Personal Independence Payment (PIP) can pay up to £114.60 a week for daily living and £80 a week for mobility in 2026-27. The actual award depends on how a long-term health condition or disability affects specific activities, not simply on the diagnosis, income or savings.
What are the 2026 PIP rates?
The daily living component is £76.70 at the standard rate and £114.60 at the enhanced rate. The mobility component is £30.30 standard and £80 enhanced. PIP is normally paid every four weeks, is tax free and is not means-tested.
Who can claim PIP?
Eligibility depends on age, residence rules and how a condition affects daily living or mobility over the required period. A person may qualify with a physical, mental, cognitive or sensory condition. A diagnosis alone does not decide the award; the evidence must explain the help, prompting, supervision or difficulty involved.
What activities are assessed?
Daily living activities include preparing food, washing, dressing, communicating, managing treatment and handling money. Mobility considers planning and following journeys as well as moving around. Tasks are assessed using legal descriptors and points.
How should a form be completed?
Give specific examples from real days. Explain what happens, how often, how long it takes, what help is needed and what risk exists. Consider whether the task can be completed safely, repeatedly, to an acceptable standard and within a reasonable time. Keep a copy and submit evidence by the stated deadline.
What evidence can help?
- Relevant medical or therapy letters.
- Prescription and treatment information.
- Care plans or occupational assessments.
- A diary showing variation over time.
- Statements from someone who provides support.
What happens at an assessment?
An assessment may take place by phone, video, in person or through paperwork. Answer based on your actual functional difficulties, including fluctuation. Do not exaggerate, but do not describe only the best day. Ask for a reasonable adjustment if needed.
Can a decision be challenged?
The decision letter explains mandatory reconsideration and appeal rights. Deadlines matter. Identify the descriptors disputed and provide reasons and evidence. Citizens Advice or another qualified welfare-rights service may help; avoid companies demanding a large share of arrears without clear terms.
What other help can PIP unlock?
Depending on the component and rate, recipients may qualify for a Blue Badge, vehicle-tax help, Motability, a Disabled Persons Railcard or other support. Local rules and separate applications can apply.
Official source
Current rates and payment information are on GOV.UK. Updated 16 August 2026.
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How long does a PIP claim take?
Processing time varies with evidence, assessment availability and case complexity. GOV.UK does not promise one universal completion date. Keep the acknowledgement, answer requests promptly and report a change of address or contact details. If there is urgent hardship, ask DWP and an independent adviser what other support may be available.
What if a condition changes from day to day?
Explain frequency across a representative period rather than describing one isolated good or bad day. Record what happens after an activity, whether it can be repeated and whether another person must prompt or supervise. A short diary can make fluctuating needs clearer.
Does work prevent a PIP award?
PIP is not an out-of-work benefit. A person can work and receive it, but information about the job may be considered alongside the claimed difficulties. Explain any adjustments, support, restricted duties or recovery time so that employment is not misinterpreted as proof that every assessed activity is easy.