The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has updated the full list of mental health conditions that qualify for Personal Independence Payment (PIP). This benefit provides vital financial support to millions across England and Wales, helping cover the extra costs associated with long-term disabilities, physical health conditions, or mental health challenges.
As of April 2026, more than 3.7 million claimants rely on PIP. The tax-free, non-means-tested payment is designed to support individuals with daily living needs.
Understanding the Mental Health Aspect of PIP
The mental health component assesses how conditions such as depression, anxiety, or other psychiatric disorders impact daily life. This includes tasks like cooking, socializing, traveling, and managing personal care.
To qualify, claimants must have experienced difficulties for at least three months and expect them to continue for at least nine months. Points are awarded based on how a person’s mental health affects their ability to perform specific tasks.
Supporting evidence from doctors, counselors, or social workers is crucial, and individuals can still receive PIP while working, studying, or having savings.
PIP consists of two components:
- Daily Living Component – Assists with tasks needed for independent living.
- Mobility Component – Supports traveling and moving independently.
Applicants may qualify for one component, both, or neither depending on their assessment outcome.
PIP Payment Rates 2026
In January 2026, the DWP updated PIP payment rates and added 92 new conditions eligible for support following a 3.8% inflation adjustment.
| Component | Standard Rate | Enhanced Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Daily Living | £76.70 per week | £114.60 per week |
| Mobility | £30.30 per week | £80.00 per week |
Claimants eligible for the enhanced rates for both components receive £194.60 per week, totaling £778.40 per four-week period.
Mental Health Conditions Eligible for PIP
As of January 2026, there are 1,523,811 claimants receiving PIP for mental health or psychiatric disorders. The list of qualifying conditions and the number of claimants for each is as follows:
| Condition | Claimants |
|---|---|
| Dyslexia | 4,298 |
| Dyspraxia | 3,972 |
| Specific learning disorder – other/type unknown | 24,715 |
| Speech or language disorder | 4,014 |
| Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) | 64,843 |
| Stress reaction disorders – other/type unknown | 1,101 |
| Agoraphobia | 7,117 |
| Anxiety disorders – other/type unknown | 37,691 |
| Generalised anxiety disorder | 14,681 |
| Panic disorder | 3,629 |
| Phobia – Social | 3,359 |
| Phobia – Specific | 370 |
| Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) | 11,929 |
| Anxiety and depressive disorders – mixed | 428,084 |
| Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) | 591 |
| Conversion disorder (hysteria) | 286 |
| Dissociative disorders – other/type unknown | 985 |
| Somatoform disorders – other/type unknown | 130 |
| Bipolar affective disorder (Hypomania/Mania) | 56,435 |
| Depressive disorder | 91,009 |
| Mood disorders – other/type unknown | 5,303 |
| Psychotic disorders – other/type unknown | 33,953 |
| Schizoaffective disorder | 13,937 |
| Schizophrenia | 82,571 |
| Cognitive disorder due to stroke | 4,503 |
| Cognitive disorders – other/type unknown | 7,717 |
| Dementia | 14,690 |
| Anorexia nervosa | 5,174 |
| Bulimia nervosa | 802 |
| Eating disorders not otherwise specified (EDNOS) | 2,230 |
| Alcohol misuse | 12,990 |
| Drug misuse | 4,691 |
| Factitious disorders – other/type unknown | 23 |
| Munchausen syndrome | 11 |
| Down’s syndrome | 21,547 |
| Fragile X syndrome | 2,320 |
| Learning disability – other/type unknown | 148,804 |
| Asperger syndrome | 30,471 |
| Autism | 217,612 |
| Retts disorder | 456 |
| ADHD/ADD | 94,753 |
| Conduct disorder (including oppositional defiant disorder) | 1,236 |
| Bedwetting (enuresis) | 46 |
| Faecal soiling (encopresis) | 63 |
| Psychiatric disorders of childhood – other/type unknown | 947 |
How to Begin a Claim
To start a PIP claim, call the DWP at 0800 917 2222. Contacting the DWP early is important for backdating claims, which can increase the total entitlement if the claim is approved.
PIP provides essential financial support for individuals managing mental health conditions, helping cover the extra costs of daily living. With enhanced and standard rates for both daily living and mobility components, claimants can receive tailored support based on their needs.
Understanding eligibility criteria, documenting supporting evidence, and starting claims promptly ensures claimants access the full support available to them.
