The Department for Work and Pensions has shared a comprehensive list of heart and blood pressure conditions that could mean those with them qualify for a £187 weekly payment.
PIP Eligibility for Cardiovascular Conditions
According to the latest caseload figures, the DWP provides Personal Independence Payment for 13 blood pressure and heart-related conditions. Eligibility for PIP depends on whether your condition affects your daily living activities or mobility, meaning some individuals may qualify even without a formal diagnosis.
The most recent DWP data from January reveals that 102,889 people were receiving PIP with a cardiovascular condition listed as their main disabling condition. A further 10,198 claimants reported having a cardiovascular disease that was currently unknown or not otherwise categorised by the DWP.
Financial Support from the British Heart Foundation
The British Heart Foundation says: "Finances can be an extra worry if you live with a heart or circulatory condition, or if you're recovering from a treatment like heart surgery. The cost of living crisis has also added a lot of financial pressure to many households."
The foundation continues: "Universal Credit is the main regular benefit payment being offered by the UK government. It can help with your living costs if you're on a low income or out of work. If you have a health condition, disability or terminal illness you might get an extra amount of Universal Credit."
PIP can assist with the additional expenses associated with long-term illness or disability for individuals aged 16 to 64. You're eligible to apply if you've required support with daily activities or mobility for a minimum of 3 months and are expected to continue needing assistance for 9 months or longer. The benefit isn't means tested, so your income level doesn't affect eligibility, though a medical assessment is required.
Full List of Blood and Heart Conditions That Could Qualify for PIP
Below is the complete list of conditions and the number of people currently claiming PIP for each:
- Ischaemic heart disease (coronary heart disease) - 30,489
- Cardiac failure - 16,063
- Cardiac arrhythmias - 11,354
- Peripheral arterial disease - 6,675
- Hypertension - 5,921
- Congenital heart disease - 5,312
- Peripheral venous disease - 5,030
- Cardiomyopathy - 4,373
- Aneurysm - 3,572
- Valve disease - 3,342
- Heart transplantation - 310
- Pericarditis - 245
If you or someone you know has one of these conditions and requires help with daily living or mobility, you may be eligible for PIP. Applications can be made through the DWP's official channels.
