PIP claimants receiving support due to suffering from one of 25 ailments and health conditions will – potentially – be getting an extra £737 a year from Monday.
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is increasing the Personal Independence Payments (PIP) by 6.7 per cent as part of the annual review of benefits.
The regime means that various benefits, including disability benefits, will see an increase in line with the inflation rate seen in September 2023.
More than 3.4 million people claim personal independence payment in the UK. More than 1.7 million people were claiming for psychiatric or neurological diseases in October 2023.
The changes to PIP mean that if you have a qualifying health condition or disability that impacts your daily life, you could, potentially, see your benefits boosted by up to £737 over the next 12 months.
The maximum payable is £9,583.60 per year although many will receive a lower figure depending on the nature of their condition.
PIP payments are comprised of two elements for living and two for mobility.
For those eligible for the enhanced rate for Standard Living, designed for individuals with more severe disabilities, the weekly payment will increase to £108.55, up by £6.80 from the previous £101.75 in the 2023-24 financial year.
Claimants receiving the standard rate for Standard Living will see their payment increase by £4.55, from £68.10 to £72.65.
Those receiving the Enhanced Rate for Mobility will experience a £4.75 increase, with payments rising from £71 to £75.75.
Claimants entitled to the Standard Rate for Mobility will witness a daily increase of £1.80, from £26.90 to £28.70.
To qualify for PIP, you must have a health condition or disability that has caused difficulties with daily living or mobility (or both) for three months.
Who receives PIP?
To qualify for PIP you must be at least 16 years old, while the amount is not subject to means-testing and does not count towards the benefit cap, meaning eligibility for PIP is not determined by your income, savings, or employment status.
You may receive PIP if you need help with some of the following tasks or activities:
Preparing food;
Eating and drinking;
Managing your medicines or treatments;
Washing and bathing;
Using the toilet;
Dressing and undressing;
Reading;
Managing your money;
Socialising and being around other people;
Talking, listening and understanding;
Working out a route and following it;
Physically moving around;
Leaving your home.
