Hundreds of thousands of people across Britain could be missing out on vital financial support due to a lack of awareness about how certain benefits can be combined. The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is urging Universal Credit claimants with long-term health conditions to check if they are also eligible for the Personal Independence Payment (PIP), a move that could see their total monthly income rise to as much as £1,149.94.
How the payments combine for significant support
Universal Credit is a benefit for people on a low income, out of work, or unable to work, supporting 8.3 million individuals nationwide. Crucially, it can be claimed alongside PIP, which is a tax-free and non-means-tested payment designed to help with extra costs caused by long-term ill-health or disability.
Because PIP does not count towards the benefit cap, it can be paid on top of other allowances without reducing them. This means a single claimant aged 25 or over receiving the standard Universal Credit payment of £400.14 per month could also potentially get up to £749.80 every four weeks from PIP. When combined, this totals the maximum figure of £1,149.94 each month.
Understanding PIP eligibility and components
It is vital to understand that entitlement to PIP is based not on the health condition itself, but on how that condition affects a person's daily life. The payment consists of two components: a Daily Living part and a Mobility part. Claimants can be awarded either the standard or enhanced rate for each, depending on the severity of the impact.
The weekly rates for PIP are as follows:
- Daily Living component: Standard rate £73.90, Enhanced rate £110.40
- Mobility component: Standard rate £29.20, Enhanced rate £77.05
Payments are made every four weeks. Unlike Universal Credit, PIP is an individual benefit, claimed by a person rather than a couple. The amount awarded is determined through an assessment, and awards are reviewed periodically to ensure they remain correct.
Which health conditions qualify for PIP?
According to the latest DWP statistics from July 2025, the five most common primary conditions among PIP claimants are:
- Psychiatric disorders (1,482,271 claimants): Including anxiety, stress, depression, OCD, and cognitive disorders.
- Musculoskeletal disease (general) (721,575 claimants): Such as muscle/joint pain and arthritis.
- Neurological disease (484,872 claimants): Including epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, and muscular dystrophy.
- Musculoskeletal disease (regional) (458,853 claimants): Affecting specific areas like the back, neck, or knees.
- Respiratory disease (140,065 claimants): Such as asthma, pulmonary fibrosis, and cystic fibrosis.
This list is only a snapshot, however. The DWP recognises over 530 different health conditions that could potentially qualify someone for support through PIP. Anyone receiving Universal Credit or income-based Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA) who has a disability or long-term health issue is strongly encouraged to investigate their eligibility.
Taking the step to apply for PIP could provide essential extra funds to help manage the additional costs associated with living with a health condition, offering significant financial relief to those who need it most.
