How much is PIP going up in April? From 6 April 2026, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) will increase Personal Independence Payment (PIP) rates by 3.8%.
This annual uprating ensures that the financial support provided for the extra costs of living with a long-term disability or health condition keeps pace with inflation, as measured by the September Consumer Prices Index.
What is Personal Independence Payment?
Personal Independence Payment (PIP) is a non-means-tested, tax-free benefit designed to help individuals aged 16 and over manage the extra costs associated with a long-term physical or mental health condition or disability.
Because the benefit is not based on your income, savings, or employment status, you can receive PIP whether you are working, studying, or unemployed. It is not intended to pay for your care specifically, but rather to provide financial support that helps you lead a full, active, and independent life.
Key Components of PIP
The benefit is made up of two distinct parts, or components. Depending on how your condition affects your daily life, you may be eligible for one, both, or neither:
- Daily Living Component: Provides support if you need help with everyday activities, such as preparing food, washing, dressing, managing medical treatments, communicating, or making financial decisions.
- Mobility Component: Provides support if you have difficulty getting around. This covers both physical movement and the mental or sensory ability to plan and follow a journey.
How Much Is PIP Going Up in April?
PIP rates have officially increased by 3.8% as of 6 April 2026. This adjustment applies to both the Daily Living and Mobility components to maintain the real-value purchasing power of disability benefits against rising living costs.
The 2026 uprating represents the government’s standard approach to mitigating the impact of inflation.
By adjusting benefit awards based on the previous year’s economic metrics, the system ensures that those relying on PIP for essential goods and specialised services receive a proportionate increase in financial support.
The Mechanism of Annual Uprating
The DWP reviews PIP rates annually, linking them to the September CPI inflation figure. This process is fully automated within DWP systems, meaning beneficiaries do not need to contact the government to trigger the payment increase.
Benefit rates are reviewed each year to reflect current economic conditions. When inflation rises, the DWP adjusts the weekly monetary values of both the Daily Living and Mobility components of PIP.
Because this is an administrative process handled by central payment systems, you will see the change reflected in your bank account automatically.
Changed 2026/27 PIP Rates
PIP is calculated and legislated on a weekly basis, but it is typically paid every four weeks. Below is a comparison showing the weekly increase for each component and an estimate of how this impacts a 4-weekly payment.
| Component | 2025/26 Weekly | 2026/27 Weekly | Weekly Increase |
| Daily Living – Standard | £73.90 | £76.70 | +£2.80 |
| Daily Living – Enhanced | £110.40 | £114.60 | +£4.20 |
| Mobility – Standard | £29.20 | £30.30 | +£1.10 |
| Mobility – Enhanced | £77.05 | £80.00 | +£2.95 |
Note on Monthly/4-Weekly Payments: Because payments are made on a 4-weekly cycle, there is no fixed monthly rate. To calculate your specific 4-weekly increase, multiply your total weekly increase (from the table above) by four.
For example, a claimant on both the Enhanced Daily Living and Enhanced Mobility rates (total weekly increase of £7.15) will receive £28.60 more per 4-week payment.
Why is the PIP going up in April?
The 3.8% increase is tied to the Consumer Prices Index (CPI) inflation rate from the preceding September. This policy ensures that the financial support provided for disability-related costs does not lose value due to inflation.
This is an automatic administrative process; no action or contact with the DWP is required to receive the updated amount.
How to Calculate Your Adjusted PIP Payment?
To calculate your new payment, identify your award combination, sum your new weekly rates, and multiply that total by four to determine your standard 4-weekly payment amount.
- Identify your specific award combination (e.g., Enhanced Daily Living + Standard Mobility).
- Add your new weekly rates together to find your total weekly entitlement.
- Multiply that total by 52 to get your annual figure.
- Divide that annual figure by 12 if you wish to estimate an average monthly budget.
- Alternatively, simply multiply your new total weekly rate by 4 to determine your standard 4-weekly payment amount.
- Check your official DWP award letter or online account for the exact date of your first increased payment.
When Will The PIP Increases Be Paid?
The new rates took effect on Monday, 6 April 2026. If your payment cycle falls on or after this date, your payment will automatically reflect the higher rate.
