Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
Personal Independence Payment (PIP) can help you with some of the extra costs if you have a health condition or disability.
In England, Wales and Northern Ireland
In England, Wales and Northern Ireland, you can get PIP if you’re over 16 and have an illness or disability. This includes physical illnesses and mental illnesses like anxiety.
Some lung conditions which may qualify for PIP are COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), pulmonary fibrosis, bronchiectasis and severe asthma. You may also be eligible if a healthcare professional confirms you have a progressive lung disease and may have 12 months or less to live.
To meet the daily living criteria for PIP, you must show that you need help to do everyday tasks, like:
- preparing and cooking food
- eating and drinking
- managing your medicines or treatments
- managing your money
- washing and bathing
- going to the toilet
- dressing and undressing
- communicating with other people
- reading and understanding written information
- socialising and being around others.
You might get the mobility part of PIP if you need help with:
- planning a route and following it
- physically moving around
- leaving your home.
You must have found these things hard for three months and think that they will still be hard for another nine months.
PIP is not means tested. This means that it does not depend on your income or any savings you might have.
Citizens Advice has more information about PIP, including how to apply and how much you could get. They can also help you with your application.
If you live in Scotland
If you live in Scotland, Adult Disability Payment can help you with some of the extra costs if you have a long-term health condition or disability. It has replaced Personal Independence Payment (PIP).
Citizens Advice has more information about Adult Disability Payment.
Universal Credit
Universal Credit is a payment that helps with living costs for those who have a low income, are not working or are not able to work because of a health condition.
The amount you get depends on your circumstances. Your circumstances include things like your income, housing costs and your ability to work. You might get extra Universal Credit if you have a health condition or disability.
Citizens Advice has more information about Universal Credit, including how to apply and how much you could get. They can also help you with your application.
Housing Benefit
You could get Housing Benefit to help pay your rent if you’re on a low income, unemployed or claiming benefits. You can only make a new claim for Housing Benefit if one of the following apply:
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you have reached State Pension age
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you’re in supported, sheltered or temporary housing.
If you cannot get Housing Benefit, you might be able to claim Universal Credit instead. Citizens Advice has more information about Housing Benefit, including how to apply and how much you could get.
Statutory Sick Pay
You might be able to get Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) if you’re too sick to work. You can get Statutory Sick Pay for up to 28 weeks (around six and a half months).
If you’re still too ill to work after this, you may be able to claim Employment and Support Allowance.
Agency and zero-hour workers can get Statutory Sick Pay. If you’re self-employed, you cannot claim Statutory Sick Pay. You might be able to get Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) instead.
Citizens Advice has more information about Statutory Sick Pay, including advice about what to do if your employer says you cannot get Statutory Sick Pay.
Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
If you’re unable to work because of a health condition or disability, you could be eligible for Employment and Support Allowance to help with your living costs. You can also get support to get back to work if you’re able to.
You can apply for Employment and Support Allowance if you’re employed, self-employed or unemployed.
You could be entitled to compensation if your work has caused your lung condition.
Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit (IIDB)
You could get Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit (IIDB) if:
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you developed a lung condition because of your work
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your lung condition was caused by an accident at work.
You cannot claim IIDB if you were self-employed.
IIDB covers conditions like occupational asthma, COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) and asbestos-related conditions. The government has a full list of medical conditions covered by IIDB.
Citizens Advice has more information about IIDB, including how to apply and how much you could get.
Asbestos-related compensation
We have detailed information about compensation if you’ve been diagnosed with an asbestos-related condition. Read about asbestos financial support and mesothelioma compensation.
How we develop our health information
About our health information
All our information is reviewed and updated by Asthma + Lung UK’s experienced Health Advice Team. People living with lung conditions, qualified healthcare professionals and specialists also review our content.
Our information is based on the latest, trustworthy evidence and guidelines. Below is a sample list of the sources referenced in our information about benefits for working age people.
- GOV.UK. Pension Credit. Accessed: May 2026
- GOV.UK. Personal Independence Payment (PIP). Accessed: May 2026
- Mygov.scot. Adult disability payment. Last updated: March 2025
- GOV.UK. Housing benefit. Eligibility. Accessed: May 2026
- GOV.UK. Statutory Sick Pay (SSP). Accessed: May 2026
- GOV.UK. Employment and Support Allowance. Accessed: May 2026
- GOV.UK. Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit. Accessed: May 2026
If you'd like a full list of the sources we've used to produce our health information, you can email us at healthadvicequeries@asthmaandlung.org.uk.
Get support
Call or email our helpline for support with any aspect of living with a lung condition – whether you need practical advice, emotional support, or answers to health-related questions. You can also find support through our groups.
