DWP’s Long-Term PIP Award: If you’ve heard that some people in the UK are receiving £749 a month for five years through the Department for Work and Pensions’ (DWP) Personal Independence Payment (PIP)—you’re not imagining things. These long-term PIP awards are real, and you could qualify too if you have a long-term physical or mental health condition.
Whether you’re applying for yourself, a family member, or a client, this guide will break everything down—eligibility, payment amounts, conditions, and how to apply successfully. Let’s get into it.
DWP’s Long-Term PIP Award
| Topic | Details |
|---|---|
| Monthly PIP Maximum | £749.80 (Enhanced daily living + mobility components) |
| Weekly Maximum PIP (2025) | £187.45/week |
| Award Length | Commonly 5 years, 10 years, or “ongoing” with light-touch reviews |
| Eligibility | Ages 16 to State Pension age, long-term illness/disability |
| Top Conditions Approved | MS, epilepsy, arthritis, mental illness, vision loss |
| Application Includes | Phone registration, form, medical assessment, DWP decision |
| Official Website | gov.uk/pip |
If your health condition makes day-to-day life a challenge, you may be entitled to up to £749 a month—and potentially for five years or more. With the right evidence and clear descriptions, your chances of a long-term award increase significantly.
Whether you’ve just heard of PIP or are considering reapplying, now’s the time to check your eligibility and claim what you’re entitled to. A successful application could mean financial peace of mind for years to come.
What is PIP and Who is It For?
Personal Independence Payment (PIP) is a non-means-tested disability benefit that helps people aged 16 or over with extra living costs if they:
- Struggle with daily activities like cooking, bathing, dressing, or managing money
- Have trouble moving around independently
You don’t need to be out of work or on a low income—PIP is tax-free and can be claimed while working or studying. It replaced Disability Living Allowance (DLA) for most adults.
How Much Is the PIP Payment in April 2025?
PIP has two parts:
- Daily Living Component
- Mobility Component
Each comes with either a standard or enhanced rate depending on how your condition affects your life.
| Component | Standard Rate | Enhanced Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Daily Living | £73.90/week | £110.40/week |
| Mobility | £29.20/week | £77.05/week |
| Maximum Combined Weekly | — | £187.45/week |
| Monthly Equivalent | — | £749.80/month |
If awarded both components at the enhanced rate, that’s £749/month or £44,988 over 5 years.
Who Gets Long-Term PIP Awards?
Long-term or “ongoing” awards are generally given to people with conditions unlikely to improve. DWP now offers:
- Fixed-period awards (typically 2–5 years)
- Long-term awards (up to 10 years)
- Ongoing awards (no end date, light-touch review after 10 years)
Common Conditions Approved for Long-Term PIP:
| Condition | % Likely to Receive Long-Term Award |
|---|---|
| Vision impairments | 58% |
| Musculoskeletal issues (e.g., arthritis, back pain) | 50.8% |
| Neurological conditions (e.g., MS, epilepsy) | 49.5% |
| Psychiatric disorders (e.g., PTSD, bipolar disorder) | Often over 40% |
Eligibility Checklist for PIP
To be eligible for PIP, you must:
Be aged 16 or over, but under State Pension age
Have a long-term physical or mental condition that affects daily life or mobility
Struggle with daily tasks or moving around for at least 3 months
Expect these difficulties to continue for at least 9 more months
Be a resident of England, Wales, or Northern Ireland
You do not need a specific diagnosis—but how your condition affects you is what really matters.
How to Apply for Long-Term PIP Award
Step 1: Start Your Claim
Call the PIP new claims line:
0800 917 2222 (Textphone: 0800 917 7777)
They’ll send you the ‘How Your Disability Affects You’ form (PIP2).
Step 2: Fill Out the Form (PIP2)
Be specific, detailed, and focus on how your condition affects your daily life. Use examples:
“I need help getting dressed because my arthritis makes it painful to raise my arms.”
Attach medical letters, GP notes, care plans, or prescription lists.
Step 3: Attend a Medical Assessment
You might be asked to attend an assessment in-person, by video, or phone. A healthcare professional will ask about:
- How you manage personal care
- Whether you use aids, devices, or help
- Mobility limitations
Bring a carer, friend, or support worker if needed.
Step 4: Wait for the Decision
You’ll get a decision letter from the DWP with:
- Which components you’ll get
- Whether at standard or enhanced rate
- How long the award will last
If approved, your payment will be backdated to the date you started your claim.
Extra Tips to Boost Your PIP Claim Success
Use real-life examples—“I can’t cook safely without supervision due to seizures.”
Describe your worst days—Don’t just say “I can manage”; explain when you can’t.
Mention aids/adaptations—Using a walking frame, raised toilet seat, etc.
Include supporting evidence—Hospital letters, OT reports, therapist notes.
What Is a “Light-Touch” Review?
If you’re granted an ongoing PIP award, you’ll have a light-touch review after 10 years. This doesn’t involve a full reassessment—just a form to confirm your situation hasn’t changed.
Real-Life Example: Jake’s Story
Jake, 27, has severe Crohn’s disease. He was approved for enhanced daily living and standard mobility in 2022. After sending in GP letters and a dietician’s report, he received a 5-year award worth £680/month.
Jake says:
“It gave me peace of mind knowing I wouldn’t need to go through reassessment every year.”
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Frequently Asked Questions About £749 Monthly for 5 Years
Can I work and still get PIP?
Yes! PIP is not means-tested, so you can work, study, or have savings and still qualify.
Will getting PIP affect other benefits?
PIP can actually increase your entitlement to other benefits like Universal Credit, Housing Benefit, or Carer’s Allowance.
Is PIP taxable?
No. PIP is tax-free and doesn’t count as income.
Can I get PIP and a Blue Badge?
Yes. If you receive the enhanced mobility rate, you can automatically qualify for a Blue Badge.
How long does it take to get a decision?
On average, 13 weeks from the date of claim. It can vary depending on assessment wait times.
