
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) provides crucial financial support for disabled individuals across the UK through the Personal Independence Payment (PIP). From April 2025, the enhanced rate of the daily living component has increased to £110.40 per week, offering essential assistance to those with severe disabilities. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about this important benefit, including eligibility criteria, application procedures, and recent changes to the system.
Table of Contents
Understanding PIP and the 2025 Rate Increase
Personal Independence Payment (PIP) is designed to help with the extra costs of living with a long-term health condition or disability. It is not means-tested, not dependent on National Insurance contributions, and can be claimed whether you’re working or not. The benefit consists of two components – daily living and mobility – each with a standard and enhanced rate.
From April 2025, the PIP rates have increased by approximately 1.7%, resulting in the following weekly payment structure:
Component | Standard Rate | Enhanced Rate |
---|---|---|
Daily Living | £73.90 | £110.40 |
Mobility | £29.20 | £77.05 |
For individuals who qualify for both enhanced rates, the total weekly payment can reach £187.45, equivalent to £749.80 every four weeks or approximately £9,747.40 annually. This represents an increase of £3.15 per week or £163.80 per year compared to the previous rates.
Who is Eligible for the £110.40 Weekly Payment?
To qualify for the enhanced rate of the daily living component (£110.40 per week), you must meet specific criteria assessed by the DWP. Here’s a breakdown of the eligibility requirements:
Basic Eligibility Conditions
- Be aged 16 or over and under State Pension age when claiming (if you’ve reached State Pension age, you may be eligible for Attendance Allowance instead)
- Have a physical or mental health condition or disability that affects your ability to carry out daily living activities
- Have had these difficulties for at least 3 months and expect them to continue for at least 9 months
- Usually be resident in the UK and have been present in the UK for at least 104 weeks out of the last 156 weeks (3 years)
Assessment Criteria for Enhanced Daily Living Component
To receive the enhanced rate of £110.40 weekly, you must score at least 12 points in the DWP assessment for daily living activities. The assessment evaluates your ability to perform the following tasks:
- Preparing food
- Eating and drinking
- Managing treatments
- Washing and bathing
- Managing toilet needs
- Dressing and undressing
- Communicating
- Reading and understanding signs, symbols, and words
- Engaging with other people face to face
- Making budgeting decisions
Points are awarded based on the level of difficulty you experience with each task. For example, if you cannot prepare and cook food at all, you would receive 8 points for that activity. A total of 12 or more points across these activities qualifies you for the enhanced rate.
Special Rules for Terminal Illness
If you have a terminal illness and are not expected to live for more than 12 months, you’ll automatically qualify for the enhanced daily living component (£110.40 per week). The application process is also fast-tracked, and you won’t need to go through a face-to-face assessment or waiting period.
How to Apply for PIP in 2025
Applying for Personal Independence Payment involves several steps. Here’s a comprehensive guide to navigating the process:
Step 1: Initial Application
Start your application by contacting the DWP PIP claim line:
- Telephone: 0800 917 2222
- Textphone: 0800 917 7777
- Relay UK: 18001 then 0800 917 2222
- British Sign Language (BSL) video relay service is available
Lines are open Monday to Friday, 8am to 5pm. When calling, have the following information ready:
- Your contact details
- National Insurance number
- Bank or building society account details
- Doctor or healthcare professional’s contact information
- Details of any time spent in hospitals, care homes, or abroad
If you cannot call, you can request a form to start your claim by writing to:
Personal Independence Payment New Claims
Post Handling Site B
Wolverhampton
WV99 1AH
Note: Starting your claim by phone is faster than applying by post.
Step 2: Complete the “How Your Disability Affects You” Form
After your initial claim, the DWP will send you a form called “How Your Disability Affects You” (PIP2). This detailed form asks about how your condition affects your daily life. You’ll have one month to complete and return it.
Tips for completing the form:
- Provide specific examples of how your condition impacts each activity
- Describe good and bad days, focusing on what you cannot do
- Explain if activities take you longer, cause pain, or if you need help
- Include supporting evidence from healthcare professionals
- Keep copies of everything you submit
Step 3: Assessment
Most claimants will need an assessment to determine eligibility. This may be conducted:
- Over the phone
- By video call
- Face-to-face at an assessment center
- At your home (in special circumstances)
During the assessment, a health professional will ask questions about your condition and how it affects your daily life. You can:
- Have someone with you for support
- Request the assessment to be recorded
- Ask for adjustments if needed (like an interpreter)
The assessor will evaluate your ability to perform various activities and award points accordingly. Their report is then sent to the DWP for a final decision.
