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
    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.

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      · 1 years ago
      @secatani I'm so sorry to hear all that you are going through the pip people should be ashamed of themselves!!!
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      · 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. 
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      · 1 years ago
      @secatani That is terrible!!!! 
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    · 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.
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    · 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?
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      · 1 years 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. 
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      · 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
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      · 1 years ago
      @Mel The details are here for postal application.

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      · 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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    · 1 years ago
    I’ve had both hips replaced twice I’m now under a review how do I stand with this review 


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    · 1 years ago
    I have Fibromyalgia and just been diagnosed with Osteoarthritis of my lower spine. Would I qualify for pip? 
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      · 1 years ago
      @R.S Thank you.
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      · 1 years ago
      @Tracy Tracy, i do have Fibromyalgia myself. Yes you will qualify for PIP but make sure you talk about how they both AFFECT you.
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    · 1 years ago
    I saw a PIP claim refused today where the decision maker acknowledged seven chronic conditions but did not score any points under the various criteria. The Tribunal is going to be interesting because the decision maker basically said they did not believe anything the claimant said in the form or the telephone interview. We will wipe the floor with them. 
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      · 1 years ago
      @Jane I hope you win !!!! that’s disgusting 
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      · 1 years ago
      @Juliemillymay They hear what they want to hear  and the woman spoke to me so badly and was really rude and was trying to put words in my mouth then lied on the report!!!!!
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      · 1 years ago
      @Jane I have to admit that's what they did with me on my 30 minutes telephone call to assess me!
      They don't listen and I got two points and that was the second  time I had applied! 

  • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
    · 1 years ago
    I had a range of conditions, both physical and MH related.
    Emphashema, nerve pain, PTSD, anxiety and depression. I was awarded higher amount yesterday.
    • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
      · 1 years ago
      @Jake How long did it take for a decision?
    • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
      · 1 years ago
      @Jake How long did it take to go through I was awarded 5 years ago have now got added complications and waiting to see if I can get the higher  award I put it in in June and am still awaiting the answer

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      · 1 years ago
      @Jake What did they ask you jake.
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    · 1 years ago
    I am enquiring on someone else behalf. She is 61 years old and has a history of anxiety and depression and is on long term medication. She also is taking medication for Vertigo, high blood pressure and now has been put on statins to reduce her cholesterol. The job she does is to physically demanding for her now after 20 years in the same job. Will she be able to claim PIP? 
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    · 1 years ago
    epilepsy is extremely difficult to get a pip award for, which is wrong , when it affects a person and their family constantly. why is it that this illness means a person loses their licence for a year or more, but someone with heart problems etc does not lose their licence . There is no cure just medication which hopefully keeps the seizures under control, but its so hard to get PIP. Infact when my son was diagnosed in 2013 and had unfit for work notes he was forced to go to the Job centre to sign on and was treated like a bit of muck on their shoes and put in a complaint , nothing happened and at no time has he ever been told to apply for PIP or anything . 
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      · 1 years ago
      @MJ Am so very sorry 😢
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      · 1 years ago
      @MJ That is really tragic. I am 51 and was born with epilepsy. It’s a horrible disease, and disability. When I have seizures people often think I’ve taken drugs. I’ve worked most of my life but in 2018 I just couldn’t work anymore. I get UC with the Limited Capability to work as I fall so regularly and I get PIP. I have a very bad memory, the Epilepsy causes this. It does in a lot of people. It also causes face blindness and a lack of awareness of your surroundings even if you’ve been there many times before. I can get lost very very easily. This is why I was awarded the Higher rate of Mobility. So I didn’t get the full amount I got half. Another thing I forgot very very quickly is how or which way I entered a room!! When I went for my assessment this was one thing the assessor picked up on. 
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      · 1 years ago
      @karen The same happened to my son , he started having bad epileptic fits when he was 17and working, he put in for it many times and was declined. Then September last year he was waiting for a train and walked along the platform it was dark and the platform goes to a slight slope,which he sadly tripped and went on the live rail at 11pm when it was dark and then a train went over him, he was only 31,but he got turned down and was going to take it to tribunal .
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    · 1 years ago
    I have PoTS and hEDS, I just had my assessment this morning. It was totally F***ING humiliating!! I often neglect my personal care as I am often too tired, and asked “when you neglect yourself, do you change your knickers?” I declined to answer. I recorded the call and will be making a complaint!
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      · 1 years ago
      @Steph I agree, and this is no time for pride. You really need to know the form and be able to know which points you are hoping for and the justification with no contradictions. My assessor did the same, I scored 13 points DL, and those two incontinence points would be the difference between standard and enhanced. I think she was trying to help me but the report is accurate, she isn't doing me any favours. I scored 4 points socialising with others and I am the most sociable person, but struggle with sensory processing. The same phrases were repeated though: did I have a LT history of MH difficulties, was I taking medication, had I engaged in therapy, and what was the prognosis. 
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      · 1 years ago
      @Sarah Exactly and all that and still get declined
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      · 1 years ago
      @Raygen Make a complaint one hundred percent I felt like I was their personal entertainment
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      · 1 years ago
      @Steph More like a number of people on their list to humiliate each day !
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      · 1 years ago
      @Raygen She was trying to help you by getting you on the incontinence track. They have to do a number of assessments a day, leading questions are often to help you.
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    · 1 years ago
    When my pip was declined I read my letter and actually thought they was talking about a different person,the intensity of the assessment mentally wiped me out,and they picked up on the things I could do and totally overlooked the things I couldn't.if you dont have mental health before the assessment,you certainly will after!!PHEEEW
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      · 1 years ago
      @Tracy They are liars
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      · 1 years ago
      @Lisa I agree they did the same with me its so wrong how they treat us
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      · 1 years ago
      @Tracy Hi my daughter was declined after the assessment. Like you there were so many blatant lies recorded by the assessor. The tribunal overturned the decision within minutes. I know its exhausting and demoralising but we can't let them get away with this. 

