The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is issuing Personal Independence Payments (PIP) of up to £779 per month in May 2026, with new figures revealing that psychiatric disorders are the most common condition among claimants. The maximum weekly amount for PIP, combining Enhanced Daily Living and Enhanced Mobility rates, has been increased to £194.60 for 2026, equating to approximately £779 a month.
Psychiatric Disorders Top PIP Claims
According to DWP statistics, psychiatric disorders account for 42% of those receiving the highest rate of PIP and 70% of those claiming the enhanced daily living component. This broad category includes autism spectrum disorders, psychotic disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and learning disorders. The data highlights the significant number of people with mental health and neurodevelopmental conditions relying on this financial support.
Autism: Not an Illness, But a Disability
The DWP emphasises that autism is not classified as an illness or disease. The NHS states: "Being autistic does not mean you have an illness or disease. It means your brain works in a different way from other people. It's something you're born with. Signs of autism might be noticed when you're very young, or not until you're older. If you're autistic, you're autistic your whole life. Autism is not a medical condition with treatments or a 'cure'." However, some autistic people require support for certain aspects of daily living.
Autism UK explains that autistic people are considered disabled under UK law, which provides legal protections against discrimination. The charity notes: "Autistic people are disabled. Disability is a 'protected characteristic' in UK law. This means autistic people have legal protections against discrimination. It also means they are entitled to the support they need in education, at work or to access services." Some individuals prefer the social model of disability, viewing societal barriers as the disabling factor rather than autism itself.
PIP Eligibility and Rates
PIP is designed to help with the extra costs of living with a long-term health condition or disability. The maximum weekly rate of £194.60 is available to those who qualify for both the enhanced daily living and enhanced mobility components. The DWP urges anyone struggling with a health condition to check their eligibility and apply, as these payments can provide crucial financial support for daily living and mobility needs.
With more than one in 100 people in the UK being autistic—equating to at least 700,000 autistic adults and children—the numbers are likely higher than official diagnoses suggest. The DWP encourages applications from those who meet the criteria, regardless of whether their condition is classified as an illness or a disability.
