The UK Government is set to make big changes to Personal Independence Payment (PIP), and if you’re a current claimant or planning to apply, these updates could impact how much you get, how long you get it, and how you’re assessed.
With the maximum PIP payment now reaching £749.80 every four weeks, here’s everything you need to know for 2025 and how to prepare for reforms coming in 2026.
Updates
Starting in April 2025, new payment rates for PIP reflect a 1.7% uplift. These updated rates will help cover rising living costs for people dealing with long-term health issues or disabilities.
From November 2026, major PIP reforms will come into play, but only for new claimants initially. If you’re already receiving PIP, your award and eligibility won’t be reviewed under the new rules until your next scheduled assessment after this date.
Here’s what’s coming:
- Stricter eligibility checks
- Revised assessment criteria
- Adjustments to review cycles for long-term awards
Purpose
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) wants to make PIP more accurate and efficient. With over 3.7 million people currently receiving the benefit, and more than 1.5 million on long-term awards, the government says reforms are needed to keep the system sustainable and fair.
Key goals of the reform:
- Prevent incorrect awards
- Streamline processing times
- Reallocate resources to the most in-need claimants
Overview
PIP is a non-means-tested benefit, which means your income or savings won’t affect whether you qualify. It’s intended for people aged 16 or older with a long-term physical or mental health condition that affects their daily life or mobility.
Who Can Claim?
You may qualify for PIP if:
- You’ve lived in the UK for 2 out of the past 3 years
- Your condition is expected to last at least 9 more months
- You need help completing tasks or getting around
Tasks could include:
- Cooking or preparing meals
- Washing, bathing, or dressing
- Communicating or reading
- Managing finances
- Navigating social situations
- Moving from place to place
Rates
Starting April 2025, here are the weekly rates after the 1.7% rise:
| Component | Standard Rate | Enhanced Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Daily Living | £72.65 | £108.55 |
| Mobility | £29.20 | £64.80 |
If you’re eligible for both components at the enhanced rate, here’s what that looks like:
| Payment Cycle | Amount |
|---|---|
| Weekly | £187.45 |
| Every Four Weeks | £749.80 |
| Annually | £9,747.00 |
Awards
PIP awards vary depending on the nature and expected progression of your condition.
Types of Awards
- Limited-Term Awards (e.g., 2 years): Given when improvement is expected
- Ongoing Awards with Light-Touch Reviews: Typically for lifelong or terminal conditions, reviewed every 10 years or less frequently
Long-Term Stats
As of January 2025:
- 58% of claimants with visual impairments receive awards longer than 5 years
- Over 50% of claimants with musculoskeletal or neurological issues receive long-term awards
Payment
PIP is paid:
- Every four weeks
- Weekly if you’re terminally ill
- Direct to your bank or building society
In Scotland, PIP has been replaced with Adult Disability Payment (ADP), which matches PIP rates and rules.
Application
To apply for PIP in 2025:
- Call the PIP claim line
- Provide:
- Your National Insurance number
- Date of birth
- Bank details
- Name and contact info of your GP or healthcare provider
- Visit www.gov.uk/pip to learn more or complete a claim pack
Reform
Starting November 2026, reforms will introduce new assessment rules and more in-depth eligibility checks. Here’s how to prepare:
- Check your next review date on your award letter
- Keep your medical records current
- Get advice from benefits advisors like Citizens Advice or Turn2Us
- Save documents that show how your condition affects your daily life
The upcoming changes are focused on streamlining and improving the system, but they could also result in stricter qualification for some. So it’s smart to stay informed and proactive before your next review.
FAQs
When do the PIP reforms start?
New PIP rules apply to new claims from November 2026.
How much is PIP in April 2025?
Up to £749.80 every four weeks for full enhanced rate.
Who is eligible for PIP?
People 16+ with long-term health issues affecting daily life.
Is PIP affected by income or savings?
No, PIP is non-means-tested and not based on income.
How often is PIP reviewed?
Reviews depend on condition—every 2 years to 10 years.
