The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has officially set out new weekly payment rates for millions of benefit claimants across the United Kingdom. The changes, which will come into effect from April 2026, will see key disability and carer benefits rise by 3.8 per cent.
Which Benefits Are Affected by the Increase?
The uprating applies to several major welfare payments, including Personal Independence Payment (PIP), Attendance Allowance, Disability Living Allowance (DLA), and Carer's Allowance. This annual adjustment is designed to help payments keep pace with the cost of living. Over a standard four-week assessment period, the increased amounts will mean claimants receive between £121.20 and £778.20.
Detailed Breakdown of the New Weekly Rates
The DWP has provided a full schedule of the new amounts. For Attendance Allowance, the higher rate will increase from £110.40 to £114.60. The lower rate will rise from £73.90 to £76.70 per week.
Those receiving Carer's Allowance will see their weekly payment go up from £83.30 to £86.45. Importantly, the weekly earnings threshold for this allowance is also being lifted, moving from £196.00 to £204.00.
Changes to Disability Living Allowance (DLA) and PIP
The increases for Disability Living Allowance are as follows. For the care component, the highest rate rises to £114.60, the middle rate to £76.70, and the lowest rate to £30.30. The mobility component's higher rate increases to £77.05, while the lower rate moves to £30.30.
Similarly, Personal Independence Payment (PIP) rates will see a boost. The enhanced rate for the daily living component will be £114.60 (up from £110.40), with the standard rate at £76.70. For the mobility component, the enhanced rate increases to £80.00 and the standard rate to £30.30.
What This Means for Claimants
This confirmed uprating provides financial certainty for individuals and families who rely on these vital supports. The 3.8 per cent rise represents a significant uplift in regular income, aimed at mitigating the impact of inflation and rising living costs. Claimants do not need to apply for the increase; the new rates will be applied automatically to their payments starting in April 2026.
