Benefits and Work has compiled a list of over 500 conditions arranged in order of how hard it is to get an award of PIP, using the DWP’s own Stat-Xplore database.

The overall average success rate for PIP claims is 52%.

But this can vary greatly depending on the condition.

So, for example, awards for continence related conditions tend to fall below the average:

  • Urge incontinence  13.7%
  • Stress incontinence  15.7%
  • Faecal soiling (encopresis) 23.8%
  • Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) 26.1%

Awards for arthritis, on the other hand, are above the average:

  • Osteoarthritis of other single joint  56.5%
  • Osteoarthritis of Knee  64.2%
  • Osteoarthritis of Hip 73.8%
  • Primary generalised Osteoarthritis 74.0%
  • Rheumatoid arthritis 74.7%

Awards relating to mental health vary widely:

  • Anxiety disorders - Other / type not known  38.8%
  • Generalised anxiety disorder  42.7%
  • Anxiety and depressive disorders – mixed  49.6%
  • Post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)  58.2%
  • Bipolar affective disorder  61.3%
  • Schizophrenia  69.7%

Some conditions are extremely likely to attract an award:

  • Dementia 94.1%        
  • Motor neurone disease 97.5%
  • Down’s syndrome 99.6%
  • Creutzfeldt - Jacob disease (CJD) 100%

But on its own this doesn’t tell the whole tale.  For example, it doesn’t tell us what percentage of claimants got the enhanced rate of one or both components.

We can drill down further into DWP statistics to get these details. But it would be an enormous task to produce this information for every condition.

And it still wouldn’t tell us whether claimants are more or less likely to get the award that they think is correct.

So, we’d like to hear from readers about which conditions you think are the hardest to make a PIP claim for. 

You may have experience of claiming for more than one condition.  You may have helped people with different conditions who have put in a claim. Or you may consider your condition to be hard to claim for because it is treated with scepticism by some in the health professions.

Based on your feedback, we will produce more information about award rates for specific conditions.

Members can download the full list of over 500 conditions and percentage success rates in a pdf file entitled ‘Success rates for PIP claims by condition’ from the ‘Claims’ section of the PIP guides page.

