Thousands of people across the UK could be missing out on monthly financial support — simply because they don’t realise they qualify.
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) provides payments through benefits like Personal Independence Payment (PIP) and Attendance Allowance, and depending on your condition and how it affects your daily life, you could receive up to £748 per month.
The key detail many people overlook? You don’t need to be out of work to qualify — and eligibility is based on how your condition impacts you, not just the diagnosis itself.
What Are These Payments?
The support mainly comes through PIP for those under State Pension age, and Attendance Allowance for those above it. These benefits are designed to help with extra living costs if you have a long-term physical or mental health condition.
Payments are split into two parts:
- Daily living support (for help with everyday tasks like cooking or dressing)
- Mobility support (for help with moving around)
If you qualify for both at higher rates, the total can reach up to £700+ per month.
12 Health Conditions That May Qualify
The DWP doesn’t limit claims to just a few illnesses. In fact, a wide range of conditions may qualify, including:
- Arthritis
- Back pain and spinal conditions
- Diabetes
- Depression
- Anxiety disorders
- Autism spectrum disorders
- Epilepsy
- Heart conditions
- Chronic fatigue syndrome (ME)
- COPD and other breathing issues
- Parkinson’s disease
- Visual impairments
It’s important to understand that this is not a complete list — many other conditions can also be considered depending on severity.
Why Many People Miss Out
One of the biggest misconceptions is that you must have a “severe” or visible condition to qualify. In reality, the DWP looks at how your condition affects your ability to carry out daily activities safely and consistently.
That means even if you’re working, or managing your condition privately, you could still be eligible.
Another issue is that many people either delay applying or assume they’ll be rejected — so they never try at all.
What You Should Do Next
- Check eligibility criteria on the official GOV.UK website
- Start a claim online or by phone for PIP or Attendance Allowance
- Gather medical evidence such as GP letters or prescriptions
- Be detailed in your application — explain how your condition affects your daily life, not just the diagnosis
- Seek help if needed — charities like Citizens Advice can guide you through the process
Don’t Leave Money Unclaimed
With living costs continuing to rise, this type of support can make a real difference — whether it’s helping with mobility, daily care, or simply easing financial pressure.
If you or someone you know lives with a long-term health condition, it’s worth checking. Many people are entitled to support they never claim — and once approved, payments can even be backdated in some cases.
Taking a few minutes to check today could lead to hundreds of pounds in extra support every month.
