The Department for Work and Pensions has confirmed the full list of eight metabolic conditions that currently qualify claimants for the enhanced £114 weekly rate under Personal Independence Payment. The confirmation follows the publication of updated disability benefit statistics, detailing both eligible conditions and the number of people claiming for each as of January 2026.
The figures provide a clearer picture of how PIP is being accessed by people with metabolic disorders and underline how entitlement is assessed based on the impact of a condition rather than diagnosis alone.
Benefit
Personal Independence Payment is a UK disability benefit designed to support people with long-term physical or mental health conditions, disabilities, or learning difficulties. It helps cover the extra costs associated with daily living and mobility needs.
PIP is commonly claimed by working-age adults but can also support people approaching or beyond State Pension age who want to maintain independence at home. The benefit is not means-tested and does not depend on employment status.
Payments
PIP is made up of two separate components, each paid at either a standard or enhanced rate depending on how a condition affects daily life.
The daily living component supports help with tasks such as preparing food, washing, dressing, and managing medication. The standard rate is £76.55 per week, while the enhanced rate is £114.80 per week.
The mobility component is paid to people who need help getting around. The standard rate is £30.20 per week, and the enhanced rate is £80.10.
Claimants who qualify for the enhanced daily living rate and at least part of the mobility component can receive up to £187 per week, equivalent to around £748 per month.
Conditions
According to the latest DWP data, there were 6,005 PIP claimants with metabolic conditions recorded as of January 2026. Obesity accounts for the largest share of claims within this category.
Below is the full list of the eight qualifying metabolic conditions published by the DWP, along with the number of claimants for each.
| Metabolic condition | Number of claimants |
|---|---|
| Obesity | 4,578 |
| Metabolic diseases – other or type not known | 701 |
| Inborn errors of metabolism – other or type not known | 239 |
| Amyloidosis | 163 |
| Hyperlipidaemia | 158 |
| Amino acid metabolism disorders | 89 |
| Porphyria | 54 |
| Carbohydrate metabolism disorders | 14 |
Assessment
The DWP stresses that PIP awards are not based solely on having a specific diagnosis. Decision makers assess how a health condition or disability affects a claimant’s ability to carry out daily living activities and move around independently.
The PIP Handbook states that awards are made according to individual circumstances and that the length of each award can vary. Some claimants receive short-term awards, while others may be granted longer periods of support.
Reviews
DWP guidance also confirms that most PIP awards are subject to regular review. This applies regardless of how long the award has been made for and is intended to ensure claimants continue to receive the appropriate level of support as their circumstances change.
Reviews may involve reassessment forms, medical evidence, or consultations, depending on the case.
Context
The publication of condition-specific data reflects ongoing interest in how disability benefits are distributed and who qualifies for higher rates of support. For people with metabolic conditions, eligibility depends on the functional impact of symptoms rather than the name of the condition itself.
Claimants who believe their condition affects their independence may still be eligible even if their diagnosis is not widely claimed, provided they meet the assessment criteria.
FAQs
What is PIP?
A disability benefit for people with long-term health conditions.
How much is the enhanced daily living rate?
£114.80 per week.
Does having a metabolic condition guarantee PIP?
No, eligibility depends on how the condition affects daily life.
Which metabolic condition has the most PIP claimants?
Obesity, with more than 4,500 claimants.
