Five most-claimed PIP conditions as number of people on up to £737 each month soars past 3.5 million

New data from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) reveals that over 3.5 million people across Great Britain are now claiming Personal Independence Payment (PIP).

However, these record-breaking figures do not account for individuals in Scotland who have transitioned from PIP to Adult Disability Payment (ADP). The shift from PIP to the devolved payment is ongoing and expected to be finalised by the end of next year.

The DWP's statistics also highlight that 250,000 new claims for PIP were lodged in England and Wales in the three months leading up to April - the highest level of applications since the benefit was introduced in 2013. Just over a third (36%) of cases received the maximum award, which equates to £737.20 every four-week payment period.

PIP or ADP supports more than 540 health conditions, but this list is not exhaustive and includes an 'unknown' category. A successful claim for PIP or ADP can provide between £28.70 and £184.30 each week in additional financial support.

As the benefit is paid every four weeks, this amounts to between £114.80 and £737.20 per payment period, reports the Daily Record.

The five most commonly recorded PIP health conditions.

Psychiatric disorder

1,347,889 claimants (37%)

This includes mixed anxiety, stress, depressive and mood disorders, OCD and cognitive disorders

Musculoskeletal disease (general)

672,201 claimants (20%)

This includes muscle or joint pain and arthritic conditions

Neurological disease

465,187 claimants (13%)

This includes muscular dystrophy, epilepsy, headache, multiple sclerosis, neuropathy and other movement disorders

Musculoskeletal disease (regional)

416,878 claimants (12%)

This includes neck, back, shoulders, elbow, wrists, hands, hip, knee and ankle pain

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