The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has officially confirmed a revised list of health conditions that qualify for ‘ongoing’ Personal Independence Payment (PIP) awards.
This announcement significantly impacts thousands of claimants across the UK who rely on PIP for daily living support due to long-term physical, mental, or neurological conditions.
Whether you are applying for the first time or undergoing reassessment, understanding how these updates affect your eligibility is vital. Below, we cover everything you need to know — from updated conditions to review periods, statistics, and what the changes mean for different claimant categories.
What is PIP and Who Is It For?
Personal Independence Payment (PIP) is a UK benefit for people aged 16 to State Pension age who have long-term disabilities or health conditions.
It helps cover the extra costs of living with these conditions and is assessed based on how your condition impacts your daily life and mobility, not just the diagnosis itself.
PIP is divided into two components:
- Daily Living
- Mobility
Each component has standard and enhanced rates, and awards can be short-term or ongoing, depending on the severity and stability of the condition.
What Are ‘Ongoing’ PIP Awards?
An ongoing award is typically given to claimants with severe, life-long, or deteriorating conditions. Unlike short-term awards (usually reviewed within 2 years), ongoing awards are usually reviewed every 10 years or through a “light touch review”.
Claimants with ongoing awards are not required to constantly prove their eligibility unless major changes in circumstances occur.
Updated List of Conditions for Ongoing PIP Awards
According to the DWP’s latest data and assessments, the following categories are now confirmed as more likely to qualify for ongoing awards:
| Condition Category | Examples of Conditions | Likelihood of Ongoing Award |
|---|---|---|
| Neurological Diseases | Multiple sclerosis, Cerebral palsy, Head injuries, Hydrocephalus | High (13% for new claimants, 36% for DLA reassessments) |
| Musculoskeletal Disorders | Osteoarthritis, Chronic pain syndromes, Fracture complications | Moderate to High |
| Respiratory Conditions | Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), Asthma | Moderate |
| Psychiatric Disorders | Anxiety, Depression, Dementia, Substance abuse | Low (Despite making up 40% of all PIP claims) |
Reassessment After Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
People transitioning from Disability Living Allowance (DLA) to PIP are more likely to receive ongoing awards compared to new applicants. Here’s what the data shows:
- 36% of those with neurological conditions moving from DLA to PIP receive ongoing awards.
- DLA reassessment claimants outpace new claimants in receiving long-term support, across all disabling categories.
What Happens at State Pension Age?
Once a claimant reaches State Pension age, they can no longer apply for new PIP claims. Instead, they must apply for Attendance Allowance. However, if you’re already on PIP before turning 66:
- You can continue to receive PIP
- You will undergo light-touch reviews every 10 years
This allows senior citizens to maintain support without frequent reassessment.
Disparity Among Conditions
Despite psychiatric disorders representing nearly 40% of all successful PIP claims, they still have the lowest proportion of ongoing awards. This suggests that mental health conditions are often viewed as more likely to change or improve over time, leading to shorter award durations.
In contrast, neurological and musculoskeletal conditions—which often deteriorate—are seen as more stable or predictable, qualifying for longer-term support.
Key Facts and Figures
- Ongoing awards are generally reviewed every 10 years
- Short-term awards are reassessed within 2 years
- 36% of reassessed neurological claimants from DLA to PIP received ongoing awards
- Psychiatric disorder claimants have the lowest ongoing award rate, despite representing 40% of PIP awards
Who Benefits Most from These Changes?
These updated eligibility criteria benefit:
- People with progressive diseases or permanent disabilities
- Claimants transitioning from DLA to PIP
- Older adults nearing State Pension age with ongoing awards
If your condition is listed in the neurological or musculoskeletal category, you stand a higher chance of being granted an ongoing PIP award—minimizing the stress of repeated reassessments.
The DWP’s confirmation of conditions eligible for ongoing PIP awards brings clarity and potential relief to thousands of UK residents dealing with lifelong conditions.
Understanding where your health condition falls in the eligibility spectrum is essential for accessing consistent financial support and reducing the stress of regular reassessments.
If you’re unsure whether you qualify, speak to a PIP advisor or check your reassessment letter thoroughly. These updates could mean the difference between short-term support and long-term financial stability.
FAQs
What does ‘ongoing PIP award’ mean?
It refers to a long-term benefit given without a set end date, usually reviewed every 10 years, intended for stable or worsening conditions.
Can someone with a mental health condition get an ongoing award?
Yes, but the proportion of ongoing awards for psychiatric disorders is lower, as these conditions are often seen as more variable.
Do I need to apply for PIP again after State Pension age?
No. If you’re already on PIP before turning 66, you’ll continue to receive it, but new claims must go through Attendance Allowance