Millions of individuals receiving Personal Independence Payment (PIP) will experience a delay in the increase of their benefit payments, with the full adjustment not occurring until next month due to Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) rules.
Despite a 1.7% increase in benefit payments such as Universal Credit, Attendance Allowance, and Employment Support Allowance (ESA), claimants will have to wait until May to receive the full higher payment.
This delay is due to the way the payments are processed under the DWP’s benefit guidelines, where payments are issued four weeks in arrears.
Delay in Receiving Higher Payments
As of April 7, DWP benefit payments saw a 1.7% increase, but due to the typical processing method of benefits in arrears, the full effect of this rise will not be reflected in claimants’ payments until May.
Claimants will receive a combination of the old and new rates until the payment cycle completes, which typically spans four weeks.
The DWP has started sending out official letters to benefit claimants, detailing the new payment amounts. These letters act as proof of entitlement and automatically update the payment amounts, so there’s no action required from the claimant’s side.
Understanding PIP
PIP is a disability benefit aimed at individuals with long-term mental or physical health issues or disabilities. The goal is to assist with additional costs incurred due to health conditions or disabilities.
The amount of benefit a person receives is determined by how their condition impacts daily life, rather than the condition itself.
Importantly, PIP is not means-tested, which means individuals can still claim it regardless of their income or savings. The benefit is paid every four weeks and consists of two parts:
- Daily Living Component
- Mobility Component
Each component has two rates: Standard and Enhanced. Claimants are eligible for the higher rate if their condition significantly impacts their daily life, and the lower rate if the impact is less severe. Below are the new PIP rates after the April increase.
Current PIP Rates (Post-April Rise)
| Component | Standard Rate | Enhanced Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Daily Living | £61.85 | £92.40 |
| Mobility | £24.45 | £64.50 |
Proposed Changes to PIP Eligibility
The Labour government has recently proposed changes to the eligibility criteria for PIP that will come into effect in November 2026. These changes will include a tighter eligibility criteria and a review of the assessment process.
Currently, to qualify for standard PIP, claimants need to score between 8 and 11 points in the assessment. The higher rate is given to those scoring 12 points or more.
However, under the proposed new rules, claimants will need to score at least four points in at least one of the daily living activities to be eligible for the daily living component.
This change aims to ensure that claimants face greater difficulty with basic tasks, such as washing, eating, or dressing, to qualify for the benefit.
Impact of Proposed Changes
These changes will not affect current claimants but will have significant implications for new claimants or those who are reapplying or undergoing a reassessment after the new rules come into effect.
Citizens Advice advises anyone who believes they may be eligible for PIP but is not yet claiming it to apply before the rule changes come into force in 2026.
The mobility component of PIP will not be affected by the changes, and existing claimants will continue to receive their current rates without disruption.
Although millions of PIP claimants will experience a delay in receiving the full payment increase until May, the rise will be automatic and does not require any additional action from claimants.
PIP continues to provide critical financial support to individuals with long-term disabilities or health conditions, and it is essential for eligible individuals to apply before 2026 to avoid any future complications with the eligibility changes.
FAQs
When will PIP claimants see the rise in payments?
Most claimants will see the full increase in their PIP payments by May 2025, as the DWP processes payments in arrears.
Will the new rules for PIP affect current claimants?
No, the proposed changes to PIP eligibility will not affect current claimants but will apply to those who apply or are reassessed after November 2026.
How can I qualify for the enhanced rate of PIP?
To qualify for the enhanced rate of PIP, your condition must significantly impact your daily living or mobility, and you need to score 12 points or more during your assessment.