Understanding Personal Independence Payment (PIP) rates: A comprehensive 2026 update

Current PIP Rates (2026)

As of April 2026, the Personal Independence Payment (PIP) rates in the UK range from £29.20 to £110.40 per week, depending on your level of need. Daily living and mobility components each have a standard and enhanced rate, and claimants who qualify for both enhanced rates can receive £187.45 per week.

What are the current PIP rates for 2026?

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PIP consists of two components:

1. Daily Living Component

   • Enhanced Rate: £110.40 per week
   • Standard Rate: £73.90 per week

2. Mobility Component

   • Enhanced Rate: £77.05 per week
   • Standard Rate: £29.20 per week

If eligible for the enhanced rates of both components, claimants can receive up to £187.45 per week, translating to £749.80 every four weeks or £9,747.40 annually.

How much have PIP rates increased?

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In April 2024, PIP rates rose by 6.7% to help households cope with inflation. In April 2025, these rates will see an additional increase of 1.7%. Here’s a breakdown of the increases:

• Enhanced Daily Living Component: From £108.55 to £110.40 (+£1.85)
• Standard Daily Living Component: From £72.65 to £73.90 (+£1.25)
• Enhanced Mobility Component: From £75.75 to £77.05 (+£1.30)
• Standard Mobility Component: From £28.70 to £29.20 (+£0.50)

These changes ensure PIP continues to offer critical financial support to those in need.

Who can claim PIP?

To be eligible for PIP, you must:

• Be aged 16 or older but under the State Pension age.
• Have a long-term physical or mental health condition or disability.
• Experience difficulties with daily living or mobility for at least three months, with expectations that these challenges will persist for at least another nine months.

Note: For terminal illnesses, claimants automatically receive the enhanced daily living rate.

How to apply for PIP

Claiming PIP involves these steps:

1. Call the DWP: Initiate your application by calling the PIP helpline at 0800 917 2222. You can have someone call on your behalf, provided you are present during the call.
2. Submit the Claim Form: After calling, you’ll receive a form to complete and return.
3. Undergo an Assessment: This could be in person, over the phone, or online. Your health or social care professional may also provide additional details.

What is the benefit cap for PIP?

The benefit cap sets a limit on the total amount of benefits working-age individuals can receive. However, disability benefits like PIP are exempt from this cap, ensuring claimants receive the full amount they’re entitled to.

How does PIP compare to other benefits?

PIP is often compared to benefits like Disability Living Allowance (DLA) and Attendance Allowance. Here’s how it stands out:

• Daily living component: Helps with daily tasks such as preparing meals, managing hygiene, and communication.
• Mobility component: Supports transportation needs and mobility challenges.

PIP payments are tax-free, unaffected by income or savings, making it accessible to a wide range of individuals.

Can you use PIP for care at home?

Yes! PIP payments can help fund care at home, including personal care, meal preparation, medication management, and mobility assistance. To find reliable carers, many opt for services that match them with local care providers tailored to their needs.

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Can you use PIP in care home?

Yes, you can use PIP (Personal Independence Payment) in a care home, but there are restrictions. If your care home fees are covered by the local authority, the daily living component stops, but the mobility component continues to help with transportation and mobility-related expenses. However, if you pay for your care privately, you can continue receiving both components of PIP without restrictions.

What are the other benefits for 2026?

Other benefits also increased in 2026, including:

1. Attendance Allowance:

   • Higher Rate: £110.40 per week
   • Lower Rate: £73.90 per week

2. Disability Living Allowance (DLA):

   • Highest Care Rate: £110.40 per week
   • Higher Mobility Rate: £77.05 per week

Common mistakes to avoid when claiming PIP

• Insufficient Information: Be clear about how your condition impacts your daily life.
• Missed Deadlines: Ensure all forms are submitted on time to avoid delays.
• Ignoring Eligibility Reviews: If your condition worsens, notify the DWP to reassess your eligibility.

PIP Payments Per Month and Per Year (2026)

What Determines the Rate of PIP You Receive?

Your PIP rate depends on how your health condition affects your ability to carry out daily living tasks and move around safely. The DWP assesses 12 activities across daily living and mobility, scoring you from 0 to 12 points per activity. Higher scores qualify you for the enhanced rates.

• Daily Living: You need help preparing food, washing, dressing, or managing medication.
• Mobility: You have difficulty walking, planning journeys, or coping with unfamiliar routes.
• Fluctuating conditions: Assessed based on how they affect you more than 50% of the time.

Conditions That Commonly Qualify for Higher PIP Rates

• Severe arthritis and musculoskeletal disorders
• Neurological conditions (e.g., MS, Parkinson’s, epilepsy)
• Psychiatric conditions affecting daily functioning
• Chronic pain and fatigue disorders
• Dementia and cognitive impairments

Your diagnosis does not determine your rate — the level of functional difficulty does.

How PIP Rates Increase Each Year

PIP rates rise annually in April based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI). The 2025 increase of 1.7% follows the larger 6.7% rise in 2024, ensuring payments keep up with inflation. Rates for 2026 and beyond will depend on upcoming CPI figures.

What Can PIP Payments Be Used For?

PIP can be used for any extra costs related to your disability, including care at home, mobility aids, transport, meal preparation support, or specialist equipment. There are no restrictions on how you spend it.

Need help?

Understanding PIP rates and eligibility can be overwhelming. Senior Home Plus provides resources and expert guidance to help you navigate this process effectively. Whether you’re applying for PIP or looking for care solutions, we’re here to support you.

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