Overview
- New rates from April 2026 set daily living at £76.70 (standard) or £114.60 (enhanced) and mobility at £30.30 or £80, taking the maximum to £194.60 a week, about £10,119 a year for both enhanced elements.
- Over a four-week pay period, the top combined award will rise to £778.40, with increases applied across all award bands compared with current payments.
- The DWP says it will notify recipients in writing ahead of implementation to confirm updated entitlement; PIP is not means-tested and is typically awarded for fixed periods that are reviewed.
- A Public Accounts Committee report criticised long processing times, and successful claims are backdated to first contact with the DWP, which can result in significant initial lump sums.
- A former assessor described informal observation techniques such as a “chair test” and casual questions about travel or shopping during assessments, presented as her experience rather than official policy.