More than three million people across the UK rely on Personal Independence Payment (PIP) to help manage the extra costs of long-term illness or disability. Administered by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), this vital benefit provides financial support for individuals who struggle with daily tasks or mobility due to health conditions.
As of April 2025, those eligible for enhanced rates on both daily living and mobility components of PIP can receive up to £749 per month. New data and expert analysis reveal that claimants with specific health conditions are more likely to receive this full amount. Here’s a breakdown of the top four types of conditions that offer the highest likelihood of securing the full PIP award.
1. Visual Diseases and Sight Loss
According to official DWP statistics, claimants with visual impairments are among the most successful in receiving the highest PIP payments. Over 58% of people with sight-related diseases receive enhanced awards for both components, resulting in a total monthly payment close to £749.
These conditions often affect a person’s ability to navigate public spaces, manage household tasks, and maintain independence—making them strong candidates for higher support.
2. Neurological Disorders
Individuals with neurological conditions, including Parkinson’s disease, epilepsy, and multiple sclerosis, frequently qualify for enhanced mobility and daily living payments. These disorders can lead to significant cognitive and physical impairments, affecting memory, balance, coordination, and motor skills.
Due to the often progressive and debilitating nature of these conditions, claimants are commonly assessed as requiring substantial support, making them more likely to receive higher award rates.
Additional details can be found in the NHS guide to neurological conditions.
3. Musculoskeletal Conditions
Musculoskeletal issues, such as severe arthritis, back pain, or joint degeneration, also rank high among successful PIP claims. These conditions can severely limit a person’s ability to move around, carry out personal care, or perform household duties without assistance.
The chronic pain and mobility restrictions caused by these disorders often result in both components of PIP being awarded at the enhanced rate.
For a broader view, refer to the Versus Arthritis website—a trusted authority offering insight into conditions that frequently influence PIP assessments.
4. Mental Health Conditions
Mental health issues—including severe anxiety, depression, PTSD, and bipolar disorder—are increasingly recognized under PIP. While assessments are condition-agnostic and based on how symptoms affect daily functioning, those with substantial mental health impairments may qualify for full PIP support.
The DWP’s guidance underscores that difficulty in planning, making decisions, or engaging with others can qualify someone for both daily living and mobility components at the enhanced rate.
Mental health support information is available via Mind UK and the official NHS mental health services page.
How Is the £749 PIP Payment Calculated?
PIP is split into two parts:
- Daily Living Component
- Standard Rate: £72.65/week
- Enhanced Rate: £108.55/week
- Mobility Component
- Standard Rate: £28.70/week
- Enhanced Rate: £75.75/week
If awarded the enhanced rate for both, the combined weekly amount is £184.30, which equals roughly £749.20 per month.
Who Qualifies for PIP?
PIP is available to UK residents aged 16 or over and under State Pension age. To qualify:
- You must have had difficulties with daily living or mobility for at least 3 months.
- You expect these difficulties to continue for at least another 9 months (unless terminally ill).
- Assessments focus on how your condition impacts your daily life, not the diagnosis itself.
Final Thoughts
Although the award process is tailored to each individual’s experience, visual, neurological, musculoskeletal, and severe mental health conditions consistently show the highest success rates for receiving full PIP payments. If you or someone you know falls into one of these categories, it may be worth exploring a claim or reassessment to ensure you’re receiving the full support available.
For more guidance, reach out to a local Citizens Advice Bureau or explore free resources from trusted charities such as Scope UK and Turn2us.
This article has been carefully fact-checked by our editorial team to ensure accuracy and eliminate any misleading information. We are committed to maintaining the highest standards of integrity in our content.
