Thousands of people living with long-term skin conditions may be eligible for financial support through the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). The latest government data confirms 25 skin conditions that are associated with Personal Independence Payment (PIP) claims. However, having one of these conditions does not automatically qualify someone for the benefit. Instead, eligibility depends on how the condition affects a person’s ability to carry out everyday activities and move around.
Personal Independence Payment (PIP) is a benefit provided by the DWP to help people who have a long-term disability, illness, or health condition with the extra costs of daily living.
As of April 2026, more than four million people were receiving PIP across the UK. Government figures also show there were 27,391 active PIP claims linked to various skin conditions.
PIP is available regardless of employment status, savings, or National Insurance contributions. It is also not means-tested, meaning eligibility is based on the impact of a condition rather than income or assets.
Payments
PIP is made up of two separate components.
The daily living component helps with the additional costs of managing everyday activities.
The mobility component provides support for people who have difficulty getting around.
Current weekly payment rates are shown below.
| PIP Component | Standard Rate | Enhanced Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Daily Living | £76.55 | £114.80 |
| Mobility | £30.20 | £80.10 |
People who qualify for the enhanced daily living rate and receive mobility support could receive up to approximately £187 per week, depending on their individual award.
Eligibility
Receiving a diagnosis for one of the listed skin conditions does not automatically result in a PIP award.
The DWP assesses how a person’s condition affects their ability to complete daily living and mobility activities.
Generally, claimants must:
- Have experienced difficulties for at least three months.
- Expect those difficulties to continue for at least nine more months.
- Experience those difficulties on more than half the days during a 12-month period.
Assessments focus on how the condition affects daily life rather than the medical diagnosis itself.
Conditions
According to the latest DWP figures, the following skin conditions are associated with PIP claims.
| Skin Condition | Claims (April 2026) |
|---|---|
| Cellulitis | 913 |
| Impetigo | None |
| Infections – Other/type not known | 332 |
| Acne vulgaris | 21 |
| Eczema – varicose | 171 |
| Eczema (dermatitis) | 1,519 |
| Papulosquamous and inflammatory rashes – Other/type not known | 956 |
| Psoriasis | 2,295 |
| Rosacea | 23 |
| Urticaria | 267 |
| Bullous disease – Other/type not known | 143 |
| Dermatitis herpetiformis | 51 |
| Epidermolysis bullosa | 324 |
| Pemphigoid | 32 |
| Pemphigus vulgaris | 34 |
| Blood vessels/lymphatics – Other diseases/type not known | 1,193 |
| Leg ulcers (arterial) | 642 |
| Leg ulcers (venous) | 1,122 |
| Lymphoedema | 6,447 |
| Pressure sores | 18 |
| Venous insufficiency – chronic | 159 |
| Collagen and elastic tissue – Other diseases/type not known | 158 |
| Ehlers-Danlos syndrome | 7,386 |
| Burns | 767 |
| Skin disease – Other/type not known | 2,399 |
Total claims linked to these conditions: 27,391.
Assessment
The DWP considers how a condition affects everyday activities such as:
- Preparing and eating food.
- Washing and bathing.
- Dressing and undressing.
- Managing treatments or medication.
- Communicating with others.
- Moving around safely.
The severity of symptoms, how often they occur, and whether assistance is needed all play a role in determining eligibility.
Support
PIP can provide valuable financial assistance for people whose skin conditions significantly affect their daily lives. While some conditions may involve visible symptoms, others can cause pain, restricted movement, infections, or ongoing treatment that impacts independence.
Applicants are encouraged to provide detailed medical evidence and explain how their condition affects daily activities rather than focusing only on the diagnosis.
Outlook
The latest DWP figures show that 25 skin conditions are linked to more than 27,000 Personal Independence Payment claims across the UK. Although conditions such as Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, lymphoedema, psoriasis, and eczema account for many claims, eligibility is based on the effect a condition has on daily living and mobility rather than the diagnosis itself. People who believe their condition limits their independence may wish to review the PIP eligibility criteria or seek advice before applying.
FAQs
Does having a skin condition guarantee PIP?
No. Eligibility depends on how it affects daily life.
What is the enhanced daily living PIP rate?
The enhanced rate is £114.80 per week.
Is PIP means-tested?
No. Savings and income do not affect eligibility.
How many skin conditions are listed by the DWP?
The latest DWP data lists 25 skin conditions.
