The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has confirmed a significant financial uplift for millions of people receiving key disability and carer benefits. From April, claimants of Personal Independence Payment (PIP), Disability Living Allowance (DLA), and Attendance Allowance will see their weekly payments rise by 3.8 per cent.
New Payment Rates for 2026
The proposed new rates, set to take effect in the new financial year, will provide a welcome boost to household budgets. The DWP will be sending out annual uprating letters to all affected claimants in the coming weeks, detailing their individual new payment amounts. It is crucial to keep this letter safe, as it often serves as essential proof of benefit entitlement when applying for other forms of financial support, such as council tax reduction or grants.
Currently, 3.9 million people are claiming PIP alone, receiving between £29.20 and £187.45 each week. This equates to a four-week pay period of between £116.80 and £749.80. The 3.8% increase will raise these four-weekly payments to a new range of £121.20 to £778.20.
Detailed Breakdown of Increased Benefits
The increase applies across several key benefits. For Attendance Allowance, the higher rate will rise to £114.60 per week (from £110.40), while the lower rate will be £76.70 (from £73.90).
Disability Living Allowance rates will see a corresponding uplift:
- Highest care component: £114.60 (from £110.40)
- Middle care component: £76.70 (from £73.90)
- Lowest care component: £30.30 (from £29.20)
The DLA mobility components will be paid at £77.05 for the higher rate (from £80.00) and £30.30 for the lower rate (from £29.20).
PIP and Carer's Allowance Also Rising
Personal Independence Payment (PIP) rates are also set for an increase. The enhanced daily living component rises to £114.60 (from £110.40), with the standard rate moving to £76.70 (from £73.90). The mobility elements increase to £80.00 for the enhanced rate (from £77.05) and £30.30 for the standard rate (from £29.20). PIP awards can be a mix of these rates depending on an individual's assessment.
Furthermore, Carer’s Allowance is included in the uprating. The weekly payment will rise to £86.45 (from £83.30). The weekly earnings threshold for Carer's Allowance will also increase to £204.00, up from £196.00, allowing carers to earn slightly more before their benefit is affected.
This government-mandated increase is part of the annual benefits uprating process, designed to help payments keep pace with the cost of living. All claimants should expect to receive their notification letter from the DWP before the new rates come into force in April.