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  • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
    · 10 months ago
    On behalf of family member..
    Sectioned under Mental Health Act with various conditions. Whilst detained under mental health act he received review letter from PIP. Still had to assist him in obtaining a plethora of information regardless of his status. Also has limiting physical conditions.He previously worked and paid into the system. Horrible
     Those assessing will probably have no idea what the paperwork sent to them actually shows or means.
  • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
    · 10 months ago
    I wish there was a specialist who could help me write my PIP form as I get it wrong three times now. I have RA; Stage 4 Knee Osteoarthritis and Arrythmia and can’t work. 
    • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
      · 9 months ago
      @Paul Get a support worker to call them and tell them how you cant do it and have tried and tried  they will at least have it recorded that they have sent you them I tried a few times to and in the end I dint have to fill one in and they did it on my records and contact with those who have supprted me and I got it in the end 
    • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
      · 9 months ago
      @Paul Try Citizens Advice, they have been brilliant with me
    • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
      · 10 months ago
      @Paul contact Citizens advice they have a help to claim service for PIP.
  • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
    · 10 months ago
    Please help me, I have schizophrenia, general anxiety disorder, depression, hip dysplasia and endometriosis. 
    I work full time but it is 90% from home and the rest is driving to work appointments. 
    I've been scared to apply for so long for fear of being judged and whether it would affect my work and feel bad even thinking of claiming but I'm struggling. 
    Are they supportive of mental health conditions? Am I allowed to have my partner support me with calls/assessments etc? 
    Am I even likely to be successful in my claim?
  • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
    · 11 months ago
    When I had the medical part for claiming p.i.p the woman said that she was going to do a physical but she could see that I was in pain just sitting there, when I got my reply I had REFUSED TO DO A PHYSICAL, SO THEY REFUSED PIP, ,
    HOW CAN YOU WIN WHEN THEY LIED ABOUT ME, I DIDN'T REFUSED SHE SAID SHE WAS NOT DOING ONE, NO WONDER IT MAKES ME VERY ILL TO FILL THE FORM IN, MUST BE EASIER TO KILL MYSELF THAN DEALING WITH THEM, THINK THEY PICK who gets it and who doesn't, 
    • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
      · 9 months ago
      @Shar Thay also lied about me aswell, thay said, that I has put on form that I read magazines, never brought a magazines in my like, cñt afford then.
    • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
      · 11 months ago
      @Miss T.Greenhalgh They lied about me as well its ridiculous 
  • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
    · 11 months ago
    I have autism and a EHCP plan. I claim pip, enhanced. 
  • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
    · 11 months ago
    PTSD , ADHD , ANXIETY , DEPRESSION AND ULCERATIVE COLITIS First I had a 13 min assessment was REFUSED PIP 
    second I had it reconsidered REFUSED PIP 
    Now awaiting decision from DWP after providing endless documentation. 
    Errored by doing form myself when a charity could have and so much better than I did. 
  • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
    · 11 months ago
    Can you get pip if you have copd
    • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
      · 9 months ago
      @Mary My mum had COPD, enthasemia, 4 stents, 2 major heart attacks, was on palliative care and got refused. We lost the appeal and couldn’t apply for a further 6 months, then was awarded high rate, but sadly passed away 6 weeks later.
      Good luck
    • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
      · 10 months ago
      @Peter Yes you can 100% it's a serious condition 
  • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
    · 11 months ago
    I have chronic sleep apnoe syndrome. It's controlled by a cpap machine but my quality of sleep still isn't the best. I have cardio myopthathy, atrial defibrillation and edema
    I can barely walk 20 yards without losing breath. I haven't done housework for 9 months. I have to lean against my kitchen top when doing dishes or preparing food. I am currently at the final stage of appeal. The whole process has been dehumanising. I've worked pretty much all my life. When I need support the most in having to jump through hoops to get it.
  • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
    · 11 months ago
    Iv played fir pip twice diagnosed w8th ADHD anxiety depression been refused both times the reason because I have a drivers licence but I don't drive because I can't focuse my attention isn't on the road 
    • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
      · 10 months ago
      @Bex 21 They aren’t allowed to refuse you for that at all - I was refused initially ‘because my car wasn’t an automatic’ and when I did the mandatory consideration the lady I got said she was at the highest level of appeals before and that’s not even a thing, she laughed and said she thinks they just made it up!  She said whether you can drive or not is not part of PIP - so ask for a mandatory reconsideration, and go to turn2us or citizens advice for help too! 
  • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
    · 11 months ago
    My girlfriend applied for pip allowance as she got fluid on the brain She recieved 0 points on everything she on tablet in a morning and afternoon and bed time she can't leave the house as she in bed must of the day sleep I care for her every day what can I do thank you 
    • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
      · 8 months ago
      @Lorraine My advice, having also had my longterm PiP withdrawn and am now appealing: complete forms that describe the worst of  symptoms and describing a typical day in the same way is useful. I got excellent advice from Citizens advice and even then I failed to get the allowance reinstated. Hence going to Appeal Tribunal. Good luck
    • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
      · 10 months ago
      @Emilie Snap, I have the same and I also was refused. 
    • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
      · 11 months ago
      @Emilie Ridiculous how they refused your GF, they love refusing people honestly
    • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
      · 11 months ago
      @Emilie Hi Emilie,

      Sorry to hear your girlfriend is having difficulties claiming PIP.

      Please send a reconsideration letter in to DWP within 4 weeks of the decision. 

      Provide medical supporting evidence to the DWP.

      Make copies of any letters sent to DWP and send via recorded delivery if you can.

      If the reconsideration comes back with no change to the original decision then you can make a request to the Tribunal service. Although it does take about a year for your case to be heard.

      To claim PIP and be awarded points you need to have problems for 50 percent of the time. For example, difficulties getting dressed and so on.

      Some claims for PIP are rejected due to claim forms not being filled in correctly. Please write as much detail as possible with at least one example of how you are affected for each descriptor that applies to you.

      I wish you and your girlfriend luck for the future.

