Thousands of people across the UK receive Personal Independence Payment (PIP) because a skin condition affects their daily lives. The latest figures from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) show that more than 27,000 PIP claims were associated with 25 different skin conditions as of April 2026. While having one of these conditions does not automatically qualify someone for PIP, the data provides insight into the range of conditions that have been linked to successful claims.
According to DWP statistics, there were 27,391 Personal Independence Payment (PIP) claims connected to skin conditions in April 2026.
PIP is a benefit designed to help people with the additional costs of living with a long-term health condition or disability. Eligibility is based on how a condition affects a person’s ability to carry out daily activities and move around, rather than on the medical diagnosis itself.
At the same time, more than four million people across all health conditions were receiving PIP.
How PIP Works
PIP consists of two separate components:
- Daily Living
- Mobility
The Daily Living component helps with extra costs related to everyday tasks such as preparing food, washing, dressing and communicating.
The Mobility component helps people who have difficulty moving around or planning and following journeys.
Current weekly payment rates are shown below.
| Component | Standard Rate | Enhanced Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Daily Living | £76.55 | £114.80 |
| Mobility | £30.20 | £80.10 |
Someone awarded the enhanced Daily Living rate along with Mobility support could receive around £194.90 per week, depending on the rate of the mobility component they qualify for.
Who Can Qualify?
The DWP does not award PIP simply because someone has a particular medical condition.
Instead, it considers how the condition affects a person’s ability to carry out specific daily living and mobility activities.
In general, applicants must show that:
- Their condition has lasted or is expected to last at least 12 months.
- Their difficulties affect them on more than half the days during that period.
- Their condition limits their independence in everyday life.
PIP is also:
- Not means-tested.
- Not affected by savings.
- Available whether someone is working or not.
- Not dependent on National Insurance contributions.
Skin Conditions Included in DWP Data
The latest DWP figures recorded the following skin conditions and associated PIP claims as of April 2026.
| Skin Condition | PIP Claims |
|---|---|
| Ehlers Danlos syndrome | 7,386 |
| Lymphoedema | 6,447 |
| Skin disease – Other/type not known | 2,399 |
| Psoriasis | 2,295 |
| Eczema (dermatitis) | 1,519 |
| Blood vessels/lymphatics – Other diseases | 1,193 |
| Leg ulcers (venous) | 1,122 |
| Papulosquamous and inflammatory rashes | 956 |
| Cellulitis | 913 |
| Burns | 767 |
| Leg ulcers (arterial) | 642 |
| Infections – Other/type not known | 332 |
| Epidermolysis bullosa | 324 |
| Urticaria | 267 |
| Eczema – varicose | 171 |
| Venous insufficiency – chronic | 159 |
| Collagen and elastic tissue diseases | 158 |
| Bullous disease – Other/type not known | 143 |
| Dermatitis herpetiformis | 51 |
| Pemphigus vulgaris | 34 |
| Pemphigoid | 32 |
| Rosacea | 23 |
| Acne vulgaris | 21 |
| Pressure sores | 18 |
| Impetigo | None recorded |
Most Common Conditions
Among the conditions listed, Ehlers Danlos syndrome accounted for the highest number of PIP claims, with 7,386 cases.
Other conditions with relatively high claim numbers included:
- Lymphoedema – 6,447 claims.
- Skin disease (other or unspecified) – 2,399 claims.
- Psoriasis – 2,295 claims.
- Eczema (dermatitis) – 1,519 claims.
These figures indicate the number of existing PIP awards linked to each condition, not the number of new claims approved.
Important to Know
Although these conditions appear in DWP data, they do not guarantee eligibility for PIP.
Each application is assessed individually using a points-based system that considers how a person’s condition affects everyday activities such as preparing meals, washing, dressing, communicating, managing medication and moving around.
Medical evidence, supporting documents and the overall impact of the condition are all considered during the assessment process.
Why the Figures Matter
The latest statistics offer a clearer picture of the range of skin conditions represented among current PIP recipients. They also reinforce that eligibility depends on the practical impact of a condition rather than its name.
For people living with long-term skin disorders that significantly affect daily life, the figures may encourage them to check whether they meet the DWP’s assessment criteria. However, every claim is decided on its own evidence, and awards vary according to the level of support an individual needs.
FAQs
Does having a skin condition guarantee PIP?
No. Awards depend on how the condition affects daily life.
What is the enhanced Daily Living rate?
It is currently £114.80 per week.
Is PIP means-tested?
No. Savings and income do not affect eligibility.
Which skin condition had the most claims?
Ehlers Danlos syndrome had 7,386 claims.
