The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has officially confirmed a significant boost to key disability benefits, with millions of claimants set to see their payments increase from April. The 3.8 per cent uprating will apply to Personal Independence Payment (PIP), Disability Living Allowance (DLA), Attendance Allowance, and Carer's Allowance.
This annual increase is part of the government's standard benefits uprating process, aligning with the Consumer Prices Index (CPI) measure of inflation. The DWP is now in the process of sending out annual uprating letters to all affected claimants, detailing their individual new payment amounts.
New Weekly Payment Rates Revealed
The confirmed new rates will come into effect at the start of the new financial year in April. For the estimated 3.9 million people currently claiming PIP, weekly payments will now range from £30.30 to £194.60, depending on the components and rates awarded. This represents a notable rise from the current range of £29.20 to £187.45 per week.
The specific increases for each benefit are as follows:
Attendance Allowance
Higher rate: Increases from £110.40 to £114.60 per week.
Lower rate: Increases from £73.90 to £76.70 per week.
Carer's Allowance
Weekly rate: Increases from £83.30 to £86.45.
The weekly earnings threshold for claimants also rises from £196.00 to £204.00.
Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
Care component:
Highest rate: £110.40 to £114.60.
Middle rate: £73.90 to £76.70.
Lowest rate: £29.20 to £30.30.
Mobility component:
Higher rate: £77.05 to £80.00.
Lower rate: £29.20 to £30.30.
Understanding Your Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
PIP is made up of two components: a daily living component and a mobility component. Each can be paid at either a standard or an enhanced rate, leading to eight possible award combinations. The new weekly rates for PIP are:
Daily Living Component
Enhanced rate: £110.40 to £114.60.
Standard rate: £73.90 to £76.70.
Mobility Component
Enhanced rate: £77.05 to £80.00.
Standard rate: £29.20 to £30.30.
This means a claimant receiving the enhanced rate for both components will see their weekly payment rise to £194.60 (from £187.45). Someone on the standard rate for both will receive £107.00 weekly. Mixed awards will fall between these amounts.
What Claimants Need to Do Next
The DWP stresses the importance of the uprating letters being sent to claimants. This letter should be kept safe, as it often serves as essential proof of benefit entitlement when applying for other forms of financial support, such as council tax reductions, grants, or certain discounts.
It is crucial to note that these disability benefits, including PIP and DLA, remain tax-free and are not affected by the benefit cap. The increase will be applied automatically, so claimants do not need to contact the DWP to request it.
For a full and detailed breakdown of all benefit rates, including additional payments and deduction rates, the DWP directs the public to the official information on GOV.UK. The new rates are set to provide vital extra support to some of the most vulnerable individuals and families across the United Kingdom.
