Although the cost of living crisis in the UK has seen minor improvements in recent months, prices are still rising, just at a slower rate. As of now, there’s no definitive end in sight for these soaring prices. UK residents are finding it increasingly difficult to purchase food, gas, health care, and other necessities. 

This is one reason why Personal Independence Payment (PIP) applications are also at an all-time high, with a 3% uptick from last year. It’s also why the Department of Works and Pensions (DWP) PIP rates are also increasing for the 2024-2024 fiscal year. 

If you are currently receiving PIP or are thinking of applying to help offset the rising cost of living, you need to keep reading! Below, we offer an in-depth guide to DWP PIP rates for 2024, plus tips for applying, what’s covered, and how to make the most of these funds. 

What is PIP, and Who Qualifies?

Before we start crunching numbers, let’s quickly cover exactly what PIP is and who’s eligible. PIP, or Personal Independence Payment, is a benefit offered by the UK government for those over 16 and under the State Pension age of 66. PIP benefits help with the cost of living expenses for those diagnosed with a long-term physical or mental disability. 

PIP benefits are divided into two categories – everyday tasks and mobility. Applicants may be eligible for both or one of these benefits depending on the severity of their condition and the type of support they need. PIP isn’t a means-tested benefit, which means your income and savings aren’t considered. Anyone in need of the benefit and who qualifies will receive it. 

If you need help with the following daily tasks, you may qualify. 

  • Eating, drinking, and cooking
  • Bathing or washing
  • Communicating effectively or seeing 
  • Medication administration 
  • Getting dressed and undressed 
  • Money management
  • Socializing
  • Reading and comprehending 

If you need assistance with mobility in the following areas, you may qualify.

  • Planning a route and successfully executing it
  • Safely leaving your home
  • Physically moving around your home 

You can spend your PIP benefits on anything you need to help improve your quality of life. For example, you can find a carer to assist you in your home, purchase a handicap-accessible vehicle, or purchase other assisted devices, including crutches, wheelchairs, and walkers. 

DWP PIP Rates for 2024

As of April 2024, PIP rose by 6.7% to accommodate inflation and the continued increase in living costs. This increase was applied to most DWP benefits. It was also applied to some HMRC benefits. 

Here’s a breakdown of how much each individual PIP benefit changed following this 6.7% increase.

  • Standard daily living benefit: Increased by £6.80 (from  £68.10 to £72.65)
  • Enhanced daily living benefit: Increased by £4.55 (from  £101.75 to £108.55)
  • Standard mobility benefit: Increased by  £1.80 (from £26.90 to £27.80)
  • Enhanced mobility benefit: Increased by £4.75 (from  £71.00 to £75.75)

Here are the total payout amounts you can expect if you qualify for PIP for 2024/2025.

Individual Benefits 

  • Standard living component ONLY – £72.65 weekly or £290.60 monthly 
  • Enhanced living component ONLY – £108.55 weekly or £434.20 monthly
  • Standard mobility component ONLY – £28.70 weekly or £114.80 monthly
  • Enhanced mobility component ONLY – £75.75 weekly or £303.00 monthly 

Combined Benefits 

  • Standard daily living PLUS standard mobility – £101.35 weekly or £405.40 monthly
  • Standard living PLUS enhanced mobility – £148.40 weekly or £593.60 monthly
  • Enhanced daily living PLUS standard mobility – £137.25 weekly or £549.00 monthly
  • Enhanced daily living PLUS enhanced mobility – £184.30 weekly or £737.20 monthly

What is the PIP Benefit Cap?

As with any government aid, PIP benefits do have a cap. Benefit caps refer to the total amount you can receive if you’re of working age. These caps increase and change alongside inflation. In 2023, the benefit cap rose by 10.1% to offset the rising cost of living. This trend continued in 2024, with the most recent 6.7% increase. All PIP benefits are subject to a cap since these limits apply to all individuals under the State Pension age, which is a prerequisite for applying. 

Here’s a more detailed breakdown of what these benefit caps look like for 2024 based on your circumstances and location. 

  • Single parents or couples with dependent children living outside of London – £22,020 (an increase of £2020 from last year)
  • Single adults without children or with children not residing with them living outside of London – £14,753 (an increase of £1,353 from last year)
  • Single parents or couples with dependent children living in the Greater London area – £25,323 (an increase of £2,323)
  • Single adults without children or with children not residing with them living in the Greater London area – £16,967 (an increase of £1,557 from last year)

Other Benefit Rate Increase for 2024 

PIP rates aren’t the only UK benefit that’s seen an increase for the upcoming year. Here are a few more government benefits that are on the rise to accommodate the high cost of living. 

