The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has confirmed that more than 3.7 million people across Great Britain are now receiving Personal Independence Payment (PIP).
Among these, 709,710 individuals aged 65 to 79 were in receipt of the disability benefit as of April 2025, helping boost their income to as much as £1,670.80 per month.
Disability Support for Pensioners in 2025/26
In the 2025/26 financial year, thousands of people above State Pension age in England, Scotland, and Wales with a disability, long-term illness, or mental/physical health condition will get payments between £116.80 and £749.80 every four weeks.
In Scotland, new PIP claims have been replaced by the Adult Disability Payment (ADP), with existing PIP claimants being gradually moved to the devolved system.
Pensioners Receiving PIP – Breakdown by Age
The latest DWP data highlights the following distribution:
| Age Group | Number of Claimants |
|---|---|
| 65 – 69 | 424,614 |
| 70 – 74 | 219,089 |
| 75 – 79 | 69,013 |
| Total | 709,710 |
Guidance on PIP Awards for Older Adults
Since 2019, a change in PIP guidance means that claimants whose reviews would have occurred after reaching State Pension age are now generally granted ongoing awards.
Award lengths are set individually, depending on medical needs and how likely those needs are to change. Factors considered include treatment plans, therapies, or the ability to adapt to a condition.
PIP Award Durations
- Fixed awards: Typically range from 9 months to 10 years
- Short-term awards: 2 years or less
- Reviews shorter than 9 months occur only in exceptional cases
State Pension and PIP Combined Income
The New State Pension is valued at £230.25 weekly (£921 every four weeks), while the Basic State Pension pays up to £176.45 weekly (£705.80 every four weeks).
When combined with the highest PIP or ADP payments, total monthly income can reach up to £1,670.80.
Current PIP and ADP Payment Rates
Both PIP and ADP consist of two components: Daily Living and Mobility. The level you receive depends on how much your condition affects you.
| Component | Standard Rate | Enhanced Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Daily Living | £73.90 | £110.40 |
| Mobility | £29.20 | £77.05 |
Payments are made every four weeks following a medical assessment.
Claiming PIP, ADP, or Attendance Allowance at Pension Age
- You cannot make new claims for PIP, DLA, or ADP once you reach State Pension age.
- Existing claimants continue to receive support until their award expires.
- Attendance Allowance is available for pensioners with disabilities and pays £73.90 or £110.40 per week.
Eligibility for PIP or ADP
To qualify, you must:
- Have faced daily living or mobility difficulties for at least 3 months
- Expect these difficulties to last at least 9 months
- Usually have lived in the UK for 2 of the last 3 years
Difficulties may include:
- Preparing and cooking food
- Managing medication
- Washing, dressing, or using the toilet
- Handling finances
- Planning or following journeys
- Moving around
Assessments review safety, frequency, time taken, and need for assistance in these tasks.
How Assessments Work
- Conducted by an independent health professional
- May be completed by phone, video call, or paper-based review
- Face-to-face consultations remain available if preferred
- In Scotland, ADP assessments avoid face-to-face reviews unless requested
How to Apply for PIP or ADP
To Apply for PIP (England & Wales)
Contact the DWP with:
- National Insurance number
- Date of birth and contact details
- Bank details
- GP or healthcare provider’s information
- Dates of hospital or care home stays
To Apply for ADP (Scotland)
Applications can be made online, by post, phone, or in person via Social Security Scotland (0800 182 2222).
The number of people claiming PIP and ADP continues to rise, providing essential financial support to millions across Great Britain. For pensioners, these payments can significantly enhance their monthly income, especially when combined with the State Pension.
Understanding eligibility, award reviews, and payment rates ensures that individuals with long-term health conditions or disabilities receive the right help at the right time.
FAQs
No, new claims cannot be made, but existing recipients continue until their award ends.
Up to £1,670.80 per month for those on the full New State Pension and highest PIP/ADP rates.
No, face-to-face assessments are not required unless specifically requested by the claimant.
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