You may qualify for PIP if you need extra help with everyday tasks due to an illness, disability or mental health condition
The duration of awards for individuals making a new claim for Personal Independence Payment (PIP) will be extended from April to help reduce the backlog. PIP is the main disability benefit for people of working age in the UK.
You may qualify for PIP if you need extra help with everyday tasks due to an illness, disability or mental health condition. However, your eligibility to PIP isn’t based on your condition – it is based on how it affects your life. PIP is normally awarded for a set period of time and currently, this can be as short as nine months.
But under changes due to come into effect from April 2026, this is to be extended to a minimum of three years for the majority of new PIP claimants aged 25 and over, rising to five years at their next review if they remain entitled.
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) said the measure aims to free up health professionals to carry out more face-to-face assessments and deliver more reassessments, reports the Mirror.
These operational changes are separate to the Timms Review, which will examine the role of PIP, eligibility for the daily living and mobility components and assessment process.
PIP comprises two elements – the daily living component, and the mobility component. The daily living rate is £73.90 a week if you’re awarded the standard rate, whilst the higher rate is £110.40 a week.
The mobility component is £29.20 per week for the standard rate, and £77.05 per week for the enhanced rate. You must inform the DWP if your health or condition has changed.
If you’re terminally ill, you typically receive PIP automatically without undergoing an assessment. If you are granted PIP under the special rules for terminal illness, your award will last for three years before being reviewed.
PIP is accessible if you are aged over 16 but below state pension age. If you claim PIP and reach state pension age, your claim will usually continue.
You may be able to submit a new claim at state pension age if you were eligible for PIP in the previous 12 months.