The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) pays Personal Independence Payment (PIP) to help with extra costs of disability or long-term health conditions.
In 2025/26, the maximum PIP is £187.45 a week (£749.80 every four weeks) for people on the enhanced rate of both daily living and mobility components.
Crucially, PIP decisions are based on how your condition affects daily activities and mobility, and you’re usually paid every four weeks.
How a rise of £630+ per month is possible
There are two ways claimants can see large jumps:
- A higher PIP award after review – for example, moving from standard daily living only to enhanced daily living + enhanced mobility adds £113.55 a week (from £73.90 to £110.40 for daily living, plus £77.05 for mobility) — that’s £454.20 more every four weeks.
- Linked “add-ons” triggered by getting PIP — notably the Severe Disability Premium (SDP) on legacy benefits or the Severe Disability Addition in Pension Credit. These pay £82.90 a week (about £331.60 per four weeks) if you meet the rules (e.g., receive PIP daily living, live alone, and no one claims Carer’s Allowance for you). When you combine a successful PIP upgrade with one of these additions, the uplift can exceed £630 a month. Example: £454.20 (PIP upgrade) + £331.60 (severe disability addition) = £785.80 every four weeks.
Why you should report changes or request a review
DWP data shows most reviews do not reduce awards. Over the five years to 2025, 76% of planned award reviews and 87% of changes of circumstances resulted in an increase or no change.
If your needs have worsened (or you were under-scored initially), telling DWP or requesting a review can raise your award.
2025/26 key figures and potential top-ups
| Route | What it adds | Amount | Who can qualify |
|---|---|---|---|
| PIP daily living: standard → enhanced | +£36.50/week | +£146.00/4 wks | Enough points for enhanced daily living at review. |
| Add/enhance PIP mobility | Up to +£77.05/week | +£308.20/4 wks | Enough points for mobility (standard/enhanced). |
| Severe Disability Premium (legacy benefits) | £82.90/week | £331.60/4 wks | On Income Support/JSA(IB)/ESA(IR)/Housing Benefit and meet SDP rules. |
| Pension Credit severe disability addition | £82.90/week | £331.60/4 wks | Pension Credit claimants getting PIP daily living and living alone. |
| Enhanced Disability Premium | £21.20/week | £84.80/4 wks | Certain legacy-benefit cases (meets enhanced criteria). |
| UC LCWRA element | — | £423.27/month | If found to have limited capability for work & work-related activity (separate assessment). |
| UC carer element | — | £201.68/month | For carers (35+ hrs/wk) of someone on qualifying disability benefit. |
Tip: PIP is non-means-tested and tax-free. Receiving PIP can unlock these additional entitlements, but each has specific rules, so check eligibility carefully.
How to maximise your PIP outcome
- Report changes in how your condition affects you (worsened symptoms, new aids/supervision needed).
- Gather evidence: recent clinical letters, prescriptions, care plans, and statements from carers/employers.
- Check linked benefits: if you get PIP daily living, explore SDP/Severe Disability Addition or UC elements shown above.
With accurate evidence, timely reviews, and by claiming linked additions, PIP claimants can significantly boost monthly support—in some cases by £630+. Focus on how your condition impacts daily living and mobility, and check every add-on you could lawfully receive.
