If you’re one of the UK’s Personal Independence Payment (PIP) claimants—or know someone who is—there’s good news.
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) now offers five-year (or longer) awards to around 41% of recipients, meaning around £749 every four weeks, with far fewer reassessments.
This shift brings certainty, reduced stress, and stability for those managing long-term conditions.
Overview of the Long-Term PIP Award
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Amount | Up to £749 every 4 weeks (enhanced Daily Living + Mobility rates) |
| Award Duration | 5 years or ongoing, reducing frequent assessments |
| Claimant Reach | Around 1.5 million people (~41% of 3.7 million PIP recipients)^2 |
| Review Frequency | Light-touch or no face-to-face reassessments |
| Financial Value | Equivalent to £9,747 annually |
Why Award Length Matters
PIP supports daily living and mobility for people with long-term health conditions. Awards come with standard or enhanced rates, and the length depends on the nature and prognosis of the condition:
- Short-term (≤ 2 years): For potentially improving conditions
- Medium-term (2–5 years): For stable but non-improving conditions
- Long-term (≥ 5 years) or ongoing: For chronic or progressive conditions—especially at or above State Pension age
Longer awards mean fewer medical exams, minimized stress, and greater financial predictability.
Who Is Receiving Five-Year+ Awards?
- 1.5 million PIP claimants now hold award periods of five years or more, approximately 41% of the total 3.7 million recipients^2
- High prevalence conditions (5-year+ award stats):
- Visual impairments: ~59%
- General musculoskeletal: ~50.8%
- Neurological (e.g., MS, epilepsy): ~49.2%
- Regional musculoskeletal: ~44.6%
These conditions are often stable or worsening, fitting the criteria for long-term support^2.
How the £749 Monthly Sum Is Calculated
The full enhanced PIP award combines two rates per week:
- Daily Living (enhanced): £110.40
- Mobility (enhanced): £77.05
Total weekly = £187.45 → multiplied by 4 = £749 every four weeks, or roughly £9,747 per year if consistently awarded.
Impact on Claimants
- Less stress & admin: No need for face-to-face assessments every year
- Fewer disruptions: Stable, uninterrupted payments reduce bureaucracy
- Budget certainty: Enables better financial planning
- Focus on wellbeing: Claimants can prioritize their health, not paperwork
These benefits represent a significant quality-of-life improvement for chronic condition sufferers.
How Award Length Is Decided
Award duration is based on:
- Points scored in Daily Living and Mobility assessments
- Medical prognosis (likely improvement, stability, or decline)
- Age (State Pension age often qualifies for ongoing awards)
- Condition type (chronic/progressive conditions receive longer reviews)
What You Should Do
- Gather evidence: Doctor letters, therapy notes, care needs
- Emphasize prognosis: Highlight why a longer award is appropriate
- Check your award: Review your letter and its review period
- Appeal if needed: Mandatory Reconsideration within one month if duration seems too short
The DWP’s shift to long-term and ongoing PIP awards, locking in £749 every four weeks, marks a major reform. For the 1.5 million claimants now covered, this means less stress, greater stability, and peace of mind.
If you or someone you care about relies on PIP, now is the time to check your award letter, ensure it’s set for 5 years or longer, and appeal if needed.
With this change, managing a long-term condition becomes a little less daunting—and a lot more predictable.
FAQs
What is the £749 monthly PIP award?
That figure represents receiving enhanced Daily Living and Mobility rates, totaling £187.45 per week, or approximately £749 every four weeks.
Who qualifies for a five-year award?
Generally, those with long-term, non-improving conditions, including visual, musculoskeletal, or neurological issues, and many at State Pension age qualify for longer awards.
Is the 5-year payment guaranteed?
Once awarded, payments are guaranteed for that period, with only light-touch reviews, significantly reducing disruption.