The Department for Work and Pensions has confirmed that Personal Independence Payment awards will rise from April 2026, providing a financial boost to millions of claimants across the United Kingdom. This inflation-linked increase of 3.8% aligns with the Consumer Price Index figures, ensuring that support keeps pace with the rising cost of living.
New Weekly and Four-Weekly Payment Rates
From April 6, 2026, the enhanced rate for the daily living component of PIP will increase from £110.40 to £114.60 per week. The standard daily living rate will see a rise from £73.90 to £76.70 weekly for those who qualify. These adjustments are designed to assist with the additional expenses associated with managing a disability on a day-to-day basis.
Mobility payments are also set to increase, with the enhanced rate climbing to £80.00 per week and the standard rate reaching £30.30 weekly. This component aims to help cover the extra costs of transportation and getting around, which can be a significant burden for individuals with mobility challenges.
Calculating the Four-Weekly Totals
When payments are made every four weeks, claimants will notice a substantial difference in their accounts. For example, someone receiving the standard daily living rate will now get £306.80 every four weeks, while those on the enhanced daily living rate will receive £458.40 over the same period.
In terms of mobility support, the standard rate translates to £121.20 every four weeks, and the enhanced rate amounts to £320.00. These increments provide a clearer picture of the overall financial assistance available to recipients.
Combined Award Scenarios
Claimants who qualify for the highest possible award, combining both enhanced daily living and enhanced mobility components, will see their four-weekly payment reach £778.40. This represents a significant yearly increase for those with the most intensive support needs, offering greater stability and relief.
For individuals on a combined award of standard daily living and standard mobility, the new four-weekly total will be £428.00, up from the previous rate of £412.40. This provides an extra £15.60 every four weeks, which can make a meaningful difference in covering essential costs.
Mixed awards will also see adjustments. Those with standard daily living plus enhanced mobility will receive a total of £626.80 every four weeks, while claimants on enhanced daily living plus standard mobility will get £579.60 over the same period. These tailored amounts ensure that support is appropriately scaled to individual circumstances.
Key Operational Changes and Future Review
Alongside the rate increases, the Department for Work and Pensions plans to increase the proportion of face-to-face assessments to 30% this year. This marks a deliberate shift away from the reliance on telephone and video consultations that became prevalent during the pandemic. The move is intended to improve the accuracy and fairness of eligibility decisions, ensuring that assessments are thorough and reflective of claimants' actual needs.
To facilitate this change, award durations will be extended, and there will be fewer reassessments of existing claims. This adjustment aims to free up healthcare professionals to focus on new assessments and complex cases, streamlining the process for both claimants and the department.
The Timms Review and Its Implications
A major review of the PIP system, known as the Timms Review, is currently underway and is due to report in autumn 2026. This co-produced study will examine the assessment criteria to ensure they accurately reflect the modern realities of living with a disability. It must also ensure that any proposed changes remain within current PIP spending forecasts, balancing innovation with fiscal responsibility.
While PIP rates are increasing, it is important to note that new Universal Credit claimants will see a reduction in the health element top-up from April. Existing claimants are expected to have their current rates protected, providing some continuity amidst these broader changes.
These updates underscore the government's ongoing efforts to adapt the benefits system to better serve disabled individuals, while managing budgetary constraints and improving operational efficiency.
