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.
    · 1 years ago
    Got turned down for PIP after making a claim three months after being off work due to septic shock. I’m type 1 diabetic with proliferative retinopathy, chronic kidney disease, dupuytrens disease and anxiety and depression yet the assessor scored me 0 on every single criteria 
    • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
      · 1 years ago
      @Claire PIP is based on your ability to get around. If everything you do is restricted then reapply and show this in your application - good luck! 
    • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
      · 1 years ago
      @Claire So sorry Claire.
    • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
      · 1 years ago
      @Claire That's ridiculous claire
    • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
      · 1 years ago
      @Claire Absolutely disgusting you should have asked for a mandatory decision reconsideration ,then you should have appealed against the decision. 
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      · 1 years ago
      @Claire I had septic shock last year and I have it
  • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
    · 1 years ago
    Hi my husband has recently been diagnosed with Diverticulitis he is also a type 2 diabetic. He is employed but has been advised by doctor and hospital to go of work. Would he be able to claim pip 
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      · 1 years ago
      @Penny Type 1 and type 2 diabetes are VERY different, x
    • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
      · 1 years ago
      @Lorna Anybody can claim pip if they have medical conditions that effect there ability to carry out day to day tasks . 
    • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
      · 1 years ago
      @Lorna I think that diverticulitis is quite common, and these days so is type 2 diabetes.. I’m not sure 🤔 or I don’t think these are something that you would get pip for, when they say off work do they mean permanently? 
  • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
    · 1 years ago
    Hi I have long covid for two years now do you get it for that not sure 
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    · 1 years ago
    When I was 11yrs old I developed a condition called slipped upper femoral epiphysis - which essentially meant my hips at the growth plate fractured and I was walking with broken and dislocated hips for nearly a year before diagnosis, got my hips pinned but this has resulted in limited movements and mobility plus i'm always in some degree of pain. Anything from a dull ache, stiffness and full on pain where it's hard to sit. For the most part i've just got on with life but over the past 2/3 years the pain has got worse in my lower back and i've recently been diagnosed with osteoarthritis in one hip (i'm 35yrs) I'm fine for money where I have a desk job but having a car would really make my life easier but I have no idea if I would qualify where I can still walk - but I'm in pain. Would this, with my history qualify me for any help?  
  • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
    · 1 years ago
    I suffer with klinefelter syndrome it's a hidden illness and very hard to spot in young males my diagnosis wasn't diagnosed until my early 20s. I never even heard of its. A genetic disorder in. Should I get more that standard rate for it. 
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      · 1 years ago
      @Billy bunter It's not the illness its how it affects you. So if it's just the shape of your chest, no.
  • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
    · 1 years ago
    Wondered what your opinion is of DWP cutting mobility to lowest rate for arthritis in legs feet and hands. I was wondering if it's because I often cannot go out due to pain, so to their mind I dont need mobility?
  • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
    · 1 years ago
    I got osteoarthritis in both knees and I have other health conditions but I'm frightened to claim pip incase I get turned down for it 
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      · 1 years ago
      @Andrew rood It's always worth a try ,Google information on pips , get inflammation on what they will ask you ,do you need help getting around ,help with cooking ,washing, shopping ,getting dressed, can you do these things and can you do them in a reasonable time frame ,do you have doctors letters to support your claim ,try and get all you need before you apply,it's always worth trying
    • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
      · 1 years ago
      @Andrew rood You won't know unless you try  I also have osteoarthritis in both knees and o claim it . 
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      · 1 years ago
      @Andrew rood You should apply if you are struggling with your mobility. If awarded the funds can be put to good use and help you with your daily living. 
    • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
      · 1 years ago
      @Andrew rood Don’t be scared they can only say no so try it . 
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      · 1 years ago
      @Andrew rood Worth to do it as if you're on ESA, they're ruling this out.
      I was also scared to apply, but had to do it for the above reason.
      Although I've applied for the adult disability payment (this is Scotland's version of pip) I may need to wait 4-5 months to hear if I'll be accepted. It's quite scary really as if I lose ESA and don't get this, I will not be able to afford to live.
      I'm 34 with arthritis in my hands, knees and spine as well as depression & fibromyalgia. Haven't been able to work for 2 years now. It's such a rollercoaster.

