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PIP to Rise 3.8% From April 2026 as Ex-Assessor Details 'Chair Test' in Evaluations

A former assessor describes informal observations that may shape decisions.

Overview

  • The DWP has confirmed a 3.8% uplift to Personal Independence Payment effective from April 2026, aligning with inflation.
  • New weekly rates are set at £76.70 and £114.60 for the daily living component and £30.30 and £80 for mobility at standard and enhanced levels.
  • Those eligible for both enhanced components could receive £194.60 per week, about £10,119 a year.
  • Former assessor Jacqueline Gozzard says staff watch which chairs claimants choose and use casual questions about travel or shopping to infer capabilities.
  • Her account reflects personal experience rather than official guidance, while PIP awards are based on functional impact and some terminally ill people are fast-tracked without assessment.