Kelly
If you’re one of the millions of Personal Independence Payment (PIP) recipients in the UK, there may be a way to increase your monthly payments by over £630—simply by updating your claim to reflect a change in your circumstances.
As of the end of April, new data from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) revealed that nearly 420,000 PIP claims were under review. Among them, 380,000 were standard award reviews and 40,000 involved a change in circumstances.
If your health condition has worsened, and you’re receiving only standard rates, you may be missing out on significantly higher payments.
What Is PIP and Who Can Claim It?
PIP is a benefit for individuals with a long-term illness, physical or mental health condition, or disability. It helps with the extra costs associated with daily living or mobility needs. You can receive one or both of the following components:
- Daily Living Component
- Mobility Component
Depending on your assessment, each component may be paid at either the standard or enhanced rate.
How Much Could You Receive?
Here’s a breakdown of weekly PIP payment rates:
| Component | Standard Rate | Enhanced Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Daily Living | £73.90 | £110.40 |
| Mobility | £29.20 | £77.05 |
These rates translate to the following monthly (4-week) amounts:
- Standard Daily Living Only: £295.60
- Standard Mobility Only: £116.80
- Enhanced Daily Living Only: £441.60
- Enhanced Mobility Only: £308.20
- Combined Maximum: £749.80 every 4 weeks
- Annual Maximum: £9,747.40
So, if you’re currently receiving just the standard rate mobility payment (£116.80 every 4 weeks) and your condition has worsened, you could potentially receive the highest rate for both components—an increase of £633 per month.
Examples of Increased Payments
Here are a couple of scenarios:
| Current Status | New Status (After Review) | Monthly Increase | Annual Gain |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Mobility (£116.80) | Enhanced Daily Living + Mobility (£749.80) | £633 | £8,229.40 |
| Standard Daily Living + Mobility (£412.40) | Enhanced Daily Living + Mobility (£749.80) | £337.40 | £4,386.00 |
These increases could make a substantial difference in covering everyday living and healthcare costs.
When to Report a Change
The DWP encourages claimants to report changes in circumstances such as:
- You need more help with daily tasks or mobility.
- A healthcare professional indicates your condition will last longer than expected.
- Your condition has worsened and your life expectancy is less than 12 months.
But be aware: Reporting a change doesn’t guarantee an increase. It could also lead to your award staying the same, being reduced, or even stopped depending on the reassessment outcome.
How to Report a Change in PIP
If you believe you’re eligible for an increase, you can:
- Call the PIP enquiry line at 0800 121 4433
- Lines are open Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm
Before proceeding, it’s strongly recommended to seek independent advice from services like Citizens Advice. This helps you fully understand the risks and benefits of requesting a reassessment.
With over 3.7 million people across England and Wales currently claiming PIP, many may be missing out on additional financial support. If your health condition has changed, a reassessment could significantly boost your monthly income—potentially up to £633 more every month.
But be cautious: a change in award isn’t guaranteed. Always review your case with an advisor before contacting DWP.
FAQs
How often is PIP reviewed?
PIP awards are reviewed periodically depending on the length of the original award. Reviews can also be triggered by changes in your condition.
Can my PIP be reduced after reassessment?
Yes. If the DWP determines your condition has improved or your need has decreased, your payment could be reduced or stopped.
What happens if I don’t report a change?
Failure to report a significant change could result in overpayment, which you may have to repay, or a missed opportunity to increase your benefit.