- Payment Timing: If your payment date falls on or after 6 April, the full payment reflects the new rate.
- Straddled Periods: If your payment cycle covers a period before and after 6 April, the DWP applies the old rate for the days prior to 6 April and the new rate for the days from 6 April onwards.
Who Qualifies for the Changed PIP Rate?
The increase applies to all existing PIP claimants who currently receive the benefit. Eligibility for the increased rate is based on your existing award status:
- Automatic Uprating: Everyone already in receipt of PIP automatically qualifies for the 3.8% increase. There is no need for a reassessment or a new claim to trigger the uplift.
- New Claimants: If you are currently applying for PIP, your award (if successful) will be calculated based on the new 2026/27 rates.
- General Eligibility: The core eligibility criteria remains the same: you must be aged 16 or over (and under State Pension age for new claims), satisfy the daily living and/or mobility activities tests, and meet residence and presence conditions. The increase is not means-tested and remains tax-free.
If you believe your award was previously calculated incorrectly, you can read more about UK Pensioners PIP backdated payments to see if you are eligible for an adjustment.
Disclaimer: Benefit rates can be complex. For personal queries about your specific award, please check your latest DWP notification letter or log into your official online DWP account.
How to Claim PIP Payment?
To claim PIP, you must first contact the DWP to start your application, complete the How your disability affects you (PIP2) form, and attend a health assessment if required.
- Check Eligibility: You must be aged 16 or over and under State Pension age, and have had difficulties with daily living or mobility for at least 3 months (expected to last at least another 9 months).
- Start Your Claim: Call the PIP new claims line on 0800 917 2222 (Monday to Friday, 8 am to 5 pm). You will need your National Insurance number, bank details, and GP contact information ready.
- Complete the PIP2 Form: The DWP will send you a form called How your disability affects you. You must return this within one month. You can often fill this out online if you receive a link from the DWP.
- Attend an Assessment: Most claimants will need to attend an assessment with a health professional (via phone, video, or in-person) to discuss how their condition affects them.
- Receive Your Decision: The DWP will send you a letter informing you of the outcome. If successful, you will be paid from the date you first started your claim.
Once you are receiving benefits, it is important to stay informed on your obligations, such as understanding DWP holiday rules for PIP claimants when planning travel.
Summary
The 3.8% increase to PIP for 2026/27 is an automatic adjustment designed to support claimants with the rising cost of living. You do not need to take any action to receive this uplift.
Review your next DWP award notification to confirm the exact figures applicable to your specific award.
If your payment does not reflect the new rates after 6 April, use the official GOV.UK portal to check your details or contact the PIP enquiry line for clarification.
FAQ about How Much Is PIP Going Up in April?
How much is PIP per month low rate?
The low rate usually refers to the Standard Daily Living component. At the 2026/27 rate of £76.71 per week, your standard 4-weekly payment for this component will be £306.84.
Is PIP paid twice in April?
Because PIP is paid every four weeks, it is possible for two payment dates to fall within the same calendar month. This is not a double payment; it is simply the result of your 13-payment annual cycle.
How long after PIP assessment for a decision?
Processing times can vary significantly based on regional DWP capacity. While many decisions are made within 8 to 12 weeks following an assessment, it is advisable to check the current status via your online service.
Will current PIP claimants be reassessed?
The annual uprating to the 2026/27 rates is an automatic administrative process. You will not be reassessed simply because the rates have increased.
Is there a problem with PIP payments today?
There are no systemic issues reported regarding the 2026 uprating. If you do not see the expected increase in your first payment after 6 April, contact the DWP to verify your account status.
What free stuff can I get on PIP?
PIP acts as a passport for various benefits, including the Blue Badge scheme, exemption from Vehicle Tax in some instances, and potential access to local authority support or social housing adaptations.
Are pensions getting a rise in 2026?
Yes, the State Pension is subject to its own annual uprating rules, often following the Triple Lock mechanism, which is separate from the calculations used for disability benefits like PIP.
Who will lose PIP payments?
You will only lose payments if you fail to report a change of circumstances, if a scheduled review results in a change to your award level, or if you do not complete a required renewal form.