The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has officially announced a significant increase in disability benefit payments for the coming financial year. Millions of claimants receiving Personal Independence Payment (PIP) and Attendance Allowance will see their payments rise by 3.8 per cent.
New Payment Rates and Effective Date
The uplift will come into effect from Monday, 6 April 2026. This annual increase is designed to help payments keep pace with the cost of living. All affected claimants will receive a letter from the DWP before April detailing their individual new payment amounts.
Currently, PIP weekly payments range from £29.20 to £187.45. As these benefits are typically paid every four weeks, this equates to sums between £116.80 and £749.80 per payment period.
Following the 3.8% rise, the new weekly rates will be between £30.30 and £194.60. Over a standard four-week period, this means claimants could receive from £121.20 up to £778.40.
Understanding the PIP Components
PIP is made up of two separate components: the daily living component and the mobility component. Each can be paid at either a standard or an enhanced rate, depending on how a claimant's condition affects them.
From 6 April 2026, the new weekly rates for each part will be:
Daily Living Component
Enhanced rate: £114.60 (rising from £110.40)
Standard rate: £76.70 (rising from £73.90)
Mobility Component
Enhanced rate: £80.00 (rising from £77.05)
Standard rate: £30.30 (rising from £29.20)
How the New Awards Combine
Claimants can receive one or both components, leading to eight possible award combinations. The total weekly and four-weekly amounts are forecast as follows:
Single Component Awards:
- Standard daily living only: £76.70 per week (£306.80 per pay period).
- Enhanced daily living only: £114.60 per week (£458.40 per pay period).
- Standard mobility only: £30.30 per week (£121.20 per pay period).
- Enhanced mobility only: £80.00 per week (£320.00 per pay period).
Combined Component Awards:
- Both standard rates: £107.00 per week (£428.00 per pay period).
- Both enhanced rates: £194.60 per week (£778.40 per pay period).
- Standard daily living & enhanced mobility: £156.70 per week (£626.80 per pay period).
- Enhanced daily living & standard mobility: £144.90 per week (£579.60 per pay period).
It is important for claimants to remember that PIP and other disability benefits are tax-free and are not affected by the benefit cap. This increase represents a vital financial boost for those relying on this support, providing additional assistance with the extra costs associated with long-term health conditions and disabilities.