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      · 1 years ago
      @Lisa They lied all over my form. I couldn't believe what I was reading.  They told me not to bother with tribunal as I wouldn't win. But this time my daughter is helping me so I'm going all the way. I have fibro, ra, arthritis in my spine,  cervical spondylitis x diabetes, high BP, and they said on my form I jog every day. Funny cos I use a scooter as I can't walk. Horrible people liars
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      · 1 years ago
      @Lisa How true your statement is! I think they are trained to demoralise people
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    · 1 years ago
    They just twist everything you say and blatantly lie about what you actually say. The assessor is not on your side no matter how friendly he or she may appear. Most people will end up having a tribunal . Assesments should be legally taped to prove what actually was said 
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      · 1 years ago
      @Rach lol i actually had my ESA recorderd by the assessor , who lied 12 times then when I complained I was told by Capita that all recordings are kept in a secure room (but they had lost it lol) 51 weeks wait for a tribunal , Which I won without attending and a£4500 back pay . Then they thought they were going to get the same liar to do my next assessment , I refused to her face and stated I have reported you and complained so why would I want you again. Nothing was done about her I dont think , but again without attending I was finally put in the support group. My advice to anyone NEVER EVER BE INTIMIDATED by these people , as they need us to get their wages , and ALWAYS ASK FOR IT TO BE RECORDED. Never think their politeness is real they are blatant liars .
  • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
    · 1 years ago
    I have asbestosis can i claim pip
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      · 1 years ago
      @Lee Should try for pip but I'm sure asbestos is a condition that the government pay compensation for 
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      · 1 years ago
      @Lee Me too just been told I have asbestos would like to know if can get pip
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    · 1 years ago
    Well my husband 61 yrs Oldham got copd emphysema arteries  and liver problems Nd heamotolgy trament and still got nothing after 2 attempts 
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    · 1 years ago
    I have an IBD. When I have a flare I can need the loo up to 15x a day and I’m weak from blood loss etc, plus I get inflammation all over my body so I get uveitis (painful inflammation of my cornea) frequently sometimes in both eyes at once. I was denied PIP as when I’m not having a flare I’m ok to work so they said I’m fine. I get universal credits and this year I was having a bad 6month flare with uveitis twice and they wouldn’t accept my sick notes as PIP said I was fine to work and I literally couldn’t see!!!
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    · 1 years ago
    Pip have never took my recurrent depressive disorder into consideration.  In2016 I had to attend a tribunal which I won and was awarded standard rate on both but even till this day they just ignore the depression.
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    · 1 years ago
    This information is incorrect as i have osteoarthritis arthritis, high blood pressure, asthma,and i was point blank refused,its very unfair that some people with the same conditions can recieve it easier than others ,o also siffer from depression and had counselling and medication ,i reckon its if a face fits senario.
  • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
    · 1 years ago
    I applied for pip 18months ago I have Atypical depression which causes me to black out so are classed as non epileptic disassociate attacks, I had specialist in London doing all my tests but as I didn’t visit a&e in the time that they were at their worst (covid) and the nurse couldn’t understand all the information that I sent in, I have fibromyalgia and have suffered for years I worked full time with all of this up to 2 years ago but they decided that it doesn’t affect my daily life, even though I can’t go out alone, on public transport alone etc as I can have an attack at anytime and will just drop. I appealed and still got nothing, it’s frustrating when you have worked all your life and now through no fault of your own you can’t. The nurse knew nothing of any of my conditions and went against all my specialists and said I was ok to work. 
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      · 1 years ago
      @Juliemillymay Exactly I agree 
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      · 1 years ago
      @Benefits adviser Neither, I went to citizens advice and they filled the second form 8n and I was told to get back if they refused me! I don't feel well and DONT NEED THE STRESS!
      I HAVE WORKED SINCE I WAS 16 YEARS OLD and had to look afte family too! What for to pay into the pot for everyone else and my pension to be snatched away when I needed it!
      No one cares when your over 60 they would rather give it teenagers who have private tutors and claim they're unsociable and who are capable of working!
      Social see it as kill off the old then we don't have ro pay their pensions!
      The stress of not having money to pay your bills is a lot less than than fighting for a pittance just to get by anyway!
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      · 1 years ago
      @Benefits adviser Don't you realise when people are genuinely poorly they don't need the stress!!
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      · 1 years ago
      @Emma I know exactly how you feel! And you only ask when you need help!
      It's not a fair system and they make you feel like life is not worth living!
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      · 1 years ago
      @Emma did you appeal to an independent tribunal or did you just put in for a mandatory reconsideration? Because a mandatory reconsideration is not an appeal but a review. After the review  you have the right to appeal to a tribunal and that is where a lot of decisions are overturned - https://www.gov.uk/appeal-benefit-decision/submit-appeal