      Good luck!
  • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
    · 1 years ago
    Cfs and chronic pack pain can't walk properly or carry items , my ex partner won't move out as I can't wake up for appointments without prompting bladder urge and stress incontinence and use special aids for walking sleeping bathing is an adapted wet room I was told I did not have specialist input dispute having a physio and cfs m.e has no specific treatment all this refused as a two point award oddly enough less than three weeks later I was awarded full award of lcwra for exactly the same issues my brain doesn't understand why they say I can walk dispute everything being in my medical records for 4 years
    • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
      · 1 years ago
      @Sharron The DWP Private companies carrying out the assessments have a key agenda now and that's to save as much money as possible even if it's at the cost of vulnerable individuals such as yourself. There is no logic other than "we need to save money somewhere" being used in any cases they feel they could be speculation over a person's condition.
  • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
    · 1 years ago
    I have severe osteoarthritis in both hands, both feet,collar bone,  my lower back and hip are deterioting, I need a hip replacement and I have fybromyalgia, when I tried to claim I was told I didn't qualify, how bad do you have to be, I'm in agony constantly
    • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
      · 1 years ago
      @Sandra Ask for a mandatory reconsideration . 
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      · 1 years ago
      @Sandra As long as you have been diagnosed and have it all on your medical record as proof you can appeal within, I think it is 28 days. 
    • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
      · 1 years ago
      @Sandra Are you able to appeal thier decision if you can get help with the appeals process? Citizens advice can offer help in this area as well as a number of charities.. DWP almost default to rejecting applicants expecting to be appealed against.
    • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
      · 1 years ago
      @Porridge good adxise, couldnt have put it better myself 

    • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
      · 1 years ago
      @Sandra I have Fibromyalgia, Depression, and osteoarthritis in my lumbar I get standard rate, I would appeal and give all supporting evidence and appeal it
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    · 1 years ago
    Has anyone been successful with a PIP claim for Crohns please?
    My 17 year old daughter is really struggling at the moment. Recent diagnosis(5 months ago), symptoms for 9 months. Currently employed on a casual basis but has had more days off than actually worked in past 6 months. Flare ups very regular but to trials of new drugs, including immunosuppressants and steroids.
    Recently been turned down for any PIP
    Any help/suggestions welcomed please, thank you
    • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
      · 1 years ago
      @JL I have crohns and rheumatoid arthritis.. diagnosed at 22 i’m now 55!. Tell your daughter to be positive. The treatment these days with biologics is fantastic unlike when i was diagnosed when the treatment was limited. She needs to look towards her future and believe in herself .. she can succeed and make a positive contribution to society.  The treatment starts to work within a couple of months of starting it so this is the challenging time. 
    • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
      · 1 years ago
      @JL Like I said to others on here, appeal with all supporting evidence, doctors file, hospital file, letters confirming the Crohns Disease and state how deliberating her disease is but only state her worst of days. Crohns also has an effect on mental health also (not all, I have depression nit just because of the Crohns but have many other contributing factors too) 
    • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
      · 1 years ago
      @JL Join Benefits and Work and read all of the guidance material or join an online course (https://benefitsandwork.thinkific.com/bundles/claimants-and-carers) and use it to work out how to fill in a PIP form. Disabilities than people with Crohn’s often experience on a day to day basis, which can meet the criteria for a PIP award, include: faecal incontinence, needing prompting  and encouragement to eat due to having no appetite (or the opposite, due to having to take steroids, having an infinite ravenous appetite and having to be prompted not to over-eat); severe fatigue resulting in not being able to go anywhere, severe anxiety about faecal incontinence which prevents someone from being able to take a journey to an unfamiliar place (in case there are no toilets or changing facilities). Also people with this disease on a long-term basis often develop secondary disabilities such as refractory inflammatory arthritis and osteoporosis (caused by taking steroids repeatedly). If you are deep, detailed and thorough in your initial PIP application you should be able to successfully appeal if refused, so don’t give up if initially refused for Crohn’s. It is a life-long and very disruptive and disabling disease and your daughter will need that support as she moves on in life.
  • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
    · 1 years ago
    I have copd high cholesterol high blood pressure type 2diabetes .iwas told I am not ill enough because iwas walking with out aid but have to stop to give my lungs a rest because I get out of breath and my lungs hurt can't carry heavy shopping no more. Scan showed my lungs are very scared .
  • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
    · 1 years ago
    I have fibromyalgia and rheumatoid arthritis i high rate Mobility and lower rate living for over 20yrs but then I had to put in for PIP I recived nothing for Mobility and lower for living, so I went to a tribunal in 2019 and I did get full mobility back dated. Then in 2022 I had to fill all the forms in again but this time I recived high rate for Mobility and its for 10yrs not 3yrs. I followed your pip guide and within a week I recived my letter. So thank you for your help.
    • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
      · 1 years ago
      @Sue Thankyou for your advice. Iv very similiar trajectory - F and TA plus tribunal and backdate.   3yr assessment due in 11 months already despite the tribunal only being in Feb 23.  I’m nervous of going through whole thing again and now I know I could request every 10 yrs instead of every 3 - 
  • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
    · 1 years ago
    I have had fibromyalgia and arthritis for much about the same time 20+years. You would think that's definite illnesses for dla pip what ever. I got not a penny for the 12 and a half years. Then I got what i am receiving now but no mobility again. After my first phone assessment still no mobility. The arthritis is in my spine, hips, knees that's the worst places. My knees keep buckling from under me. Anyone else have mobility problems with these symptoms? Should I ask again or is this against the grain.
    Kind Regards Terry
    • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
      · 1 years ago
      @Terry Hi Terry,

