PIP Claimants to See Significant Payment Boost from April 2026
Personal Independence Payment (PIP) claimants are set to receive a welcome financial uplift, with weekly rates increasing from April 2026. Those on the highest rate could see an extra £364 per year entering their bank accounts, providing crucial support for disabled individuals across the country.
New Financial Year Brings Higher PIP Rates
From April 6, 2026, the maximum weekly PIP rate will rise to £194.60, up from the current £187.45. This represents a 3.8% increase, aligning with inflation figures from late 2025. For claimants receiving the highest possible award, this translates to an additional £7.15 per week or approximately £371.80 annually.
Daily Living Component Changes:
- Enhanced Rate: Increasing from £110.40 to £114.60 weekly
- Standard Rate: Rising from £73.90 to £76.70 weekly
Mobility Component Adjustments:
- Enhanced Rate: Growing from £77.05 to £80.00 weekly
- Standard Rate: Moving from £29.20 to £30.30 weekly
Payment Structure and Four-Weekly Amounts
PIP is typically paid every four weeks, meaning the increases will have a noticeable impact on regular income. A claimant receiving the enhanced rate for both daily living and mobility components will see their four-weekly payment rise from £749.80 to £778.40, providing substantial additional support throughout the year.
Ongoing Review of PIP System
The Timms Review, a comprehensive evaluation of the PIP system led by Sir Stephen Timms, is currently examining how the benefit supports disabled people. This review is exploring whether the assessment criteria—including the points system and descriptors—remain appropriate and effective for today's needs.
The government has committed to completing this review by Autumn 2026, with no major structural changes to PIP eligibility or assessment expected until after the findings are delivered to the Secretary of State. This ensures stability for current claimants during the transition period.
Contrasting Changes to Universal Credit
While PIP rates are increasing, new applicants for Universal Credit face a different financial landscape. From April 2026, the health element for new claimants (formerly known as LCWRA) is being significantly reduced from £423.27 to £217.26 per month—nearly halving this important support.
Important Protections: Existing Universal Credit claimants and those meeting Severe Conditions Criteria will not be affected by these reductions. These protected groups will have their payments maintained or slightly increased to approximately £429.08 per month, ensuring continuity of support for vulnerable individuals.
The Department for Work and Pensions continues to monitor these changes closely, balancing increased support for PIP claimants with adjustments to Universal Credit that affect new applicants differently.
