How people with ADHD can claim for PIP: When the condition qualifies and how much you could get

The number of people receiving Personal Independence Payment (PIP) for ADHD has jumped to more than 100,000.

In April 2026, there were 100,207 people claiming for the condition, compared with 71,528 in July 2024, according to figures from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).

More than half of these claimants are aged between 16 and 24.

It has also been revealed that around 40% of people receiving PIP for ADHD receive the highest rate of support.

We explain how you can qualify for the benefit and how much you could claim.

How does PIP work?

PIP is a benefit for those who need help with the extra costs of living and have a long-term health condition or disability.

To qualify, your condition usually needs to have affected you for at least three months and be expected to continue for at least nine more months.

As part of qualifying, DWP assesses how your condition affects your ability to complete a range of everyday activities safely, repeatedly, to an acceptable standard and within a reasonable time.

PIP has two separate parts:

• The daily living component, for people who need help with everyday tasks such as preparing food, washing, dressing, communicating or managing money.

• The mobility component, for people who need help getting around or planning and following journeys.

If ADHD mainly affects your ability to manage everyday tasks, you may qualify for the daily living component only.

If it also affects your ability to plan and follow journeys or travel independently, you may also qualify for the mobility component.

Some people receive the standard rate, while others qualify for the enhanced rate depending on the number of points they score during the assessment.

Does everyone with ADHD qualify for PIP?

A diagnosis of ADHD on its own isn't enough to receive PIP.

Instead, you'll be assessed on how your symptoms affect your daily life.

You would need to have difficulty in carrying out everyday tasks to qualify for PIP.

The more your condition affects these activities, the more likely you are to qualify.

How much PIP could you get for ADHD?

There isn't a set amount of PIP for ADHD or any other condition.

That's because the amount you receive depends on how you are affected day-to-day.

As part of each PIP claim, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) awards points based on the impact your symptoms have on everyday activities.

Someone with ADHD may score points if they need help with any of the following everyday tasks:

• Preparing and cooking food safely.

• Remembering to eat or take medication.

• Washing or dressing appropriately.

• Communicating with other people.

• Managing money and budgeting.

• Engaging with other people face to face.

• Planning and following journeys independently

To qualify for PIP, you usually need 8-11 points for the standard rate for each part of PIP, and 12 points to qualify for the enhanced rate.

From April 2026, the weekly PIP rates are:

Daily living

• £76.70 a week or £114.60 a week at the enhanced rate

Mobility

• £30.30 a week or the enhanced rate is £80.00 a week

If you qualify for both components at the enhanced rate, you could receive up to £194.60 a week, which is paid every four weeks.

Do you need a formal ADHD diagnosis to qualify for PIP?

A diagnosis can help support your claim, but the DWP assessment is more important.

You can start a PIP claim by contacting the DWP.

Then you'll normally be asked to complete a 'How your disability affects you' form and may be invited to an assessment with a healthcare professional.

The DWP will then decide whether you're entitled to PIP based on the evidence provided.

A medical diagnosis can then support the claim.