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.
    · 2 years ago
    I was disgusted to be told by a PIp person on the phone that I would not get a higher rating on my mobility, even though it is awful due to bilateral hip replacements that have dislocated and bilateral new knees, one off which was damaged by putting my hip back in twice.  The reason?  I am 70 years of age and mobility declines!  Not for those who do not suffer from Osteo and Rheumatoid Arthritis among other things.  I consider that this is age discrimination and it stops me from getting a Taxi Pass.  So they pay me less and let me suffer by paying full whack for taxis.  Before Pip became part of my life I had the DLA higher rate so would have been eligible.  Again they deprive me of the benefit amount and discriminate on my age.  

    I have never been seen by a Dr, only spoken to a Nurse on the phone.  I have deteriorated greatly and now feel the need to reapply and tell them about the discrimination suffered.
  • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
    · 2 years ago
    It really isn’t a case of the condition(s) one has but how doing daily tasks are affected. For example ‘not wanting to get out of bed’ ( I sympathise) is a very subjective thing. Saying you have aids to accomplish that and or a carer is much more effective. 
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    · 2 years ago
    I applied for pip    just before Christmas  had the phone appointment  tho letter came back  refused  went to Blackpool  June 2022 caught covid  really bad  we are now in2023 I'm still suffering  with covid symptoms  short breath  having to pause while walking brain fog  can't remember things  to do   I'm  fifty two year old  I used to be active   about  doing things  now im struggling  with  my  day to day
  • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
    · 2 years ago
    Hi my name is Claire and I'm 53 years old for the last 10 years my health has got worse ..when I was 30 I git diagnosed  with arthritis in my knees over the years I have had 14 operations on my legs 2 knee replacement s on my left knee .1st knee replacement was done with stem cells because I was young ..then .but unfortunately  left me in knee braces for 5 years one I had was whole length of my leg 24/7. Eventually  I referred myself to the Royal orthopedic  hospital in stanmore .had new knee ..but then I started to have severe pain all over ..my back my arms elbows legs terrible .After awhile and some tests got told I had fibromalgia..and alloydenia  in left leg which is severe nerve pain doesn't stop could I get help with pip ..no told I can walk with stick don't need it go back to work ..which I had to give up due to operations .constant appointments  physio etc.  Over the last year plus I've had 5 operations on my hands fingers due to degenerative arthritis. So now have to wear wrist braces special arthritis gloves as fingers have now grown nodules on. Still trying to get pip .been told there still looking in to it  .need help with cooking getting dressed etc. But .had an assessment before was so awful degrading showing them my legs etc still no help  .I don't know how disabled you have to be I had to get a second hand automatic care because of my leg ..dont get nothing ..so just awaiting  game ..why am I not able to get help. Spent 3 weeks in pain rehab to see if I could have pain relief but they found out my body doesn't like opieods.  What can you do 
  • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
    · 2 years ago
    I have Chronic Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension. Have claimed pip twice and had to go to tribunal twice and was awarded basic living and enhanced mobility. The lies by the reviewer were incredibly disheartening, but the way they cherry pick words from a sentence or paragraph to construct the lie is just immoral. Even though you can point this out and prove it, when you contest it, and still have it dismissed just makes it worse. It seems that if they don't understand the condition, then you aren't worthy. 
  • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
    · 2 years ago
    How does fibromyalgia score in positive claims ?
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    · 2 years ago
    I got points for my urge and stress incontinence. Thankfully (?!) I take medication for the former and was able to give a good description of how it can be a problem with my limited mobility and slow walking (dreadful to have to describe it on paper and in words to the nurse who did my interview over the phone , it brought me to tears ). I also sent a photograph of an industrial sized pile of pads that I use as part of my supporting evidence in my application, as well as my prescription. Hope that helps someone with their application. 
    • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
      · 11 months ago
      @Jenny thank you that really helps as I have just submitted a claim for over active bladder - I wear pads and have to change them 4 -5  times a day  have anxiety with meeting new people and new surroundings  if I cant see the ladies room immediately. I panic going out if i knew there is no toilet and I carry a spare set of clothes in my car in case.  I cant wear light coloured clothes and going on car journeys I tend not to drink much as we have to keep stopping for the loo. I cant carry anything heavy and once i get that urge I have to go. I sent a screen shot of my diagnosis and my medication with my form so fingers crossed  I have received a text today saying I needed to verify my claim don't know if that is good or bad news 
  • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
    · 2 years ago
    M.E & Fibromyalgia. They just don't understand. I've had to go to tribunal several times.
  • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
    · 2 years ago
    Fibromyalgia is definitely the most hardest to get pip for .The question's they ask don't help as a fibromyalgia person it's so difficult to answer ,every day ,every hour is different,pain is always there but effects you in various areas,some days you manage others you can be stuck in bed .How can you tell them what a normal day is like ..
  • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
    · 2 years ago
    ME/CFS - fluctuating, invisible and still stigmatised
  • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
    · 2 years ago
    Fibromyalgia is a hard one. There are so many related conditions attached under the umbrella but at my recent face to face I was continually asked if I had a specific diagnosis for the related conditions. The answer was no because its covered by Fibromyalgia diagnosis. For example I have numbness and pain in my hands that means I am not always able to grip cutlery, pens etc but this was completely discounted because I don't have a specific diagnosis for it.  Same with questions about mobility. This varies greatly but constant questioning about time and distance. These are almost impossible to answer. The entire format is designed to be obscure enough so as to deny claims
    • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
      · 2 years ago
      @Pauline Same as you I have special cutlery  my husband has to cut meat up etc peel potatoes etc because the pain is so bad ..although I've been tested and told I have fibromalgia  .the dwp don't care good luck
  • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
    · 2 years ago
    When a dwp doctor came to my home,to be fair he gave a good report. He wrote I should have someone with me when outside as I have ehler danlos syndrome. He also wrote that for a woman my age (42) I could only do things very slowly and prone to falls. I didn't get an award and appealed. My problem at the time was  all my life I tried to cover up any problems my condition caused. My husband came to appeal with me and I won the appeal Extremely grateful to get medium rate ( dla ) When the award ended,had another dwp doctor come out,for a start he had my condition down as chronic fatigue and even though a small thing he put I was a right handed woman,which I am not. Again had to appeal,funnily enough when I pointed out the errors,I. Was given award again . I am now 64, unfortunately I have more health conditions ,osteoporosis,sarcoidosis, asthma,classic migraines, hernias, and had scan and found to have twisted spine and dislocations.as the consultant said oh dear you got a lot going on. Have to be mindful as though diagnosis was made by geneticist as well as rheumatologist, medics don't like talking about ehler danlos syndrome,calling it rheumatics. It is not taken seriously,my GP refuses to acknowledge it,yet does with my other conditions.
    • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
      · 2 years ago
      @Hypermobilecat Claim PIP again before you are 65. MAKE A CLAIM TODAY! You get nowt after 65. I claimed PIP four times and was refused each time. I made a final PIP claim when I was 64 and after the MANDATORY appeal was awarded full PIP living and mobility.
      Lee
  • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
    · 2 years ago
    Dyspraxia and other Neurodiversities.  I can't drive due to mine, yet without a MEDICAL driving assessment I can't get a bus pass, but how my Dyspraxia affects me does not limit the distance I can walk, nor does it make me afraid to leave my home.  So, I will never qualify for enhanced mobility. 
    • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
      · 2 years ago
      @JMJ You should consider paying for a full dyspraxia assessment by a private psychiatrist or clinical psychologist. It may cost you money to get this, but it will give you a good idea of the severity of your condition and also provide evidence for a PIP application, so worth it. My brother has severe dyspraxia, I feel so sorry for him, life is hard, it’s no joke and I know that it affects every aspect of your life every day. And if you are anything like my brother, then yes, it would be dangerous for you to drive a car.
  • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
    · 2 years ago
    i first claimed DLA for my son when he was 11 years old with ADHD and scopic sensativity and autistic spectrum disorder severe learning difficulties.years later they said he didnt have a diagnosis but i know he did .but we got sent to another doctor who again diagnosed him i had a letter stating this ,but i didnt see a need to keep it. so i contacted my gp for a copy of the letter to be told they had no record of it. so i rang the centre where we saw the doctor who diagnosed my son to be told he was no longer employed by them and they didnt have his records. after this we had to go to appeals and tribunals to win his case..i am now 70 in ill health i am so worried about my son and what will happen to him if i die

  • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
    · 2 years ago
    The system is so deliberately unfair no condition guarantees a successful claim.
    Please remember it is how a condition affects your daily function not what condition you suffer from.
    To be assessed as unable to carry out a function and successfully claim is based on wether you cannot do an activity over 50% of the time,repeatedly,to a acceptable standard,safely and in a timely manner (timely means no more than twice the time a person without a disability. Over that you should be assessed as unable to carry out the task).

    • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
      · 2 years ago
      @Arthur Yes but some days and nights are worse than other days  .some days I can get in Bath myself. With my aids some days I can't lift hairbrush ..this is the problem..you cant explain how each day is going to be 
  • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
    · 2 years ago
    I myself have 13 different proven/diagnosed physical/medical problems(15 if you count my skin condition and lactose intolerance as well) but yet they still had me on only standard daily living and mobility.It beggars belief how 'ill' they think you need to be to be recognised, doesnt it?!  Its ridiculous how the disabled have to 'prove' how bad we are in order to get what should be a legal right really.
  • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
    · 2 years ago
    ME - invisible, variable & no test. 
    • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
      · 2 years ago
      @Lucy Yes, agree with this and the condition doesn't easily fit their descriptors either. 
    • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
      · 2 years ago
      @Lucy Yes - I haven't even tried to claim PIP because just getting ESA is so difficult with ME. I don't score many points on the WCA and have to appeal each time I'm assessed to make them apply the rule about risk of harm if found capable of work.
  • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
    · 2 years ago
    Amongst other conditions I have Addisons disease and postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome. Both of these conditions are classed as rare diseases. My assessor had little knowledge of either condition nor took the time to educate themselves about them. Information can be easily found online. My award ended up being reduced from enhanced care to standard despite me logging 5 more conditions and 50 pages of evidence. I lodged a mandatory reconsideration and had my enhanced care reinstated. The process was very traumatic. 
  • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
    · 2 years ago
    In answer to the aspergers question to porridge- i only know that son who has aspergers as well got nothing allowed on this, neither does my adult daughter who applied for PIP about 5yrs ago and has kept trying since, to no avail.
  • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
    · 2 years ago
    I'd say that M E is one of the hardest to claim for. How do you explain brainfog to someone whose brain still works perfectly? If you can reply at all to their questions, they assume you're ok. Try telling them that you struggle to remember familiar names --- there are moments when I can only remember my name and that of of my partner. The other evening I didn't recognise a person I'd sat opposite just  five  minutes ago in a meeting. 
    I find Zoom meetings easier, because my computer will keep reminding me who's who! 
    Lack of energy is the other issue. We have to keep reminding the DWP that just because we could walk a certain number of yards a few minutes ago, we can't do that right now and we won't be able to do it again till we've rested. 
    I'll stop now, because I need a lie-down! I'm sure other M E folk can add to this list. 


    • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
      · 2 years ago
      @Sarah definitely. I got told brain fog didn't count by an assessor because i'm not learning disabled yet its completely disabling. Also they really don't get energy issues and how long it can take to recover from something and how disabled you are while you're recovering. I basically got told I was lying about my ability levels after activity when I'm affected by PEM.
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