The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has unveiled new data indicating that over 3.5 million adults across Great Britain are now receiving the Personal Independence Payment (PIP).
PIP is designed to help individuals with a disability, long-term illness or physical or mental health condition manage additional daily living or mobility costs. Successful PIP claims can range from £28.70 to £184.30 per week, but it’s paid every four weeks, equating to between £114.80 and £737.
The substantial variation in payments is due to the different combinations of the daily living and mobility component rates that a claimant could be awarded. A person could receive the highest rate of both and get the maximum, £737.20 each pay period, or the standard rate of both, £405.40.
However, many people not getting the maximum PIP award may not know that if their condition has worsened and they need more support, they might be able to boost monthly payments by as much as £622.40.
Those currently on the standard rate of the mobility component at £28.70 per week (£114.80 per pay period) could see a significant increase if their circumstances change, leading to a DWP review, where they could be awarded the enhanced rate for both daily living and mobility components totalling £737.20, according to the Daily Record.
PIP (Personal Independence Payment) rates
Daily living
- Standard rate: £72.65
- Enhanced rate: £108.55
Mobility
- Standard rate: £28.70
- Enhanced rate: £75.75
How to report a PIP change
When it comes to changes in a claimant’s condition, the key thing to remember is that PIP awards are determined based on how a person’s condition affects them day-to-day rather than the condition itself – a principle clearly outlined in the DWP’s 2024 edition of the online PIP Handbook.
The guidance available on GOV. UK states: “As the assessment principles consider the impact of a claimant’s condition on their ability to live independently and not the condition itself, claimants with the same condition may get different outcomes. The outcome is based on an independent assessment and all available evidence.”
Before you report a change in your circumstances to the DWP, it’s crucial to understand that depending on the nature of the change, your PIP could increase, decrease, remain the same or even stop.
To report a change, ring the ‘PIP enquiry line’ at 0800 121 4433. The lines are open from 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday.
A word of caution: before making any request, it’s advisable to seek independent advice from organisations like the Citizens Advice Network. While a review of your award could lead to an increase in payments, it could also result in them being reduced or even stopped.
More information can be found here.
