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
    I have something called Bechets this is so rear that I belive there is only about 1500 diagnosis in the UK this courses me lots of mouth and genital ulster's to witch can be difficult to eat as my mouth is so sore and to wee as it is like my private parts are swollen and feel like I am on fire . In order to go to toilet I have to get into a bath of cold water to have a wee then empty it rinse it then try to wash myself.  I also have arthritis all caused by the Bechets . I also have IBS and back problems which limits my mobility and suffer with anxiety and depression to the point I have wanted to take my own life on a number off occasions . I have had my pip review and have now been refused.  I am now waiting on a mandatory report .I have gone from receiving enhanced mobility and standard daily living to nothing . Scoring 10 for my daily living to only 2 and from 12 to 0 on my mobility these ppl are are joke .
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    · 1 years ago
    My husband (65) he has prostrate BPH, bowel and bladder problems and can’t leave the house apart from a walk in the garden, if he moves about too much it causes his bladder and bowels to contract (accidents) when this happens it causes that much pain he has to lay down…this has been going on for 3 months and have been told to claim PIP so I can claim carers allowance because I’ve had to stop work to look after him …
    Reading all negative PIP comments online/FB makes me think it is a waste of time claiming….
    We’ve had a phone call and they’re sending the forms in the post! we have to return them within 2 weeks and they will get back to us within 3 weeks with a decision they said .
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      · 11 months ago
      @Sbdy You can’t get AA until you’re 66 now
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      · 1 years ago
      @Lily Bryan they will get back to you but sometimes it can take longer then 3 weeks hope this helps lily bryan
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      · 1 years ago
      @Lily Bryan At 65 he probably won't get Pip but maybe attendance allowance instead 
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    · 1 years ago
    i am a 22 year old women and i have signed up for pip for my ibs, im worried because im young and a women that i wont be taken to serious, i have not got a letter or phone call for an assessment yet but does anyone have any advise for me please for when/if i do have one?
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      · 1 years ago
      @chloe What you have to remember is claiming PIP is not about what conditions you have ,, its how they affect your every day life, do you have trouble washing/bathing, can you prepare food, use an oven .. do you need prompting,  do you need help getting dressed,, can you walk without pain,, how far can you walk ,, you will also need a lot of evidence to back up you claim,, evidence is key. good luck
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    · 1 years ago
    My late partner suffered from Paranoid Schizophrenia, personally disorder, depression, anxiety, PTSD.
    At one assessment they were more interested how she looked after her hair!!
    I will always treat these so called health care professionals,who undertake these assessments with total comptent 
    They say we here to help you when all they do this lie when completing their report on you. 
    On my last assessment I ask the assessor what her qualifications were, was told l don't have tell you, l am a health care professional. Because l wouldn't let this rest, my pip was not renewed after l applied for mandatory reconsolidation which took two months it was reinstated. Never stop applying, yes it affects you, yes you get fed up, yes you get fed dealing with so called professionals, but if you give up they have won, all these health care professionals doing the assessments want to remember one day they maybe being assessed. 
    And hopefully be unsuccessful. I truly wish it on them, seeing what there actions cause to people the deserve every thing they get. And to think they at one time they were looking after people. 
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      · 1 years ago
      @ Stick your assessments.✌️ During a DLA assessment years ago I was asked if I could spell the word Yacht backwards ?? Luckily at the time I couldn't remember how to spell it at all so had no chance, however I'm not sure what checking your spelling ability has to do with whether you can complete your activities of daily living.
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    · 1 years ago
    Has anyone received Pip at THE ENHANCED RATE FOR Early onset Alzheimer’s. I applied 3 months ago through my Power of attorney who received a call last week asking additional questions. This wasn’t an assessment but  the person was told I may not need one. Still unsure what if anything will be awarded.
  • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
    · 1 years 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.
    · 1 years 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. 
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      · 1 years 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 
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      · 1 years ago
      @Paul Try Citizens Advice, they have been brilliant with me
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      · 1 years ago
      @Paul contact Citizens advice they have a help to claim service for PIP.
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    · 1 years 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.
    · 1 years 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, 
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      · 1 years 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.
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      · 1 years ago
      @Miss T.Greenhalgh They lied about me as well its ridiculous 
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    · 1 years ago
    I have autism and a EHCP plan. I claim pip, enhanced. 
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    · 1 years 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. 
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    · 1 years ago
    Can you get pip if you have copd
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      · 1 years 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
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      · 1 years ago
      @Peter Yes you can 100% it's a serious condition 
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    · 1 years 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.
    · 1 years 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 
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      · 1 years 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.
    · 1 years 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 
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      · 1 years 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
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      · 1 years ago
      @Emilie Snap, I have the same and I also was refused. 
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      · 1 years ago
      @Emilie Ridiculous how they refused your GF, they love refusing people honestly
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      · 1 years 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 
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    · 1 years 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. 
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      · 1 years 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.
    · 1 years 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.
      · 1 years 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. 
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      · 1 years 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.
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      · 1 years 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.... 
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      · 1 years ago
      @Wendy I regret bothering 
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      · 1 years ago
      @Hayley D Seek advice from Citizens advice  the DWP will take notice then good luck.
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    · 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. 
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    · 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. 
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      · 1 years 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.
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      · 1 years ago
      @Vix How long did it take to receive your text?
    • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
      · 1 years ago
      @Vix How long from handing your form back in
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      · 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!
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      · 1 years ago
      @Ali Yes I no some one who as the same conditions and being awarded pip for the past 5 yrs