The Secretary of State for Work and Pensions has confirmed an increase in the payment rates for Personal Independence Payment (PIP) and Disability Living Allowance (DLA), effective from April 2025. This hike aims to help recipients keep pace with inflation and ensure they have the financial support needed to manage their living costs. If you’re wondering how the changes will affect your payments, here are the full details.
Overview of the PIP and DLA Payment Increase
In the October budget, the UK government announced a 1.7% increase in PIP and DLA payments, along with a rise in other working-age benefits. This adjustment is designed to align payments with the rate of inflation, which decreased in August 2024. Despite the drop in inflation, costs are still not returning to previous levels, and the government is taking steps to ensure that those receiving benefits are supported financially.
Liz Kendall, the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, confirmed that these new rates would take effect from April 2025. As a result, individuals qualifying for both components of PIP or DLA could see their annual payments increase by as much as £151.
New PIP and DLA Payment Rates for 2025
The payment rates for PIP and DLA will be adjusted as follows:
PIP Payment Rates for April 2025
- Daily Living Component:
- Lower Rate: £72.65 → £73.90
- Enhanced Rate: £108.55 → £110.40
- Mobility Component:
- Lower Rate: £28.70 → £29.40
- Enhanced Rate: £75.75 → £77.05
DLA Payment Rates for April 2025
- Care Component:
- Lower Rate: £28.70 → £29.20
- Middle Rate: £72.65 → £73.89
- Enhanced Rate: £108.55 → £110.40
If a person qualifies for both components of either benefit, they could receive a total weekly payment of around £749. This increase of 1.7% means a recipient could receive up to £151 more annually.
Eligibility for PIP and DLA
To be eligible for DLA, you must meet the following criteria:
- Be under the age of 16.
- Have a disability that affects your ability to perform certain tasks for at least three months, and this condition must be expected to last for at least six months or more.
For PIP, the following eligibility conditions apply:
- You must be 16 or older.
- You must have a long-term health condition or disability that affects your ability to perform daily tasks or move around.
- You must not already be receiving DLA, and your difficulties must be expected to persist for at least nine months.
Transition from DLA to PIP
For those who currently receive DLA, the benefit will end once you turn 16, if you were born after April 8, 1948. DLA recipients approaching their 16th birthday will need to apply for PIP to continue receiving financial support.
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) will notify recipients who need to transition to PIP. If you are affected, you will receive a letter from the DWP, and you will have 28 days to apply for PIP. It is important to wait for this invitation before applying.
How to Claim PIP
If you need to apply for PIP or you are transitioning from DLA to PIP, you will need to submit the necessary documents, including:
- Your bank or building society details.
- National Insurance number.
- Proof of identity, including your date of birth.
- Details of your healthcare provider and your condition.
- If applicable, information about time spent in hospital or care.
You can submit your claim through one of the following methods:
- Online: Visit the UK government website to complete the online claim form.
- By Mail: Send a completed form to the Freepost address “Freepost DWP PIP1.”
- By Phone: Call the PIP helpline at 0800 917 2222, or use textphone 0800 917 7777, or call +44 191 218 7766 from abroad.
Conclusion
From April 2025, PIP and DLA recipients will see an increase in their payments, offering additional financial support to help them manage rising costs. With the new rates, those who qualify for both components of either benefit could receive up to £151 more per year. Make sure to claim PIP as soon as you receive your invitation, and ensure your details are up to date to continue receiving these vital benefits.
