to medical appointments.
If your condition affects your day-to-day life or ability to move around, don’t wait—check if you’re eligible and apply. With over £9,500 per year available, PIP can be a lifeline for many people in the UK.