Thousands of disability benefit claimants across Britain are set to receive significant payment increases starting April 2026, the Department for Work and Pensions has confirmed.
New PIP rates confirmed
The government has announced that Personal Independence Payment (PIP) rates will rise by 3.8% from April 2026. This increase will see the daily living component rise to £76.70 weekly for the standard rate and £114.60 for the enhanced rate.
Meanwhile, the mobility component will increase to £30.30 at the standard rate and £80.00 at the enhanced rate. These adjustments mean that claimants eligible for both components at the enhanced rate could receive £194.60 per week, equivalent to approximately £10,119 annually.
Eligibility and application process
To qualify for PIP, applicants must be aged 16 or over and have a long-term physical or mental health condition or disability that causes difficulty with everyday tasks or mobility. The difficulties must be expected to last for at least 12 months from when they started.
Residency requirements state that applicants usually need to have lived in England, Scotland or Wales for at least two of the last three years, and must be living in England or Wales when applying. Special rules apply for those recently returning from EU countries, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein.
Payment schedule and arrangements
PIP is typically paid every four weeks directly into the claimant's bank account. The decision letter from DWP specifies the first payment date, regular payment day, claim duration and any review dates.
When payment dates fall on bank holidays, claimants will receive their money before the holiday, with normal payment patterns resuming afterward. Both the daily living and mobility components can be claimed separately or together, with rates determined by how the condition affects the individual's ability to complete specific activities.
The upcoming increase represents the government's commitment to supporting those with long-term health conditions and disabilities, providing crucial financial assistance for extra costs associated with their conditions.
