The UK government, through the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), has confirmed that individuals facing long-term health conditions, disabilities, or mental health challenges may be entitled to up to £1,149.94 per month. This financial support comes from a combination of Universal Credit and Personal Independence Payment (PIP).
📌 What Is PIP and Who Can Claim It?
Personal Independence Payment (PIP) is a non-means-tested benefit designed to help people who struggle with daily living tasks or mobility issues due to long-term health problems or disabilities. PIP can be claimed regardless of employment status, and it can be paid alongside Universal Credit.
Key PIP Components:
- Daily Living Component
- Standard rate: £73.90 per week
- Enhanced rate: £110.40 per week
- Mobility Component
- Standard rate: £29.20 per week
- Enhanced rate: £77.05 per week
Those who qualify for the highest rate of both components could receive £749.80 every four weeks, in addition to their Universal Credit.
💷 PIP + Universal Credit = Up to £1,149.94 per Month
Universal Credit standard allowance for a single person aged 25+ is currently £400.14 per month. When combined with the maximum PIP rate, claimants can receive:
- £749.80 (PIP) + £400.14 (UC) = £1,149.94/month
This figure may vary depending on individual circumstances, including additional UC elements (e.g. housing, caring responsibilities) or deductions.
⚠️ Major Changes Coming to PIP from November 2026
The DWP has announced that new eligibility rules for PIP will come into force from November 2026, aiming to better target support toward individuals with the most significant needs.
What’s Changing?
- To qualify for the daily living component, you must score:
- 8–11 points: standard rate
- 12+ points: enhanced rate
- New rule: You must score at least 4 points in one specific activity.
- This change could exclude individuals who previously qualified by accumulating lower scores across multiple areas.
🔍 What This Means for You
These reforms are designed to streamline and sharpen PIP eligibility, but there are concerns that many current claimants may lose some or all of their entitlement, especially those with fluctuating conditions or lower point totals spread across activities.
Charities and disability advocates warn this could disproportionately affect people who rely on PIP’s daily living component to manage the cost of care and support needs.
🧭 What Should You Do Next?
- Stay informed: The final version of the new rules will likely be confirmed closer to 2026.
- Review your current PIP award and how your condition aligns with each assessed activity.
- If your health condition or disability is likely to change or worsen, ensure your PIP award reflects this.
✅ FAQs
Q: What’s the maximum I can receive from PIP and UC?
A: Up to £1,149.94 per month if you receive the enhanced rate of both PIP components and the standard UC allowance.
Q: When do the new PIP rules come into effect?
A: The proposed changes are due to begin in November 2026.
Q: How will the new points system work?
A: You must score at least 8 points for the standard rate and 12 points for the enhanced rate of the daily living component. You must also get at least 4 points in one activity.
Q: Will these changes reduce what I currently receive?
A: Potentially yes. If you don’t meet the new stricter point requirements, your payment may be reduced or stopped.
Q: Can I still receive PIP while working?
A: Yes. PIP is not means-tested and is available to working individuals if they meet the health condition criteria.