### DWP Highlights Financial Support for Those with Respiratory Conditions
Individuals living with respiratory conditions may be entitled to substantial annual financial support from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), with eligibility potentially amounting to nearly £9,000 per year. This assistance comes via Personal Independence Payments (PIP), a benefit designed to help those whose health issues impact daily life.
According to the latest statistics released by the DWP, over 137,000 people across the UK are currently receiving PIP due to respiratory illnesses. This total also includes more than 1,200 claimants in Scotland who remain on the PIP system whilst their cases await transfer to the Scottish Adult Disability Payment (ADP) scheme. These figures illustrate the scope of support already being accessed by those struggling with significant health challenges.
The conditions that qualify for this financial help are numerous and varied. People suffering from ailments such as severe asthma, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), asbestosis, and other lung diseases are all potentially eligible. The DWP data shows that those who successfully claim PIP or, in Scotland, ADP, can receive anywhere between £29.20 and £187.45 each week. Over the course of a year, this support can reach as much as £8,988, providing vital assistance to those in need.
PIP payments are typically disbursed every four weeks, meaning claimants can receive between £116.80 and £749.80 each period. This regular financial aid can be especially crucial for those who may be unable to work or who face high living costs due to their health conditions.
Charities and experts point out the widespread nature of respiratory illnesses in the UK. Recent figures from Asthma and Lung UK reveal that 5.4 million people are currently receiving treatment for asthma alone. Of these, 68,000 are in Scotland, translating to approximately one in every 14 people. Furthermore, the charity notes that around 160,000 individuals are diagnosed with asthma each year—highlighting the growing need for accessible support.
A comprehensive list of respiratory conditions qualifies for PIP. These include chronic bronchitis, pulmonary fibrosis, emphysema, bronchiectasis, cystic fibrosis, pneumonia, pulmonary embolisms, and various upper respiratory tract diseases, including obstructive sleep apnoea. Heart and lung transplantation recipients may also be considered under these criteria, pointing to the range and seriousness of eligible conditions.
Crucially, the DWP clarifies that PIP is not awarded solely on the basis of a given diagnosis. Instead, the determining factor is how the illness or disability influences an individual’s ability to manage day-to-day life. Claimants with the same medical condition can have very different experiences, and outcomes are based on an independent assessment and the available evidence. This approach is outlined in detail within the official online PIP Handbook.
Eligibility hinges on experiencing persistent difficulties related to daily living or mobility for at least three months, with the expectation that these challenges will last a minimum of nine more months. Applicants are generally required to have lived in the UK for at least two out of the past three years and to be physically present when applying. The benefit is intended to support those who need help with essentials such as preparing food, washing, using the toilet, moving around, managing medication, making financial decisions, and engaging with others.
If you, or someone you know, is struggling to navigate life due to a persistent respiratory issue—whether planning and following routes, carrying out self-care, or communicating—exploring eligibility for PIP or ADP could bring meaningful support. Different application procedures apply for those with a terminal diagnosis, and more information on this, as well as the broader application process, can be found via the official GOV.UK website.
For the thousands living daily with the burden of impaired breathing, financial relief is not only a question of comfort but often a crucial pillar supporting quality of life and independence. Experts encourage anyone who believes they may be eligible to seek further information and begin their claim without delay.