The latest figures from Diabetes UK indicate that some 4.4 million people across the UK are living with diabetes, while a further 1.2m could have Type 2 diabetes and not be aware of it. Similarly, a recent medical study suggested that more than a billion people around the world are expected to be living with diabetes over the coming years.
The paper, published in a series by The Lancet Diabetes and Endocrinology journal, says that by 2050, some 1.3 billion people will have diabetes – more than double the 529m cases in 2021. However, many people in Great Britain with diabetes may be unaware that if they need additional support for daily living or mobility needs as a direct result of their health condition, they could be eligible for Personal Independence Payment (PIP) or Adult Disability payment (ADP).
The latest figures from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) show that there were more than 40,200 people across Great Britain with diabetes in receipt of PIP at the end of July, including 2,179 living in Scotland. It’s important to be aware that new claims for PIP have been replaced in Scotland by ADP, but provide the same levels of financial support for both the daily living and mobility components.
A successful claim for PIP or ADP is worth between £28.70 and £184.30 each week. The money is paid every four weeks, equivalent to between £114.80 and £737.20 every payment period.
Breakdown of PIP claimants with diabetes
The DWP statistics show there are 40,234 people claiming PIP for diabetes.
This includes:
- Scotland: 2,179 (does not include those on ADP)
- England and Wales: 38,021
- Living Abroad: 26
- Unknown: 5
- Total: 40,234
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 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.