      Lorraine 
  • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
    · 11 months ago
    Please help can I get pip for a stoma & crohn's no 1 tell me anything, rang dwp 1 day about were my payment was upto & and was asked what benefits I was claiming witch I said esa, then the lady said were there any others to which I said no she sounded shocked so asked is there another I can claim for and she said I can only tell you about or talk to me about what I'm inquiring about. any help would be grateful. Wouldn't have this if a so called specialist wouldn't of left me 18 months with no meds nether mind any follow ups to speak of and believe me I did ring.just starting court proceedings. 
    • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
      · 10 months ago
      @Jon Yes, you should qualify for pip. Do u need help getting cleaned up if you have an accident. Toilet needs. Does this affect your mental health unable to socialise and form friendships because of anxiety and afraid of going anywhere and needing th toilet etc
  • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
    · 11 months ago
    My wife applied for pip allowance.  For osteoarthritis. Of her knee and ankle and other joints. Having provided results of exray . She recieved 0 points and  is absolutely devastated by this.  She works part time  15 hours a week and can barely walk too work as symptoms have worsened since x rays where taken. This is a long term disability so how can we go about this. 
  • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
    · 1 years ago
    I have just been turned down after a reconsideration was done for having Bile acid malabsorption which affects my every day living.  I have benign paroxysmal positional vertigo, depression and anxiety. I got 0 points both times.  I give up even though I'm on limited capability for work I still got refused. Good luck to anyone trying to get PIP I wouldn't bother
    • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
      · 9 months ago
      @Hayley D Don't give up this is what they want I have a very rear condition that affects my everyday living it took me 4 attempts to get pip . At the moment I am waiting on a mandatory report as to why they believe things have changed. 
    • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
      · 9 months ago
      @Shar Yes I know what u mean if you diñt suffer with anxiety and depression before you started the forms, you certainly will when you have done, another thing for you to claim for.
    • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
      · 10 months ago
      @Wendy Take it to Tribunal, you deserve an award. Vertigo in itself is very disabling, as is depression and anxiety. What evidence do you have to back up your conditions, are you on meds for vertigo and for your mental health? Evidence is the key to a successful claim. And also how you word everything, go into detail. e. g I need prompting to cook because of my depression if i wasn't prompted to eat i would live on toast and sandwiches. I would stay in my pyjamas all day and not bother washing. Etc.... 
    • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
      · 11 months ago
      @Wendy I regret bothering 
    • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
      · 11 months ago
      @Hayley D Seek advice from Citizens advice  the DWP will take notice then good luck.
  • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
    · 1 years ago
    hello, 

    Ive recently done my phone assessment I Have rheumatoid arthritis in my lower spine and pelvis, anxiety and type 2 diabetes. I struggle with flare ups weekly, just wondering what the chances are of an accepted pip claim as i'm really struggling.
    • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
      · 1 years ago
      @Hayley Hi Hayley,
      I was granted standard PIP after I have asked for my claim to be reviewed recently as I was diagnosed with Inflammatory Arthritis as well as having multiple other long term health conditions. I hope this helps. 
  • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
    · 1 years ago
    Hi I have PTSD anxiety depression and panic attacks will I be able to get PIP my GP and mental health team have said I should apply. 
    • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
      · 8 months ago
      @Ali Yes you should get PIP. I also got PTSD, panic attack disorder, anxiety, depression and social anxiety and endometriosis. I was getting standard daily living for about 4-5 years when I had to be re assessed they still awarded me standard daily living and standard mobility. However, I done a mandatory reconstruction which came back no change and I'm taking it to tribunal because I've got more health issues now and lost my full time job due to my health and on LCWRA. Apply and make sure you explain an example on each part of the forms and what your like on your worst days.
    • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
      · 10 months ago
      @Vix How long did it take to receive your text?
    • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
      · 10 months ago
      @Vix How long from handing your form back in
    • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
      · 1 years ago
      @Ali I have the same conditions as you and received a text this morning to say I have been awarded it! I don’t know how much yet but I was expecting it to be a no. Apply with the help of someone who knows what they’re doing and how to complete the form and get evidence from the people involved in your care. Good luck!
    • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
      · 1 years ago
      @Ali Yes I no some one who as the same conditions and being awarded pip for the past 5 yrs 
  • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
    · 1 years ago
    you say CJD will get pip automatically, that is not true. my sister in law developed CJD and she and her family were refused all benefits, they got no help whatsoever it was the worst 2 years of their lives.
  • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
    · 1 years ago
    I have just been turned down for PIP yet again. I use to be on DLA when i lived in scotland, i had a social worker and a team of doctors who looked after me, at that point i had been using a wheelchair for over 10yrs after my doctors had badgered me for over 17yrs to give in and use one.
    i have numerous form of arthritis, i suffer from severe depression i still have night terrors about my accident and the abuse i use to suffer at the hands of my 1st husband. i was the victim of a drunk driver when i was 8 it was a nasty incident in which i was hit by one car i landed on the police car chasing him then another car ran over both my feet. i suffered numerous injuries some of which were not discovered until i was in my late teens when i started to get proper medical attention, my parents withheld medical attention from me because i survived birth and my brother didn't. i lost the feeling in both my legs when i was 13 so all i have is pins and needles or numbness, problem with this is i can break and dislocate my legs easily and without me knowing hence why the doctors badgered me to use a wheelchair. when i moved rom scotland to england 13 yrs ago i brought with me letters from my specialists, gp and social workers as well as paperwork from my local DWP. i gave the paperwork from the DWP to my new office and the rest to my new gp, he promptly binned the lot not only that but he did not even apply for my medical records from scotland, something i did not find out until i changed doctors surgeries recently. i also lost my wheelchair because the one i used in scotland broke down a few weeks before my move and because i was moving south of the border they could not give me a new one. i have been trapped in my home ever since and have applied for PIP numerous times and been refused because i do not take loads of drugs (mainly due to all my allergies to drugs) and because i don't see specialists on a regular basis (they all admit they cannot do anything for me so what is the use of me seeing them on a regular basis, this seems to be a fault in english medicine) and because of these i am being refused PIP, problem is i need to be on PIP to be able to get the wheelchair and medical supplies i need to make life easier for me to live without constant supervision, which is supplied by a friend of mine. i cannot even go out myself to buy a bottle of milk as i can fall over easily and break something, i live in my bedroom as it is less hassle for me to get to the bathroom from there. this is not living this is just a nightmare that i cannot wake up from and i am seriously thinking of just giving up this hellish existence once and for all. what is the point of going on when monsters like this are allowed to crush a persons life with the stroke of a pen without even contacting the persons doctor or checking out their medical records.

    • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
      · 11 months ago
      @secatani I'm so sorry to hear all that you are going through the pip people should be ashamed of themselves!!!
    • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
      · 1 years ago
      @secatani Hi Secatani,
      I am so sorry you are going through a very difficult situation. Have you tried reaching out to Adult Social Care? Depending on where you are, you can either self refer or ask your GP to refer you. Social workers can help with referring you to Occupational therapist (even your GP can refer you to OT) who will assess your needs and get you all the equipment you need to move around independently. Also, you can ask social workers to get you a carer to assist you with personal care, shopping, cleaning etc. Get in touch with your local Citizens Advice Bureau as well, they help with informing you of your entitlements, completing PIP forms, advise you on what medical evidence to send with your claim, appeals and even housing advice. I hope this helps. 
    • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
      · 1 years ago
      @secatani That is terrible!!!! 
  • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
    · 1 years ago
    Hi
    I tried recently to get help from PIP due to my failing health. I have osteoarthritis in my hands knees and wrist etc. I often use a walking stick especially when its cold and damp because of the pain.
    My fingers are deformed at the knuckle and lumps in my hands. I have sleep apnia, and an enlarged heart along with fluid on the lungs which at the moment is being investigated, I also suffer depression especially in the winter months. I do drive but only on good days now as it's getting too cold and damp and my knees hurt, so only when necessary. I have to sit at the table to peel vegetables it take me so long with the pain  in my hands and I have had to buy special cutlery, and pens as I'm awkward gripping things.
    But according to PIP representative I'm fit for work! I'm 62 years old too and they don't care a toss! They managed to judge me fit for work over a 30 minute phone call!!
    I'm too poorly to fight it!
    I'm struggling with my health and they just caused  more stress so won't bother again!
    They seem to have lost the letter I sent them from my doctors surgery and I took it to the job centre and they sent it to them!

  • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
    · 1 years ago
    Sorry, forgot to mention I claimed DLA for him since his condition was diagnosed at age 3.
  • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
    · 1 years ago
    Hi, my 16 year old son has Autism Spectrum Disorder, anxiety and depression and has mild cerebral palsy caused by damage from oxygen deprivation to his brain when he was born. He has applied for PIP by mail as he won't talk on the phone. What are his chances of being awarded PIP and how long should it take by post?
    • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
      · 11 months ago
      @Charlotte Grant My son has all apart from cerebral palsy and he has learning needs he has cognitive issues and processing disorder he has had an ehcp all his life and I claimed dla all the time the minute he turned 16 he was refused pip and now he's 20 he still can't get it he's been trying his hardest at college and has failed everything because he's so behind with his learning difficulties but he still can't get any help pip or support its awful that he is older they don't wanna help him I thought that an ehcp would allow him to get that support but nothing I hope ur more successful. 
    • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
      · 1 years ago
      @Charlotte Grant This is exactly same circumstances as my son… we got refused and had to go to appeal to then get it on lowest rate .. we have to go through this trauma every 2 years now he’s now 23 .. and every time have to jump through hoops to prove he’s still got cerebral palsy and mental health issues and difficulties !! Like he’s going to wake up one day and be cured! It’s very draining but keep fighting is all I can say x
    • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
      · 1 years ago
      @Charlotte Grant Same as my son he gets high rate on both took 4 months from sending forms, but I believe there is a backlog at the min
    • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
      · 1 years ago
      @Mel The details are here for postal application.

    • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
      · 1 years ago
      @Charlotte Grant How did you arrange for him to apply just by mail, only my daughter won't speak on the phone either. 

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