PIP to rise with inflation as eligibility reforms postponed

The government has signalled that Personal Independence Payment will rise in line with September inflation while postponing eligibility reforms until a full review of assessments is completed next year, affecting about 3.8 million claimants across Great Britain. Office for National Statistics data show September consumer price index inflation was 3.8 percent, a figure the Department for Work and Pensions said will be used to uprate disability benefits for the 2026–27 financial year, with formal rates to be confirmed ahead of the Autumn Budget on November 26 and payments due to increase from April 6, 2026.

Personal Independence Payment is paid in two parts, daily living and mobility, and is awarded on the basis of how a long-term illness or disability limits a person’s ability to carry out everyday activities rather than on diagnosis alone. Current weekly awards range from £29.20 to £187.45; applying a 3.8 percent uplift would increase the highest award to about £194.55 a week. PIP is not means-tested, is tax-free, and does not count towards the benefit cap.

Ministers have also put potential changes to the Motability scheme and eligibility rules on hold pending the review. The...