How long PIP payments last and people likely to receive just a 'light touch' review

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has revealed that over 3.7 million people across Great Britain are now claiming Personal Independence Payment (PIP), marking a record high indisability benefits for working-age individuals, with reforms set to take place next year.

Social Security Scotland's recent data indicates that as of the end of April, approximately 476,295 individuals were receiving Adult Disability Payments (ADP), the devolved benefit that has superseded all new claims for Personal Independence Payment (PIP) in Scotland. However, those applying for PIP or ADP may not realise that the duration of a successful award can vary.

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The shortest award lasts nine months, while the longest is an ongoing award with a 'light touch' review every 10 years. Over 65% of individuals claiming PIP for a visual disease have been granted an award for five years or more.

While more than half of all claimants with general musculoskeletal conditions (50.8%) such as arthritis, muscle or joint pain, have received a longer award, along with 49.5% of individuals with a neurological condition like epilepsy, multiple sclerosis and muscular dystrophy.

For those considering making a new claim for PIP, or Adult Disability Payment, it's crucial to understand that award lengths vary and can last between nine months and up to 10 years, however, DWP data only records awards given up to 'five years or longer'.

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The latest version of the PIP Handbook explains that the decision maker will award PIP based on how the claimant's health condition or disability affects their daily life and their ability to live independently. It further states: "The length of award will be based upon each claimant's individual circumstances."

It's crucial to note that the DWP guidance also indicates most claimants will have their award regularly reviewed, "regardless of the length of the award" to ensure "everyone continues to receive the most appropriate level of support".

Some claimants will receive a limited term award for a fixed period of up to two years - the DWP says these awards will not be reviewed, reports the Daily Record. Limited awards with no review date are given where the claimant's health condition may be reasonably expected to improve.

Ongoing awards with a 'light touch' review

A 'light touch' review is typically awarded to claimants who have:

• very stable needs which are unlikely to change over time.
• high level needs which will either stay the same or get worse.
• a planned award review date due on or at State Pension age.
• a special rules for end of life claim due when of State Pension age.

The DWP guidance states: "These claimants would not usually be expected to have a face-to-face assessment at review." The annual increase of 1.7% will see people on disability benefits receive between £29.20 and £187.45 each week during the 2025/26 financial year - some £116.80 or £749.80 every four-week pay period.

Over the next year, this will see people on the highest awards receive an extra £9,747 in cash assistance. It's crucial to understand that the maximum sum of £749.80 is based on an individual receiving the highest award for both daily living and mobility components.

Six conditions with PIP award of five years or longer

It's vital to note that individuals with varying health conditions can be granted PIP for up to five years or more. The award is determined by how the condition impacts the claimant. The conditions listed below have the highest percentage rate of five-year or longer awards given to claimants at the end of April 2025.

Visual disease

58,539

38,112

Musculoskeletal disease (general)

697,476

365,238

52%

Neurological disease

472,121

252,214

Respiratory disease

137,957

66,647

Autoimmune disease (connective tissue disorders)

19,921

9,310

Musculoskeletal disease (regional)

440,684

202.317

46%

Total number of PIP claimants

3,744,671

1,631,688

44%

Below is a summary of PIP and ADP. Although new claims for PIP have been replaced in Scotland by ADP, it shares most of the same eligibility criteria. Comprehensive guidance on ADP can be found on the MYGOV.SCOT website here.

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Who might be eligible for PIP or ADP?

To qualify for PIP or ADP, 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.

You usually need to have lived in the UK for at least two of the last three years and be in the country when you apply. In addition to the above, if you require assistance due to your condition with any of the following, you should consider applying for PIP or ADP.

• eating, drinking or preparing food
• washing, bathing, using the toilet, managing incontinence
• dressing and undressing
• talking, listening, reading and understanding
• managing your medicines or treatments
• making decisions about money
• mixing with other people
• working out a route and following it
• physically moving around
• leaving your home

Different rules apply if you are terminally ill, which can be found on the GOV.UK website. The DWP or Social Security Scotland will assess how challenging you find daily living and mobility tasks. They will examine each task in detail:

• 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 are PIP and ADP paid?

PIP and ADP are 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. ADP is paid at the same rates as PIP.

PIP and ADP payment rates 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.

PIP consists of two components:

• Daily living
• Mobility

Whether you receive one or both of these and the amount depends on the severity of your condition's impact on you.

Depending on your circumstances, you will be paid the following amounts per week:

Daily living

• Standard: £73.90
• Enhanced: £110.40

Mobility

• Standard: £29.20
• Enhanced: £77.05

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How you are assessed

An independent healthcare professional will assess you 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 available, along with video calls, telephone and paper-based assessments - it's crucial to note that the health professional and DWP decide which type of assessment is most suitable for each claimant.

Adult Disability Payment assessments will not require face-to-face assessments, unless this is the claimant's preference.

Wondering how to make a claim for PIP?

You can initiate a new claim by getting in touch with the DWP, all the necessary information you need to apply can be found on the GOV.UK website here.

Before you ring up, ensure you have:

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

How to apply for ADP

Individuals can apply for ADP over the phone, by post or in-person. To learn more or apply, visit the dedicated pages on mygov.scot hereor ring Social Security Scotland on 0800 182 2222.