Over 3.7 million people claim PIP, and over 23,000 report these skin conditions as their primary disability
Personal Independence Payments (PIP) can offer up to £749.80 per month for people who have limited mobility or struggle with daily tasks due to their health conditions. At present, over 3.7 million people are in receipt of this benefit, although the exact amount each person receives is dependent on how their condition affects them individually.
The Department for Work and Pensions publishes data on the conditions reported by PIP claimants. Analysis by the Taxpayers’ Alliance reveals that over 23,000 claimants qualify for the benefit under seven different types of skin conditions. There is no set list of diagnoses that will make a person eligible for PIP, more information on qualifying criteria for the benefit can be found on the Gov.uk website.
Bullous disease
These conditions result in blisters of varying forms and levels of severity. Currently, 531 people are claiming PIP for various types of bullous disease. Epidemolysis bullosa is the most commonly claimed disorder in this category. It’s a rare genetic condition that makes the skin extremely fragile, meaning even the slightest trauma or friction can cause severe and painful blisters.
Burns
661 people claim PIP with burns listed as their primary condition. Burns can often limit a person’s range of movement by causing the skin to tighten and scar, potentially making it painful or impossible to get around or perform everyday tasks, depending on the location and severity of the burn. It can also have a significant psychological impact.
Diseases of blood vessels or lymphatics.
According to data from the Taxpayers’ Alliance, this group of conditions has the highest number of Personal Independence Payment (PIP) claims out of all skin disorders. Over 8,200 people receive the benefit for these conditions, which include leg ulcers, lymphoedema, pressure sores, and chronic venous insufficiency.
Disease of collagen and elastic tissue
This is the second most common skin ailment currently being reported on PIP, with 6,389 claimants. A staggering 6,247 of these people claim for Ehlers Danlos syndrome (EDS).
This condition affects the connective tissue in the bod,y but there are 13 different types of EDS depending on which areas are most affected. Symptoms can vary drastically between the different types, but some shared issues include stretchy, fragile skin and joint hypermobility.
The most common type, hypermobile EDS, affects the connective tissue between bones making it incredibly easy to dislocate joints. While vascular EDS affects the blood vessels or internal organs and can cause them to split open, this is often considered the most serious type of EDS.
Infections and parasites
802 PIP claimants fall into this category, all of whom report having cellulitis. This bacterial infection can leave the skin painful, hot and swollen, but if it’s not treated quickly, it can become serious by spreading to other parts of the body. Some people may also develop recurring cellulitis.
Papulosquamous and inflammatory rashes
Papulosquamous relates to the tiny raised lumps called papules which are typical in these ailments. This encompasses ailments such as eczema, psoriasis, rosacea, urticaria – otherwise called hives – and acne vulgaris, affecting a total of 4,595 claimants.
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Almost 2,000 people receiving PIP fall under the “skin disease – other / type unknown” classification. This is because claimants don’t require an official diagnosis to begin claiming PIP, they just need to demonstrate they have restricted mobility or face difficulties with daily activities due to their health condition.