The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has confirmed that millions of people receiving key disability benefits will see their payments automatically increase from April. The annual uprating will see a 3.8% rise applied to Personal Independence Payment (PIP), Disability Living Allowance (DLA), Attendance Allowance and Carer's Allowance.
Letters to arrive with new payment details
Every claimant will receive an uprating letter from the DWP before the new financial year begins in April. These letters will set out the individual's new payment amounts. The DWP has stressed that no action is needed from claimants to receive the increase; payments will be adjusted automatically.
Officials advise people to keep their letter in a safe place once it arrives. This document is often required as proof of entitlement when applying for other forms of support, such as council tax discounts, travel concessions, or help with energy costs.
Breakdown of the new benefit rates
The increase affects several major disability benefits. For the approximately 3.9 million people currently claiming PIP, payments will rise. The weekly rates, which currently range from £29.20 to £187.45, will increase. Over a standard four-week assessment period, this means payments will rise to between £121.20 and £778.20.
The specific new weekly rates are as follows:
- Attendance Allowance: Higher rate rises to £114.60 (from £110.40); lower rate to £76.70 (from £73.90).
- Carer's Allowance: Weekly payment increases to £86.45 (from £83.30). The weekly earnings threshold will be £204.00, up from £196.00.
- Disability Living Allowance: Highest rate increases to £114.60; middle rate to £76.70; lowest rate to £30.30.
- Personal Independence Payment (PIP): The daily living component rises to £114.60 (enhanced) and £76.70 (standard). The mobility component increases to £80.00 (enhanced) and £30.30 (standard).
What claimants should do next
Claimants are advised to carefully check the details in their letter when it arrives to ensure all information is correct. The DWP confirms that the uprating process is automatic, so people do not need to contact the department to receive the higher amount.
The primary action required is to retain the letter for future reference. As many local authorities and service providers require recent proof of benefit awards, having this document to hand can streamline applications for additional financial support.
The rise forms part of the government's annual adjustment of benefits, which is typically based on the Consumer Prices Index (CPI) measure of inflation from the previous September.
