Millions of Britons receiving Personal Independence Payment (PIP) are set for a substantial financial boost next year, with payments anticipated to rise by nearly 6.7% following the latest inflation announcement.
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) typically uses September's Consumer Prices Index (CPI) figure to determine the following April's benefit uprating. With inflation recorded at 6.7% last month, claimants could see significant increases to their regular payments.
What the new PIP rates could look like
If confirmed by the government, the new rates coming into effect in April 2024 would represent one of the largest increases in recent years:
- Daily Living Component (Enhanced): Rising from £101.75 to £108.55 per week
- Daily Living Component (Standard): Increasing from £68.10 to £72.65 per week
- Mobility Component (Enhanced): Growing from £71.00 to £75.75 per week
- Mobility Component (Standard): Moving from £26.90 to £28.70 per week
Annual impact for claimants
For those receiving both enhanced components, the changes could mean an additional £11.50 per week, totaling nearly £600 extra per year. This significant uplift comes as many disabled people face higher living costs and additional expenses related to their conditions.
The proposed increase follows last year's 10.1% boost to benefits, which was implemented to help struggling households during the cost of living crisis. While inflation has slowed from its peak, many PIP recipients continue to face financial pressures.
Official confirmation pending
While the September inflation figure traditionally determines benefit uprating, the government has yet to formally confirm the increase. The decision is typically announced in the Autumn Statement, expected in November.
A DWP spokesperson commented: "The annual uprating of benefits will follow the usual process and be announced in due course."
This potential increase would affect approximately 3.3 million PIP claimants across Great Britain, providing welcome relief to those managing the extra costs associated with long-term health conditions and disabilities.
