The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has confirmed the full list of 24 skin conditions that now qualify for Personal Independence Payment (PIP), offering crucial financial support to claimants managing long-term health issues. As of April 2026, over 3.7 million people across England and Wales rely on PIP to cover extra costs associated with disabilities, chronic illnesses, or mental health challenges.
PIP is a tax-free, non-means-tested benefit aimed at helping individuals with daily living and mobility needs. The payment can be claimed by people who are working, studying, or have savings, provided they meet the eligibility criteria. The benefit is divided into two components:
- Daily Living Component: Standard Rate £76.70/week, Enhanced Rate £114.60/week
- Mobility Component: Standard Rate £30.30/week, Enhanced Rate £80.00/week
Applicants may be eligible for one component, both, or neither, depending on the impact of their condition on daily life and mobility. The DWP updated these rates in January 2026, applying a 3.8% inflationary increase and adding 92 new qualifying conditions to the PIP list.
Eligibility for PIP
You can claim PIP if all of the following apply:
- Aged 16 or over
- Have a long-term physical or mental health condition or disability
- Have difficulty performing certain everyday tasks or getting around
- Expect these difficulties to last at least 12 months
Skin Conditions Qualifying for PIP
The latest DWP data from January 2026 shows 29,634 people claiming PIP for skin conditions. The conditions and number of claimants are as follows:
| Skin Condition | Claimants |
|---|---|
| Acne vulgaris | 19 |
| Eczema – varicose | 171 |
| Eczema (dermatitis) | 1,440 |
| Papulosquamous and inflammatory rashes – Other / type not known | 913 |
| Psoriasis | 2,213 |
| Rosacea | 17 |
| Urticaria | 249 |
| Bullous disease – Other / type not known | 150 |
| Dermatitis herpetiformis | 49 |
| Epidermolysis bullosa | 317 |
| Pemphigoid | 32 |
| Pemphigus vulgaris | 36 |
| Blood vessels/lymphatics – Other diseases of / type not known | 1,137 |
| Leg ulcers (arterial) | 638 |
| Leg ulcers (venous) | 1,123 |
| Lymphoedema | 6,356 |
| Pressure sores | 19 |
| Venous insufficiency – chronic | 156 |
| Collagen and elastic tissue – Other diseases of / type not known | 154 |
| Ehlers Danlos syndrome | 7,175 |
| Burns | 763 |
| Skin disease – Other / type not known | 2,318 |
| Cellulitis | 906 |
| Infections/other | 315 |
The most claimed conditions are Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (7,175 claimants) and Lymphoedema (6,356 claimants), reflecting both prevalence and the significant impact these conditions have on daily living.
How to Begin a PIP Claim
To start a PIP claim, contact the DWP at 0800 917 2222. The date of contact is important for backdating claims if they are successful. Once a claim is registered, applicants receive the PIP2 form, titled “How your disability affects you”, which is used to provide evidence of how their condition affects everyday life and mobility.
Official guidance and further details are available on the UK Government PIP page.
FAQs
1. Can I claim PIP if I am working or studying?
Yes, eligibility is based on the impact of your condition, not your employment or study status.
2. What are the current PIP rates for 2026?
Daily Living: £76.70 (standard) / £114.60 (enhanced)
Mobility: £30.30 (standard) / £80.00 (enhanced)
3. How long must my condition last to qualify?
PIP requires the condition to last at least 12 months from the date it started.
4. Which skin conditions have the highest PIP claims?
Ehlers-Danlos syndrome and Lymphoedema have the highest number of claimants.
5. How can I start a PIP claim?
Call the DWP at 0800 917 2222 to register your claim and receive the PIP2 form.
