Stomach issues could see sufferers get £691 DWP benefit

People who suffer from a number of stomach issues could receive up to £691 every month from the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP). Irritable Bowel Syndrome and Coeliac Disease are amongst some of the gastrointestinal issues which could see people qualify for Personal Independence Payment (PIP).

Around 2.8 million people in the UK were claiming PIP in March this year, according to recent figures. The benefit helps those living with health conditions which require extra support.

People living with long term physical or mental health conditions or disabilities can qualify for PIP, which could see those claiming the highest amount receive £172.75 per week or £691 a month during the payment period of four weeks. Those on the lower end currently get currently £26.90 per week, or £107.60 for the payment period.

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You can qualify even if you are working or getting other benefits, with the amount you receive per week dependent on how difficult you find everyday tasks and getting around. According to MyLondon, around two percent of all PIP claims are for gastrointestinal disabilities and conditions, with the stated number of claimants at 27,840. This includes conditions like Coeliac disease, Crohn’s disease and Irritable Bowel Syndrome.

A number of gastrointestinal issues could qualify someone to receive PIP and the LiverpoolEcho says it is important to note that it is how much the condition affects your life which will affect the amount of financial help you are awarded.

The following is a list of gastrointestinal issues divided into sub-groups as qualifying conditions for PIP:

Diseases of the oesophagus, stomach and duodenum

• Hiatus hernia / gastroesophageal reflux disease / reflux oesophagitis
• Oesophageal varices
• Oesophagus, stomach and duodenum – Other diseases of / type not known
• Peptic ulcer (gastric and duodenal)/gastritis

Diseases of the small bowel

• Coeliac disease
• Small bowel – Other diseases of / type not known

Inflammatory bowel disease

• Crohn’s disease
• Ulcerative colitis

Diseases of the colon

• Colon – Other diseases of / type not known
• Constipation
• Diverticular disease / diverticulitis

Diseases of the rectum and anus

• Anorectal abscess
• Fistula in anus
• Haemorrhoids
• Rectal prolapse
• Rectum/anus – Other diseases of / type not known

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)

Benign tumours of the gastrointestinal tract

Abdominal hernias

Congenital disorders of the GI tract

• Cleft lip
• Cleft lip with cleft palate
• Hirschprung Disease
• Tracheo-oesophageal fistula/atresia

Other diseases of the gastrointestinal tract

• Attention to artificial opening colostomy/ileostomy/ stoma – no underlying diagnosis
• Gastrointestinal tract – Other diseases of / type not known

For more information on how to make a claim for PIP, visit the Gov.uk website.