More than 4.4 million people across Great Britain are receiving disability-related financial support through Personal Independence Payment (PIP) and Adult Disability Payment (ADP), according to the latest figures from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) and Social Security Scotland.
By the end of January 2026, 3.9 million claimants in England and Wales were receiving PIP, with 37% awarded the highest level of support. PIP payments range from £30.30 to £194.60 per week, issued every four weeks, translating to £121.20 to £778.40 per payment cycle.
In Scotland, ADP has now replaced PIP for all new claimants and most existing recipients. Social Security Scotland reported 498,090 people receiving ADP, including 185,495 new applicants and 312,595 transfers from the DWP.
Long-Term Awards
A significant proportion of recipients are receiving long-term support. DWP data shows that more than 1.5 million PIP recipients (39%) have awards lasting five years or longer.
Long-term awards are particularly prevalent among claimants with conditions that are unlikely to improve:
| Condition | % of Recipients with 5+ Year Awards |
|---|---|
| Musculoskeletal (arthritis, joint/muscle pain) | 50.8% |
| Neurological (epilepsy, MS, muscular dystrophy) | 49.5% |
| Visual impairment | 58% |
Awards can range from nine months to as long as ten years, although DWP records generally categorise awards of five years or longer. The length of an award is determined based on the claimant’s health condition and how it affects their daily life and independence.
Reviews and Limited-Term Awards
Most claimants will have their award periodically reviewed to ensure it remains appropriate. However, limited-term awards of up to two years may be issued without a scheduled review, particularly if there is a reasonable expectation of health improvement.
According to PIP guidance on GOV.UK, decision makers consider the impact of a condition on daily life and independence when setting the length and level of an award. This approach ensures that recipients continue to receive support tailored to their needs.
What This Means for Claimants
For anyone considering a new claim for PIP or ADP, the data underlines that:
- Awards can be short-term or long-term, depending on individual circumstances.
- A significant number of claimants with long-term conditions may secure five-year-plus awards.
- Periodic reviews mean that ongoing engagement with DWP or Social Security Scotland is essential to maintain correct payment levels.
These figures highlight both the scale of the disability benefits system in Great Britain and the importance of tailored support for those living with chronic health conditions or disabilities.
FAQs
1. How many people receive PIP and ADP in Great Britain?
Over 4.4 million claimants as of January 2026.
2. What are the weekly PIP rates?
£30.30–£194.60 per week, paid every four weeks (£121.20–£778.40).
3. What percentage of claimants receive long-term awards?
About 39% of PIP recipients have awards lasting five years or longer.
4. Can awards be reviewed?
Yes. Most awards are periodically reviewed, but limited-term awards up to two years may not be reviewed.
5. What is the difference between PIP and ADP?
ADP has replaced PIP for new claimants and most existing recipients in Scotland.
