More than three million can expect an income boost in April as the Personal Independence Payment (PIP) rate rises by 6.7 percent.
Chancellor Jeremy Hunt announced the plans during November’s Autumn Statement, and the uplift will come as much-welcomed news while inflation still runs high at 3.9 percent.
PIP is a benefit distributed by the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) to people who need extra help with daily tasks or getting around due to long-term illness, disabilities, or physical or mental health conditions.
There are two components to PIP: a daily living part for those who need help with everyday tasks, and a mobility part for those who need help moving around. Each comes with two rates: a standard rate and an enhanced rate.
Whether people get one or both parts and how much they get depends on how difficult they find individual tasks.
How much will PIP increase in 2024?
In line with the 6.7 percent increase, new rates for both components will be:
Daily living tasks
- Standard rate – £72.65 a week (up from £68.10)
- Enhanced rate – £108.55 a week (up from £101.75)
Mobility tasks
- Standard rate – £28.70 a week (up from £26.90)
- Enhanced rate – £75.75 a week (up from £17).
The enhanced rate of the mobility component also gives people the option of getting a Motability vehicle instead of cash.
The changes mean those entitled to the full rate can now receive up to £184.30 a week, which translates to around £796.63 a month, up from £748.58.
Who is eligible for PIP?
People can apply for PIP even if they’re working, have savings, or are already receiving other benefits.
To be eligible, all of the following must apply to the claimant:
Common conditions that people claim PIP for include psychiatric conditions, such as anxiety, depressive and mood disorders, as well as musculoskeletal, neurological, or respiratory diseases, such as asthma and cystic fibrosis.
The easiest way to claim is to phone the PIP helpline. Claimants must then fill in a form, after which they’ll then undergo an assessment.
