Personal Independence Payment (PIP) claimants may be able to increase their monthly payments by over £650 if their condition has changed, according to new analysis. The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) reports that over 4 million people in England and Wales currently claim PIP, with 38,000 changes of circumstance reported between late January and April, of which 31,000 were processed.
How much can PIP payments increase?
A successful PIP claim is worth between £30.30 and £194.60 per week, equating to £121.20 or £778.40 every four-week pay period. The wide range stems from eight possible combinations of daily living and mobility component rates. For example, someone receiving the standard mobility component (£121.20 every four weeks) could potentially receive the enhanced rate for both components, boosting payments to £778.40—an increase of £657.20. Similarly, a claimant on the standard rate for both components (£428.00 every four weeks) could see an extra £350.40 per month if upgraded to enhanced rates.
Reporting a change in circumstances
Claimants should contact the DWP if they need more or less help with daily living or mobility tasks, if a health professional indicates a change in the expected duration of their condition, or if their condition worsens and they are not expected to live more than 12 months. However, reporting a change does not guarantee an increase; awards may go up, down, stay the same, or stop entirely.
How to report a change for PIP
Call the PIP enquiry line on 0800 121 4433, Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm. Full guidance is available on GOV.UK.
How to report a change for Adult Disability Payment (ADP)
Claimants in Scotland receiving ADP should follow the guidance on the Social Security Scotland website.
Important considerations
Before reporting a change, seek independent advice from organisations like the Citizens Advice Network. While a review could increase payments, it could also lead to a reduction or cessation of benefits. Each case is assessed individually based on how the condition affects daily living and mobility, not the condition itself.
The current PIP and ADP payment rates per week are:
- Daily living component: Enhanced: £114.60; Standard: £76.70
- Mobility component: Enhanced: £80.00; Standard: £30.30
For more information, visit the official GOV.UK pages for PIP or ADP.
