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The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has recently confirmed that proposed changes to the Personal Independence Payment (PIP), specifically a shift in eligibility rules, will be
implemented in November 2026 for both new and existing claimants. It also clarified that current claimants will only be impacted by this change at their subsequent review, following the
November implementation. The most recent figures reveal that over 1.5 million (41%) of all 3.7 million PIP recipients have been granted an award lasting five years or more. As of the end of
January, approximately 1,501,215 claimants in England, Wales and overseas, are receiving ongoing awards for disabilities, chronic illnesses, or physical or mental health conditions. This
data does not account for the remaining 35,000 Scottish PIP claimants set to transition to Adult Disability Payment (ADP) this Spring. Over 58 per cent of those claiming PIP for visual
impairments receive a monthly award of up to £749 for a period of five years or longer. More than half of all claimants with general musculoskeletal conditions (50.8%), such as arthritis,
muscle or joint pain, have been given a longer award, along with 49.5 per cent of people with neurological conditions like epilepsy, multiple sclerosis and muscular dystrophy. If you're
thinking of applying for PIP or Adult Disability Payment (ADP), keep in mind that the length of time you'll get the benefit can vary - anywhere from nine months to up to 10 years.
However, the DWP only keeps track of awards that last up to 'five years or longer', reports the Daily Record. The PIP Handbook explains that the decision maker will grant PIP based
on how the claimant's health condition or disability impacts their daily life and ability to live independently. It also states, "The length of award will be based upon each
claimant's individual circumstances." It's worth noting that the DWP guidance says most claimants will have their award reviewed regularly, "regardless of the length of
the award", to ensure they get the right level of support. Some claimants might get a limited-term award for up to two years, which won't be reviewed. These awards are given when
the claimant's health is expected to improve. 'LIGHT TOUCH' REVIEW FOR ONGOING AWARDS A 'light touch' review is usually given 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 According to DWP guidance: "These claimants would not usually be expected to have a face-to-face assessment at review." PIP and
ADP payments now range from £29.20 to £187.45 per week, equating to between £116.80 and £749.80 every four weeks. Over the financial year, those on the highest awards could have an extra
£9,747. It's essential to note that the top sum of £749.80 is based on someone receiving the maximum award for both daily living and mobility components. CONDITIONS WITH PIP AWARD OF
FIVE YEARS OR MORE VISUAL DISEASE Total number 58,685 5 year PIP award 34,692 Percentage 59% MUSCULOSKELETAL DISEASE (GENERAL) Total number 682,391 5 year PIP award 341,434 Percentage 50.8%
NEUROLOGICAL DISEASE Total number 468,113 5 year PIP award 230,412 Percentage 49% RESPIRATORY DISEASE Total number 138,376 5 year PIP award 64,835 Percentage 47% AUTOIMMUNE DISEASE
(CONNECTIVE TISSUE DISORDERS) Total number 19,542 5 year PIP award 8,697 Percentage 45% MUSCULOSKELETAL DISEASE (REGIONAL) Total number 426,038 5 year PIP award 185,916 Percentage 43.6% PIP
PAYMENTS Those successful with their claims will be paid the following weekly amount every four weeks in arrears. If you are terminally ill this will be paid weekly. The amount will depend
on the level of award. The total is made up of two components - daily living and mobility and will depend on the award you have been given: DAILY LIVING * Standard: £73.90 * Enhanced:
£110.40 MOBILITY * Standard: £29.20 * Enhanced: £77.05