Sharon Cyrus
New data from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) highlights that as of the end of April, around 420,000 individuals receiving Personal Independence Payment (PIP) had their claims reviewed. This figure includes 380,000 award reviews and 40,000 changes in circumstances.
PIP Claimants and Current Numbers
At present, more than 3.7 million people across England and Wales are claiming PIP. However, many claimants may not realize that they could potentially increase their monthly payments if their condition has worsened, requiring more help with daily living tasks or mobility needs.
PIP is designed to assist people with a disability, long-term illness, or physical or mental health conditions with added expenses related to daily living or mobility. Successful PIP claims can result in weekly payments ranging from £29.20 to £187.45, which equals £116.80 to £749.80 every four weeks.
How PIP Payment Amounts Are Determined
The variation in payment amounts depends on which combination of daily living and mobility components a claimant qualifies for. The Daily Record reports that:
- The maximum amount a person can receive is £749.80 every four weeks if they are awarded the highest rates for both components.
- If a claimant receives the standard rates for both components, they will receive £412.40 every four weeks.
For individuals eligible only for the standard rate of the daily living component (£73.90 per week or £295.60 every four weeks) or the mobility component (£29.20 per week or £116.80 every four weeks), there is still potential for increased support.
Reporting a Change in Circumstances
If someone receiving the standard rate of the mobility component (£116.80 every four weeks) experiences a worsening condition or develops additional health issues, they may qualify for the enhanced rates for both components. This could result in payments of £749.80 every four weeks, an increase of £633. This boost would amount to £9,747.40 annually over the 2025/26 period.
Alternatively, a person currently receiving the standard rate of both components (£412.40 per four-week period) who experiences a change and is awarded the higher rates could receive £749.80 every four weeks, gaining an additional £337.40 monthly, totaling an extra £4,386 over the current financial year.
Key Considerations
It’s essential to note that reporting a change in circumstances does not automatically result in a payment increase.
The outcome will depend on the nature of the change, and each case is assessed individually. No two people with the same condition will necessarily experience the same outcome.
PIP Payment Rates
Here are the current PIP payment rates based on eligibility:
- Daily Living:
- Standard rate: £73.90
- Enhanced rate: £110.40
- Mobility:
- Standard rate: £29.20
- Enhanced rate: £77.05
How to Report a PIP Change
The PIP review and new claim process focuses on how a condition impacts a claimant’s ability to live independently, not on the condition itself. The DWP clarifies in the PIP Handbook that the assessment considers the impact of the condition on daily living tasks rather than the condition’s name or type.
GOV.UK guidance explains that the outcome of an assessment is determined by the evidence provided and is independent of the condition’s specifics. Claimants with the same condition may receive different results.
When to Report a Change
You should report a change to DWP if:
- Your need for help with daily living or mobility tasks has increased or decreased.
- A health professional indicates that your condition will last longer or shorter than originally reported.
- Your condition has worsened, and you’re not expected to live for more than 12 months.
Contacting DWP for a PIP Change
To report a change, you can call the PIP enquiry line at 0800 121 4433, available Monday to Friday, from 9 am to 5 pm. Full guidance on how to report changes can be found on GOV.UK.
Before reporting a change, it’s recommended to seek advice from independent organizations like Citizens Advice Network. This ensures that you understand the potential outcomes, as a review could either increase, decrease, or even stop your payments.
Changes in your condition could lead to an increase in your PIP payments, which can be crucial in helping with the added costs of daily living and mobility.
However, it’s important to understand that reporting a change in circumstances doesn’t guarantee an increase. Each situation is assessed on its individual merits.
FAQs
What is the maximum amount I can receive from PIP?
The maximum payment for PIP is £749.80 every four weeks, which includes the highest rates for both the daily living and mobility components.
How can I report a change in my PIP circumstances?
You can report changes to the DWP by calling the PIP enquiry line at 0800 121 4433 or by visiting GOV.UK.
Will my PIP payments automatically increase if my condition worsens?
No, reporting a change does not guarantee an increase in payments. Each claim is assessed individually based on the available evidence.