Personal Independence Payment (PIP) is a benefit paid by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) to help people living with long-term physical or mental health conditions. But starting from November 2026, new rules will make it harder for some people to qualify for this essential support.
With mental health conditions now accounting for the largest number of PIP claims, experts warn that thousands could lose out on vital financial help. In this guide, we’ll break down the most common PIP-qualifying conditions and explain how the upcoming changes may affect new and existing claimants.
What Is PIP and Who Can Claim?
PIP is a benefit designed to help people with the extra costs of living with a disability or health condition. It’s not means-tested, and you can claim it whether you’re working or not.
There are two parts to PIP:
- Daily Living Component – for help with tasks like cooking, washing, dressing, or communicating
- Mobility Component – for help with moving around
How much you get depends on how much support you need, not your diagnosis.
PIP Changes from November 2026
The government has announced changes that will tighten the rules on who qualifies for PIP:
- Harder to qualify for the daily living component
- Mobility component stays the same
- Some existing claimants may be reassessed and lose support
- Universal Credit disability top-up frozen until 2029/30 and cut by nearly half for new claims from April 2026
These changes are expected to impact many people, especially those with mental health conditions, musculoskeletal issues, or neurological disorders.
Top Health Conditions Most Commonly Approved for PIP
According to DWP figures from October 2023, here are the five most common health conditions among PIP claimants:
| Condition | Number of Claims | % of Total Claims | Examples |
|---|---|---|---|
| Psychiatric Disorders | 1,253,056 | 37.3% | Anxiety, depression, stress, mood disorders, eating disorders, learning disabilities |
| Musculoskeletal (General) | 669,706 | 19.93% | Osteoarthritis, joint pain, fractures, muscle pain |
| Neurological Diseases | 423,552 | 12.61% | Epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, headaches, cerebral palsy, head injuries |
| Musculoskeletal (Regional) | 396,387 | 11.80% | Conditions affecting the back, knees, neck, shoulders, hands, feet |
| Respiratory Diseases | 139,058 | 4.14% | Asthma, cystic fibrosis, pulmonary fibrosis |
Together, these five categories account for over 85% of all PIP claims in the UK.
Why Mental Health Conditions Could Be Targeted
The biggest rise in recent years has been in claims related to mental health—especially anxiety and depression. The DWP’s new rules may make it harder for people with these conditions to prove they need daily living support, which is why there are concerns that these claimants could be first in line for cuts.
How You Could Be Affected
If you are already claiming PIP:
- You may be reassessed under the new criteria from November 2026
- If the DWP decides you no longer meet the new rules, your benefit could be reduced or stopped
If you plan to claim PIP after the changes:
- It may be harder to qualify, especially for the daily living component
- You may need stronger evidence and more detailed assessments
Universal Credit claimants with a health condition or disability:
- Existing claimants will see their disability top-up frozen
- New claimants from April 2026 will receive almost 50% less in extra support
If you currently receive or plan to claim PIP, it’s important to stay informed. The upcoming changes mean tighter assessments, especially for those with invisible illnesses like anxiety, depression, or neurological conditions.
To prepare:
- Gather strong medical evidence
- Stay in contact with healthcare providers
- Get advice from disability charities or benefits advisors
The changes could lead to some people losing thousands of pounds in support, so knowing where you stand now can help you protect your benefits in the future.
FAQ’s
What are the most common health conditions claimed under PIP?
As of October 2023, the top five conditions are psychiatric disorders, general musculoskeletal diseases, neurological diseases, regional musculoskeletal conditions, and respiratory diseases.
How will PIP rules change in November 2026?
From November 2026, it will be harder to qualify for the daily living component of PIP. Some existing claimants may see benefits reduced or stopped.
Will the PIP mobility component be affected by the new rules?
No, the DWP has confirmed there will be no change to the mobility component of PIP under the upcoming rule changes.
What happens to the Universal Credit disability element in 2026?
From April 2026, new claimants will receive nearly 50% less in extra Universal Credit support, while existing claimants will have payments frozen until 2029/30.
Who is most at risk of losing PIP under the new rules?
Claimants with mental health conditions like anxiety and depression may be most affected, as the new rules could make it harder to prove daily living support needs.
