In a welcome move for thousands across the UK, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has confirmed that certain Personal Independence Payment (PIP) claimants may now receive up to £633 extra per month, depending on their level of need. This could mean an annual increase of over £7,500, offering critical support for people living with long-term physical or mental health conditions.
What Is PIP?
Personal Independence Payment (PIP) is a non-means-tested benefit for individuals aged 16 or over (and under State Pension age) who need help with daily living activities or getting around due to a long-term illness or disability. It is designed to provide extra financial support and improve the quality of life for claimants.
PIP has two components:
- Daily Living Component – for those needing help with daily tasks such as preparing food, washing, or communicating.
- Mobility Component – for those who struggle to move around or travel independently.
Each of these components has two rates: standard and enhanced. If you qualify for both components at the enhanced rate, you could receive the maximum monthly payout of £633.60, or £187.45 weekly.
How Are the 2025/26 Rates Calculated?
From April 2025, the DWP increased PIP rates by 1.7% as part of the annual benefits uprating, following the Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation. Here’s a breakdown of the new weekly PIP payment rates:
| Component | Standard Rate | Enhanced Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Daily Living | £72.65 | £108.55 |
| Mobility | £28.70 | £78.90 |
If you’re receiving both components at the enhanced rate:
- Weekly: £108.55 (daily living) + £78.90 (mobility) = £187.45
- Monthly: £187.45 × 4 = £749.80 (approx.)
- Annually: £187.45 × 52 = £9,747.40
However, monthly DWP payments are not fixed to four exact weeks every time, so £633 is often referenced as a rounded average for monthly benefit recipients who may not receive both components at the enhanced rate.
Who Is Eligible?
To qualify for PIP, you must have:
- A long-term physical or mental health condition or disability
- Difficulty doing certain everyday tasks or getting around
- Lived with these difficulties for at least 3 months
- Expect them to continue for at least another 9 months (unless terminally ill)
It’s important to note that your eligibility is based on how your condition affects you—not the condition itself.
How to Claim PIP
Claiming PIP starts with a call to the DWP. You’ll then receive a “How your disability affects you” form. After returning the form, a health professional may assess your condition.
Steps to apply:
- Call DWP to start your claim: 0800 917 2222 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm)
- Complete the form sent by DWP
- Attend an assessment, either in person, by phone, or video
- Wait for a decision letter
You can learn more or begin your application at the official UK government site.
Appeals and Reassessments
If you are denied or disagree with your PIP award:
- You can request a Mandatory Reconsideration.
- If still unhappy, you may appeal to an independent tribunal.
A significant number of appeals are successful, so it’s worth pursuing if you feel your assessment was unfair.
Where to Get Help
Navigating PIP applications and appeals can be challenging. Thankfully, several organisations provide free support:
- Citizens Advice: www.citizensadvice.org.uk
- Disability Rights UK and Turn2us also offer tools to estimate eligibility and guide you through the claim process.
To check your benefit entitlement or calculate how much you could receive, you can use the DWP’s official benefits calculator.
Why This Matters Now
With the cost of living still high and energy bills impacting millions of households, this £633 monthly support could make a huge difference for many families.
Yet, thousands may be missing out simply because they’re unaware of their eligibility or have never applied. If you or someone you know struggles with daily activities or mobility due to a long-term condition, now is the time to check your entitlement.
Final Thoughts
The DWP’s increased support for PIP claimants is a positive step forward, especially during financially challenging times. Whether you’re already receiving PIP or wondering if you qualify, the potential for an extra £633 a month is a lifeline you shouldn’t ignore.
