Millions of disabled people across Great Britain could soon see a significant rise in their Personal Independence Payment (PIP).
Under new government plans, the benefit will be adjusted in line with inflation, giving some claimants nearly £800 a month starting in April 2026.
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) confirmed that this uprating is part of its yearly process to ensure disability benefits keep pace with rising living costs.
This announcement offers some much-needed hope at a time when households continue to face pressure from high prices.
Key Increase in Personal Independence Payment
The DWP has announced that those receiving the highest level of PIP support could soon be entitled to £778.20 every four weeks, reflecting an increase of around £28.40.
This change is based on the Consumer Prices Index (CPI) inflation rate of 3.8% in July 2025. However, the final figure will only be confirmed once the August and September inflation data are included.
A DWP spokesperson explained that this annual adjustment is vital to ensure benefits remain relevant. He added:
“This increase is part of the government’s annual uprating process, designed to make sure disability benefits reflect the rising cost of living.”
How Many People Will Benefit?
At present, more than 3.7 million people in England, Wales, and Scotland depend on PIP to help with the extra expenses of disability and long-term illness.
In addition, in Scotland, the government has introduced a separate but similar scheme called the Adult Disability Payment (ADP), which currently supports around 476,200 people.
Together, these programs provide a vital safety net for millions of vulnerable individuals.
Structure of the Benefit: Daily Living and Mobility
The Personal Independence Payment is divided into two main components:
- Daily Living Component – covering essential needs like preparing meals, washing, dressing, and managing personal hygiene.
- Mobility Component – supporting individuals who face difficulties moving around or traveling independently.
The amount received depends on how severely a person’s health condition affects their everyday tasks and independence.
To qualify, applicants must show that their difficulties are expected to last at least nine months, ensuring support is directed to those with long-term conditions.
Why the Increase Matters
For millions of disabled individuals, PIP is more than a benefit—it is a lifeline. It helps cover the costs of:
- Mobility aids such as wheelchairs, scooters, or adapted vehicles.
- Specialized care and medical services.
- Support services including transportation or home assistance.
With inflation continuing to affect essential goods and services, the uprating ensures that disabled people are not left behind.
The Impact of Inflation on Disabled Households
The Office for National Statistics (ONS) recently reported that while inflation has dropped from its record highs in 2023, the prices of basic necessities remain high.
This is particularly challenging for disabled individuals who face additional costs that others may not, such as:
- Mobility equipment
- Assistive technology
- Special diets or medical supplies
Without an increase in benefits, these households would struggle even more to meet their daily needs.
The government argues that the upcoming rise will deliver stability and ensure that support keeps pace with reality.
A Broader Government Commitment
According to the DWP, uprating PIP in line with inflation is part of a wider government strategy to support the most vulnerable groups.
The policy guarantees that those in need of extra care and support do not fall behind during ongoing economic challenges.
By committing to an annual review linked to inflation, ministers say they are making disability support predictable and reliable, which is essential for financial planning in households that already face uncertainty.
Breakdown of 2026 PIP Increase
| Component & Level | Current Rate (per 4 weeks) | New Rate from April 2026 (per 4 weeks) | Increase |
|---|---|---|---|
| Daily Living (Standard) | £290.60 | ~£301.65 | +£11.05 |
| Daily Living (Enhanced) | £434.20 | ~£450.70 | +£16.50 |
| Mobility (Standard) | £102.15 | ~£106.05 | +£3.90 |
| Mobility (Enhanced) | £266.55 | ~£277.50 | +£10.95 |
| Maximum Combined (Enhanced/Enhanced) | £749.80 | £778.20 | +£28.40 |
Note: Figures are based on July 2025 CPI inflation at 3.8%. Final amounts may change once September’s data is released.
What This Means for Claimants
For existing claimants, this increase will be automatically applied from April 2026. There is no need to reapply or submit a new claim.
For new applicants, the standard eligibility rules remain: the individual must show that their condition has a long-term impact on daily life or mobility and is expected to last at least nine months.
The DWP reassures applicants that this rise will help offset the pressures of rising living costs, ensuring they can continue to manage their disability effectively.
The confirmed increase in Personal Independence Payment from April 2026 will provide much-needed financial relief to millions of people living with disabilities across Great Britain and Scotland.
With the maximum payout rising to nearly £800 per month, the move acknowledges the ongoing impact of inflation and seeks to protect vulnerable groups from being further disadvantaged.
While inflation has cooled compared to previous years, the cost of essential goods and services remains high, hitting disabled households the hardest.
This uprating ensures that support stays aligned with real costs, reaffirming the government’s pledge to ensure nobody is left behind during economic challenges.
Frequently Asked Questions
The new rates will apply from April 2026, with increases linked to the inflation figures for July, August, and September 2025.
Those on the enhanced rate for both Daily Living and Mobility components could receive up to £778.20 every four weeks.
No. The increase will be automatically applied to existing claimants. Only new applicants need to follow the usual PIP application process.
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