DWP PIP claim decision shakeup could impact millions

Those applying for Personal Independence Payment (PIP) could receive a decision weeks earlier under a new online claims system being introduced by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).

Newly published research by the Department reveals that people using the digital service are receiving decisions approximately 20 days faster than those applying through the conventional phone and paper process - a considerable improvement for a benefit where waiting times can extend to several months. The findings stem from an evaluation of the DWP's new 'digital self-serve' PIP application system, which enables claimants to complete their application online rather than over the telephone.

The overall application process is also speedier, with online claims taking roughly a week less from beginning to end. PIP is a crucial disability benefit currently worth between £121.20 and £778.40 per four-week payment period. The latest DWP figures reveal there are now more than 3.9 million people claiming PIP across England and Wales. reports the Daily Record.

The report revealed the new system is already transforming how people make claims, with registrations climbing by 22 per cent in areas where it has been rolled out. Around 35 per cent of applications in those areas are now submitted online.

However, the system is not yet accessible to all. Around 30 per cent of claimants are currently unable to use the digital service, meaning a significant number of people still have to depend on the existing process.

PIP weekly rates 2026/27

Daily Living component

• Enhanced: £114.60 (from £110.40)
• Standard: £76.70 (from £73.90)

Mobility component

• Enhanced: £80.00 (from £77.05)
• Standard: £30.30 (from £29.20)

The new payment rates start on April 6.

Despite the improvements in speed, the findings also highlight a potential drawback.

The proportion of successful claims dropped by around six per cent following the introduction of the online system, suggesting that while more people are applying, fewer are being awarded the benefit.

The DWP said the service is designed to make applying easier and more accessible, particularly for people with mental health conditions or those with work and caring responsibilities.

It also aims to reduce errors and help ensure claimants provide the right information from the start.

PIP is intended to help with extra living costs for people with long-term physical or mental health conditions or disabilities and is not affected by income or savings.

Number of PIP claimants - January 2026

• England and Wales - 3,919,122 claimants
• Scotland (transferring to ADP) - 1,579 claimants
• Living Abroad - 2,269 claimants
• Unknown - 3,049 claimants
• Total - 3,926,015 claimants

At the end of January, PIP is providing financial support to 4,424,105 people.

For new PIP claims made between October and January:

• 77% of claims awarded were short term (0 to 2 years)
• 16% were longer term (over 2 years)
• 7% 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)

Many people may be unaware PIP can provide support for hundreds of health conditions. Both benefits could help people with daily living tasks or moving around, or both.

However, it would not be beneficial to list all conditions recorded by DWP during the PIP application process as an award for the disability benefit is determined by how a person’s health condition affects their ability to perform daily living tasks such as cooking, washing, eating, dressing and engaging with other people in a safe and timely way. There are also awards to help if you have difficulty moving around.

This means every claim for PIP is unique for each applicant, which could also help people thinking about making a new claim to start the process. Below is a full overview of PIP, including the five most-claimed conditions and the main disabling conditions, as classified by the DWP.

PIP cannot be backdated, but payments start from the date the claim was submitted, to cover the handling time at the DWP.

20 disabling conditions recorded by DWP

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

Number of claimants:

• Haematological Disease - 9,464
• Infectious disease - 14,664
• Malignant disease - 127,423
• Metabolic disease - 6,005
• Psychiatric disorders - 1,523,811
• Neurological disease - 494,817
• Visual disease - 60,360
• Hearing disorders - 41,155
• Cardiovascular disease - 102,889
• Gastrointestinal disease - 38,987
• Diseases of the liver, gallbladder, biliary tract - 14,470
• Skin disease - 26,676
• Musculoskeletal disease (general) - 740,225
• Musculoskeletal disease (regional) - 469,641
• Autoimmune disease (connective tissue disorders) - 21,082
• Genitourinary disease - 33,775
• Endocrine disease - 51,089
• Respiratory disease - 141,072
• Multisystem and extremes of age - 2,285
• Diseases of the immune system - 1,489
• Unknown or missing - 4,644
• Great Britain total: 3,926,015

Below is an overview of PIP

Who might be eligible for PIP?

To be eligible 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

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 what we have outlined above, if you get or need help with any of the following because of your condition, 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.

DWP will assess how difficult you find daily living and mobility tasks. For each task they will look at:

• 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 usually paid every four weeks unless you are terminally ill, in which case it is paid weekly. It will be paid directly into your bank, building society or credit union account.

PIP payment rates

You will need an assessment to work out the level of financial help you will receive and your rate will be regularly reviewed to make sure you are getting the right support. Payments are made every four weeks.

PIP is made up of two components:

• 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: £76.70
• Enhanced rate: £114.60

Mobility

• Standard rate: £30.30
• Enhanced rate: £80.00

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 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