The latest figures from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) show there are currently more than 40,000 people across Great Britain with diabetes receiving Personal Independence Payments (PIP) to help cover the costs of daily living and mobility needs. However, new data from Diabetes UK suggests 4.6 million people in the UK have a diabetes diagnosis, the highest on record and an increase on the 4.4m reported a year ago.
That figure includes around 8 per cent with type 1 diabetes, which happens when a person cannot produce insulin, a hormone that helps the body turn glucose into energy. Some 90 per cent have type 2 diabetes, which happens when the body does not use insulin properly, while 2 per cent have different and rarer forms of the condition.
Diabetes UK estimates a further 1.3m people have undiagnosed type 2 diabetes, with about 6.3m people living with non-diabetic hyperglycaemia, also known as prediabetes.
If left untreated, prediabetes can develop into type 2 diabetes, although it can be reversed with lifestyle changes such as healthy eating and exercise. The latest Diabetes UK figures mean more than 12 million people in the UK, or one in five adults, either have diabetes or prediabetes, the charity said.
Colette Marshall, chief executive of Diabetes UK, said: “These latest figures highlight the hidden health crisis we’re facing in the UK, and underline why the Government must act now. There must be better care for the millions of people living with all types of diabetes, to support them to live well and fend off the risk of developing devastating complications.”
If you, or someone you know, has diabetes it may be worthwhile looking into PIP, or Adult Disability Payment (ADP), if you live in Scotland.
Breakdown of PIP claimants with diabetes
The DWP statistics show there were 40,729 people claiming PIP for diabetes at the end of October.
This includes:
- Scotland: 787 (does not include those on ADP)
- England and Wales: 38,981
- Living Abroad: 23
- Unknown: 19
- Total: 40,729
Diabetes conditions supported through PIP and ADP
- Diabetes mellitus Type 1 (insulin dependent)
- Diabetes mellitus Type 2 (non insulin dependent)
- Diabetes mellitus (category unknown)
Below is an overview of PIP and ADP. Even though new claims for PIP have been replaced in Scotland by ADP, it shares most of the same eligibility criteria. Full guidance on ADP can be found on the MYGOV.SCOT website here.
Who might be eligible for PIP or ADP?
To be eligible for PIP or ADP, you must have a health condition or disability where you:
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have had difficulties with daily living or getting around (or both) for 3 months
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expect these difficulties to continue for at least 9 months
You usually need to have lived in the UK for at least two of the last three years and be in the country when you apply.
In addition to what we have outlined above, if you get or need help with any of the following because of your condition, you should consider applying for PIP or ADP.
- preparing, cooking or eating food
- managing your medication
- washing, bathing or using the toilet
- dressing and undressing
- engaging and communicating with other people
- reading and understanding written information
- making decisions about money
- planning a journey or following a route
- moving around
There are different rules if you are terminally ill, you will find these on the GOV.UK website here.
DWP or Social Security Scotland will assess how difficult you find daily living and mobility tasks. For each task they will look at:
- whether you can do it safely
- how long it takes you
- how often your condition affects this activity
- whether you need help to do it, from a person or using extra equipment
How are PIP and ADP paid?
PIP and ADP are usually paid every four weeks unless you are terminally ill, in which case it is paid weekly. It will be paid directly into your bank, building society or credit union account. ADP is paid at the same rates as PIP.
PIP and ADP payment rates 2024/25
You will need an assessment to work out the level of financial help you will receive and your rate will be regularly reviewed to make sure you are getting the right support. Payments are made every four weeks.
PIP is made up of two components:
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Daily living
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Mobility
Whether you get one or both of these and how much depends on how severely your condition affects you.
You will be paid the following amounts per week depending on your circumstances:
Daily living
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Standard rate: £72.65
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Enhanced rate: £108.55
Mobility
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Standard rate: £28.70
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Enhanced rate: £75.75
How you are assessed
You will be assessed by an independent healthcare professional to help the DWP determine the level of financial support, if any, you need, for PIP.
Face-to-face consultations for health-related benefits are offered alongside video calls, telephone and paper-based assessments – it’s important to be aware that the health professional and DWP determine which type of assessment is best suited for each claimant. You can find out more about DWP PIP assessments here.
Adult Disability Payment assessments will not involve face-to-face assessments, unless this is preferred by the claimant – find out more about the changes here.
How do you make a claim for PIP?
You can make a new claim by contacting the DWP, you will find all the information you need to apply on the GOV.UK website here.
Before you call, you will need:
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your contact details
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your date of birth
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your National Insurance number – this is on letters about tax, pensions and benefits
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your bank or building society account number and sort code
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your doctor or health worker’s name, address and telephone number
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dates and addresses for any time you’ve spent abroad, in a care home or hospital
How to apply for ADP
People can apply for ADP, over the phone, by post or in-person. To find out more or apply, visit the dedicated pages on mygov.scot here or call Social Security Scotland on 0800 182 2222.