The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has announced a significant update regarding the Personal Independence Payment (PIP) assessment process.
While the maximum payment remains at up to £749.80 every four weeks, the government is preparing for an independent review aimed at making assessments fairer, simpler, and more accurate.
This move has brought relief to millions of claimants, as there will be no immediate changes to the current rules, giving people time to understand the system and prepare for future updates.
In this article, we break down the current PIP rates, explain the assessment process, outline what’s changing, and share practical tips to help you secure the right level of support
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has just announced a major review of how Personal Independence Payment (PIP) is assessed—and it’s big news for claimants.
The good news: you can still receive up to £749.80 every four weeks, and the rules aren’t changing overnight. A deeper assessment overhaul is now on the horizon, set to begin in autumn 2025. Here’s everything you need to know.
What Has Changed—And What’s Staying the Same
1. PIP Assessment Review Underway
A new independent assessment review is launching autumn 2025. It’s designed to make the process fairer, simpler, and more reflective of real-life disabilities. This signals a shift toward modernising the PIP system.
2. Immediate Changes Delayed
A previously floated idea—to require at least four points in a single activity rather than cumulative scoring—has been dropped for now. That means your current eligibility criteria remain intact.
3. Co-Design with Disabled People
The government plans to co-develop new assessment methods with disabled individuals and advocacy groups. The goal: reduce repeat assessments, improve accessibility, and create a more compassionate benefits system.
PIP Payment Rates in 2025/26
You could receive up to £749.80 every four weeks, depending on your award. PIP has two components—Daily Living and Mobility—each paid at either Standard or Enhanced rates. Let’s break down what that looks like.
Weekly Rates
- Daily Living (Standard): £73.90
- Daily Living (Enhanced): £110.40
- Mobility (Standard): £29.20
- Mobility (Enhanced): £77.05
Total Potential Payment
- Enhanced Daily Living + Enhanced Mobility = £187.45 per week, which equals £749.80 every four weeks.
PIP Weekly & Four-Weekly Rates
| Component | Weekly Rate (Standard) | Weekly Rate (Enhanced) | Four-Weekly (Standard) | Four-Weekly (Enhanced) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Daily Living | £73.90 | £110.40 | £295.60 | £441.60 |
| Mobility | £29.20 | £77.05 | £116.80 | £308.20 |
| Maximum Combined | — | — | — | £749.80 |
Why This Matters to You
Guaranteed Rates Still Apply
Although an assessment review is starting soon, no rates or descriptors have changed yet. The current Daily Living and Mobility activities and point system remain in force.
No Means Testing
PIP remains non-means-tested and tax-free. Your income or savings don’t reduce your award—your eligibility hinges solely on how your condition affects your daily life and mobility.
How PIP Assessment Works Today
- Claim Submission: You complete an application and submit supporting evidence.
- Health Assessment (if required): A health professional may contact you via phone, video, or in person to evaluate your functional needs.
- Decision: The DWP assigns your award level—Standard or Enhanced—for both components.
- Payments: Issued every four weeks. You must report any significant changes in your condition promptly.
Who Receives PIP—and How Many People?
As of the latest data, around 3.7 million people in England and Wales receive PIP. That number continues to rise as awareness grows and more claimants become eligible.
Tips to Strengthen Your PIP Claim (Now)
- Highlight functional impact, not medical diagnoses. Explain how your condition impacts daily activities—including the worst and most typical days.
- Map your experiences to descriptors. Describe challenges like meal preparation, personal care, communication, and mobility in line with the assessment framework.
- Include evidence. Submit relevant medical letters, care plans, prescriptions, and statements from caregivers—aligned with PIP activity descriptors.
- Request assessment adjustments. If you need specific formats (e.g., face-to-face assessments instead of phone), request reasonable adjustments.
- Know your rights. If you disagree with a decision, you can request a mandatory reconsideration and appeal.
Common PIP Award Combinations and Payments
| Award Combination | Four-Weekly Total |
|---|---|
| Daily Living (Standard) only | £295.60 |
| Daily Living (Enhanced) only | £441.60 |
| Mobility (Standard) only | £116.80 |
| Mobility (Enhanced) only | £308.20 |
| DL Standard + Mobility Standard | £412.40 |
| DL Standard + Mobility Enhanced | £603.80 |
| DL Enhanced + Mobility Standard | £558.40 |
| DL Enhanced + Mobility Enhanced | £749.80 |
The Road Ahead- Key Dates & What to Expect
- Autumn 2025: Independent review of PIP assessment begins.
- Post-review: The government will consult on new assessment descriptors, timing, and reassessment processes.
- Long-term goal: Create a more accessible, fair, and streamlined PIP system—while maintaining current benefit safeguards in the interim.
DWP’s latest announcement brings clarity—PIP remains a valuable, tax-free benefit offering up to £749.80 every four weeks, and the current rules still apply.
The independent assessment review beginning in autumn 2025 promises thoughtful reforms co-designed with disabled people, but no immediate changes are happening.
Until then, focus on clear, evidence-backed claims that spotlight how your condition affects your daily living and mobility.
FAQs
Has the PIP eligibility changed right now?
No—while a review of the assessment process is underway, the existing rates, descriptors, and scoring remain unchanged for now.
What’s the maximum I can receive from PIP?
No—while a review of the assessment process is underway, the existing rates, descriptors, and scoring remain unchanged for now.
Will there be fewer reassessments in the future?
Yes—ministers aim to streamline the assessment process, reduce unnecessary reassessments, and improve accessibility. Detailed changes will emerge after the review concludes.