Personal Independence Payment Claimants to Receive Extra £151 Annually, as Payment Rates Increase in April
PIP claimants will receive an extra £151 a year from April this year under Government plans to uplift disability benefits by 10.1%.
The increase will affect payments for PIP and other disability benefits by 10.1%, in line with inflation - the highest rate for 40 years.
The move will see the basic PIP daily living rate increasing from £61.85 to £68.30 and the enhanced daily living rate from £89.15 to £98.15.
The basic mobility rate will increase from £24.45 to £27.00, while the enhanced mobility rate will increase from £64.50 to £71.40.
Minister for Disabled People, Health and Work Chloe Smith said: “We know disabled people face additional costs, which is why we’re increasing disability benefits by 10.1% this year, the highest uplift for over 40 years.”
The DWP has stated that the majority of claimants will receive payment in the first week of each month and if payments are delayed, they should contact the department.
Who is entitled to PIP?
PIP is a benefit for people aged 16 or over who have a long-term physical or mental health condition or disability and need help with everyday tasks or getting around.
To be eligible for PIP, you must have a condition that has lasted, or is expected to last, for at least 12 months. You must also be over 16 years old and have not yet reached State Pension age.
PIP is paid in two parts:
- A daily living component
- A mobility component
The amount of PIP you receive depends on how severely your condition affects you. You can be awarded the daily living component at the standard or enhanced rate, and the mobility component at the standard or enhanced rate.
How much is PIP?
The weekly rates for PIP from April 2023 will be:
- Daily living: Standard rate £68.30, Enhanced rate £98.15,
- Mobility: Standard rate £27.00, Enhanced rate £71.40.
You can check how much PIP you could get by using the PIP checker tool on GOV.UK. Be aware this is just an estimate, and the only way to find out how much PIP you will get is to make a claim.
How to claim PIP
You can claim PIP by phoning the DWP on 0800 917 2222 or by completing a claim form online on GOV.UK. You will need to provide information about your condition, how it affects you, and any help you need with daily living or getting around.
The DWP will then send you a form to complete, which you will need to return to them along with any supporting evidence. This could include medical evidence, such as a letter from your doctor, or evidence of your income and savings.
The DWP will make a decision on your claim based on the information you provide. They will then send you a letter to tell you if you have been awarded PIP and how much you will receive.
Conclusion
The increase in PIP rates is a welcome move that will help to offset the rising cost of living for disabled people. However, it is important to remember that PIP is not a benefit that you are entitled to as of right. You must meet the eligibility criteria and provide evidence to support your claim.
If you are thinking about claiming PIP, it is important to do your research and make sure that you understand the eligibility criteria. You can find more information on the GOV.UK website or by speaking to a benefits advisor.