John Hughie
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has announced a delay in proposed reforms to the Personal Independence Payment (PIP). The changes have been put on hold until an official review of the assessment process concludes, with results expected by Autumn 2026.
In the meantime, PIP benefit payments will continue to rise annually, in line with the Consumer Prices Index (CPI) inflation rate recorded in September. This CPI figure, which shapes next year’s benefit increases, will be officially published in mid-October and confirmed in the Autumn Budget.
How Much Will PIP Payments Rise in 2026?
According to the latest data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS), the June CPI inflation rate stands at 3.6%. If this rate holds until September, PIP recipients will receive higher payments starting from April 2026.
Here’s a comparison table showing the expected increases:
| Component | Current Weekly Rate | Projected Weekly Rate (3.6% Increase) |
|---|---|---|
| Daily Living (Standard) | £73.90 | £76.55 |
| Daily Living (Enhanced) | £110.40 | £114.35 |
| Mobility (Standard) | £29.20 | £30.25 |
| Mobility (Enhanced) | £77.05 | £79.80 |
As payments are made every four weeks, those receiving the maximum rate could see their payment increase from £749.80 to £776.60, an uplift of £26.80.
Understanding PIP and Its Scope
Currently, PIP ranges from £29.20 to £187.45 per week, depending on the severity of the claimant’s condition. These payments support individuals with the cost of daily living or mobility difficulties, or both.
The DWP estimates that over 3.7 million people in Great Britain receive PIP. Many are unaware that more than 530 medical conditions may qualify someone for the benefit.
Top Conditions Most Commonly Claimed Under PIP
According to the DWP, these are the five most commonly claimed conditions under standard PIP rules:
- Psychiatric disorders – 39%
- General musculoskeletal diseases – 19%
- Neurological conditions – 13%
- Regional musculoskeletal diseases – 12%
- Respiratory diseases – 4%
Main Disability Categories Recognized by DWP
These categories cover all 536 qualifying conditions:
- Psychiatric disorders
- Neurological diseases
- Cardiovascular conditions
- Musculoskeletal issues
- Autoimmune diseases
- Respiratory illnesses
- Gastrointestinal diseases
- Visual and hearing impairments
- Metabolic and infectious diseases
- Haematological and malignant conditions
- Skin diseases
- Multisystem and age-related conditions
- Unknown or uncategorized conditions
PIP Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for PIP, applicants must:
- Have had daily living or mobility challenges for at least 3 months
- Expect these issues to persist for at least 9 more months
- Typically have lived in the UK for at least 2 of the last 3 years
You may be eligible if your condition affects any of the following:
- Preparing or eating food
- Managing medication
- Personal hygiene (washing, bathing, toileting)
- Dressing or undressing
- Communication and social interaction
- Reading and understanding
- Financial decision-making
- Navigating routes or walking
How the PIP Assessment Works
All applicants undergo an assessment by an independent healthcare professional. Evaluations can be conducted through:
- Face-to-face appointments
- Telephone calls
- Video consultations
- Paper-based reviews
The DWP decides the most appropriate method per individual.
Assessments focus on:
- Safety during tasks
- Time taken to complete them
- Frequency of difficulty
- Need for assistance, human or equipment-based
PIP Payment Structure
PIP includes two components:
- Daily Living
- Mobility
Depending on the severity of your condition, you may receive one or both. Payments are issued every four weeks, or weekly if you are terminally ill, and are deposited directly into your bank or building society account.
Starting a New PIP Claim
To make a new claim, contact the DWP. You’ll need:
- Personal contact details
- National Insurance number
- Bank account details
- Name and contact info of your healthcare provider
- Dates and addresses for any hospital stays, care home visits, or travel abroad
You can apply directly via the GOV.UK website.
While PIP reforms are temporarily paused, the good news is that benefit payments will increase starting April 2026, in line with inflation. Whether you’re an existing claimant or considering a new application, understanding how PIP works, what qualifies, and how much you could receive is essential for planning your financial future. With over 530 eligible conditions, many people may be entitled to this important support and not even know it.
FAQs
When will the next PIP inflation update be announced?
The next ONS CPI inflation rate, which will determine final uprating for 2026/27, is expected on August 20.
Is PIP paid monthly or weekly?
PIP is generally paid every four weeks, except for those with terminal illnesses, who receive weekly payments.
Can PIP claims be backdated?
No, PIP payments are not backdated, but they start from the date you submit your application, accounting for processing time.