Step 4: Decision and Payment
After the assessment, the DWP will make a decision on your claim. You’ll receive a letter explaining:
- Whether you’ll get PIP
- Which component(s) and rate(s) you’ll receive
- The length of your award
- The payment schedule
If approved, PIP is usually paid every four weeks into your designated bank account. Your first payment will include backdated amounts from the date you started your claim.
Important Changes to PIP for 2025-2026
Several significant changes to the PIP system have been announced or implemented for 2025:
- Rate Increases: As mentioned, rates have increased by 1.7% as of April 2025.
- Assessment Process Updates: The DWP is shifting toward a more evidence-based approach, with greater emphasis on medical documentation provided by healthcare professionals.
- Payment Date Changes: Payment dates have been adjusted for bank holidays. For example, payments due on January 1, 2025, were processed on December 31, 2024.
- Adult Disability Payment (ADP) in Scotland: For Scottish residents, PIP is being replaced by Adult Disability Payment. Current PIP claimants in Scotland will be automatically transferred to ADP by spring 2025.
- Future Reforms: The government has announced plans to reform the disability benefits system, with consultations ongoing. These changes aim to better target support to those with the most severe and long-term disabilities.
Additional Support Available
If you qualify for PIP, particularly at the enhanced rate, you may automatically become eligible for other forms of assistance:
- Carer’s Allowance: If someone cares for you for at least 35 hours per week, they may be eligible for Carer’s Allowance (£83.30 per week from April 2025).
- Blue Badge Scheme: The enhanced rate of the mobility component typically qualifies you for a Blue Badge for parking.
- Vehicle Tax Exemption: If you receive the enhanced mobility component, you may be eligible for vehicle tax exemption.
- Motability Scheme: The enhanced mobility component can be used to lease a car, powered wheelchair, or scooter through the Motability Scheme.
- Additional Premiums on Other Benefits: You may qualify for disability premiums on other benefits like Housing Benefit.
Tips for a Successful Application
Securing the enhanced PIP rate of £110.40 per week can significantly impact your quality of life. Here are some expert tips to strengthen your application:
- Be thorough and honest: Provide detailed information about how your condition affects you on both good and bad days.
- Keep a diary: Document your difficulties for a few weeks before completing the form to capture accurate information.
- Gather supporting evidence: Include recent medical reports, prescriptions, care plans, and letters from healthcare professionals.
- Focus on limitations: Emphasize what you cannot do without help, rather than what you can do with assistance.
- Get help with your application: Consider seeking guidance from welfare rights organizations like Citizens Advice or disability charities such as Scope.
- Prepare for your assessment: Practice explaining your condition’s impact clearly and bring someone with you for support if needed.
- Request reasonable adjustments: If you need special arrangements for your assessment, inform the DWP in advance.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a PIP claim take to process?
The process typically takes 12-14 weeks from initial application to decision, though it can take up to 6 months in some cases. Terminal illness claims are processed more quickly.
Can I get both PIP and Universal Credit?
Yes, PIP and Universal Credit can be claimed together as they serve different purposes. PIP helps with disability costs, while Universal Credit helps with living costs.
Will working affect my PIP entitlement?
No, PIP is not affected by employment status or income. You can work and still receive PIP in full.
What happens if my condition changes after I start receiving PIP?
You should report any change in your condition to the DWP as soon as possible. This could result in a review of your award, which might increase, decrease, or remain the same.
Official Links for More Information
For further details and official guidance, visit these government websites:
- GOV.UK – Personal Independence Payment
- Apply for PIP online
- DWP PIP Handbook
- Check PIP eligibility criteria
- Citizens Advice – Help with PIP claims
The enhanced PIP rate of £110.40 per week provides essential support for disabled individuals with significant daily living needs. By understanding the eligibility criteria and application process, you can access this vital financial assistance designed to improve your quality of life and independence.