      I suffer with osteoarthritis in my spine, hips and knees.  I have had to stress my difficulty in walking on my worst days in order that PIP can understand what I am living with.  Sadly, you have to spell out that no day is a good day for your mobility and you never know when your knees may give out and as such you fear going out alone etc etc.  I would suggest you appeal all the way to the tribunals as your combined illnesses should have you receiving mobility payments also.  I presently receive high rate for both care and mobility.  I am now at the point of completing my latest award review so fingers crossed.
      Good luck and try to stick with it, if you need it, are entitled to it then fight for it x
  • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
    · 1 years ago
    I have Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis and am actually TERRIFIED at the prospect of having to migrate from DLA to PIP.  It's like a constant threat hanging over my head.  I've had a very quick look at the comments on how others have been treated by the DWP but can't see anyone else who has posted about this subject to date(?) If anyone can advise about how the DLP handle such fluctuating conditions as RRMS, I'd love to hear from you!   
    I've already been through a tribunal to get the support element of ESA, and I definitely intend to appeal if they say 'no' to my getting PIP, but is there any possibility that I might not have to fight them?  
    • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
      · 1 years ago
      @Yvonne I have RRMS and 3 years ago had to go to tribunal. And managed to get higher rates on both. The nurse that came round did not have any nuro training  and she tryed to get me to do things I was unable to. She lied on her assessment and for that I reported her to the nmc (nursing regulator body)
      Make sure you say about your bad days 
      Not being able to move if sofa due yo the increase of fatuge. Unable to make hot dinners on bad days. Write it all down esp on the 12 difference things they are looking at. 
      On a bad day how far can you uwalk -- answer it in metres if you can and then say what happend if you go over that what will happen ( increase in falls) 
      Etc 
      I'm due an assessment on Wednesday and my first questions will be from me to them can I have your full name what profession are you and your professional number nurses have nmc pin numbers Dr have gmc number. Etc. 
      Then I will say I am recording all this. Ask if they have ever nursed looked after someone with MS And how much they know about the condition and medifation. 
      This stops them from lieing. 
      Good luck 

  • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
    · 1 years ago
    Hi people have been waiting for pip court appeal since 18th October 2022. I got 0 points even though I have sciatica spondylosis of the spine cannot walk further than 100 metres depression anxiety & panic attacks i hardly leave the house & if i have to and speak to people i have to rush home I also have Brachioradial pruritus & an unknown blood/skin condition affecting my hands & forearms so I have to wear arm/hand sleeves for protection. My gp supported me in writing I am a full time carer which apparently deems i am fine!!!!  Good luck to anyone applying 
  • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
    · 1 years ago
    No mention of Autism?
    • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
      · 1 years ago
      @Chris Yes, people who they deem as having their primary condition as “Asperger Syndrome” have a 51.1 per cent likelihood of getting PIP, people described as having “autism” as their primary condition have a 72.3% likelihood. Although as any of us with Asperger Syndrome will already be aware our lives are very tough, especially if you are quite far along the spectrum, and it is a fact that we are just a s autistic as anyone else with autism and we are also likely to have other problems like dyslexia, dyspraxia, severe anxiety and other significant difficulties.
  • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
    · 1 years ago
    I have arthritis in both my knees and the Job center said i can get help witn pip
  • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
    · 1 years ago
    I have arthritis in both my knees and have swollen ankle and burning sensation in my foot and I have a kidney function and damaged kidney 
    And my job centre said I can get help with pip 
    • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
      · 1 years ago
      @Karen hodges I got no points at all after reporting memory problems and fatigue! I have epilepsy, and adhd. Capita cure more people than jesus. Since my wca I have found out I have rumitoid arthritus. And I got to go back to urology as I'm peeing blood again.
  • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
    · 1 years ago
    Sorry am I in the wrong forum or something?
  • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
    · 1 years ago
    Where can I find the "success rates for pip claims by condition" list?
    • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
      · 1 years ago
      @Donna Sorry but what they print and what they mean depends on who you are and if your face fits! Yes your in the right forum, but don't believe any of the rubbish you have read in the read out before the comments!

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