Attendance Allowance

The Attendance Allowance is for individuals above the State Pension age who require help performing daily tasks, require supervision, or need assistance moving around safely. All recipients must meet specific requirements and provide documentation and medical records from a general practitioner. 

Similar to PIP, the Attendance Allowance benefit isn’t based on your income or savings. Eligible applicants have been facing their diagnosed condition and struggling with caring for themselves for six months or longer and have been living in the UK for two of the last three years. 

  • Low rate – £72.65 (up £4.55  from £68.10 last year)
  • High rate – £108.55 (up £6.80 from £101.75 last year)

Adult Disability Payment 

The Adult Disability Payment is similar to PIP but only available to residents of Scotland. You can apply for both the daily living component and the mobility component of this benefit as well. There are also different levels of benefits, the same as PIP – standard and enhanced.

If this describes you, here are the rate increases you can expect. 

Daily Living Benefits

  • Standard rate – £72.65 (an increase of £4.55 from last year
  • Enhanced rate – £108.55 (an increase of £6.80 from last year)

Mobility Benefits

  • Standard – £28.70 (an increase of £1.80 from last year)
  • Enhanced – £75.75 (an increase of £4.75 from last year)

Disability Living Allowance and Child Disability Payment 

At the time of this writing, PIP is replacing the Disability Living Allowance in the UK. However, the Child Disability Payment is replacing the DLA in Scotland. This benefit is for people under the age of 16. All of these benefits will have the same payment rates for 2024. 

Care Component 

  • Low rate – £28.70 (an increase of £1.80 from last year)
  • Middle rate – £72.65 (an increase of £4.55 from last year)
  • High rate – £108.55 (an increase of £6.80 from last year)

Mobility Component

  • Low rate – £28.70 (an increase of £1.80 from last year)
  • High rate – £75.75 (an increase of £4.75 from last year)

Tips for Applying for PIP

All PIP claims must be made through the DWP. You can contact the office directly on 0800 917 2222. If you can’t make the call yourself, you can also have someone call on your behalf, but you must be present to verify your identity and information. You’ll also need to provide the following information.

  • Your bank account number and source code
  • Your doctor’s name and contact information 
  • Your hospital name and address, plus any recent care dates 
  • Dates and countries where you’ve travelled for longer than four weeks

The requested application will be sent to you via postal mail. You can also access the application online. DWP may also contact your health care provider or social worker to gather any other necessary information. 

All applicants must also undergo an assessment, regardless of how or where they apply. This assessment determines your ability to perform certain tasks. Based on these scores, your application will be accepted or denied. If accepted, you’ll find out your determined level of need and how much money you’ll receive through PIP. 

You’ll also receive an official letter in the mail detailing your score and performance on the assessment. This letter may be used to obtain additional funding or benefits in the future.

FAQ About PIP and 2024 Rate Increases 

If you still have questions surrounding the PIP benefit or how the 2024 rate increases will impact you, check out these FAQs to help guide your future decisions. 

Can I receive PIP for life?

Technically, no. PIP is a government benefit reserved for those below the State Pension age. Once you reach this threshold, you’ll need to apply for a different type of aid. Most individuals who were once eligible to receive PIP can apply for the Attendance Allowance benefit after they turn 66. 

Will I receive the Cost of Living Payment?

In September 2022, the UK government approved £150 Cost of Living Payment for anyone receiving PIP. An additional £150 was issued between June 20th and July 4th, 2023. If you were approved for PIP prior to April 1st, 2023, or submitted your application before this date, you should also be eligible to receive both.

How do I know if I’m eligible for PIP?

Before applying for PIP, make sure you meet these basic criteria. 

  • Age – You must be older than 16 and under the State Pension age (which is currently 66)
  • Status – You must be a resident of the UK and have been for at least two of the last 3 years and one day of the current tax year
  • Condition or Disability—Only applications with a long-term health condition or disability are eligible. Your condition must interfere with your ability to perform daily tasks or move freely and safely both inside and outside your home. These limitations must have been in place for a minimum of three months and be an anticipated problem for a minimum of nine months. 
  • Entitlement Periods – PIP applicants must have a sufficient entitlement period lasting 12 months or more. (Some expectations do apply.)

Understanding PIP Rates and Increases

PIP benefits are designed to offer financial assistance to individuals between the ages of 16 and 66 diagnosed with a mental or physical disability. The money you receive is based on several factors, including the severity of your condition, your location, and your living situation. These benefits also fluctuate based on the market and cost of living. 

With the cost of living at an all-time high around the world, the DWP has announced a 6.7% increase in government benefits, including PIP. 

If you or someone you love is in need of assistance due to a mental or physical condition, there are countless resources available. Click here to learn more about how Compare Caring can help you find the support you need.