Millions of people across the UK who rely on disability and care benefits will see their payments rise from April after a payment increase was officially approved. The uplift applies to Personal Independence Payment (PIP), Disability Living Allowance (DLA), and Attendance Allowance, offering extra financial support at a time when living costs remain a major concern.
The increase has been confirmed by the Department for Work and Pensions, following its annual review of benefit rates. While the rise will not solve every financial pressure claimants face, it will provide a modest but important boost to people managing long‑term health conditions or disabilities.
This article explains what is changing, who will benefit, how much payments are expected to rise, and what claimants need to know before April.
Why DWP payments are rising
Each year, the DWP reviews benefit rates to ensure support keeps pace, at least in part, with rising living costs. The April increase reflects inflation data and is designed to prevent the real‑world value of benefits from falling further behind everyday expenses.
With higher food prices, energy bills, and transport costs still affecting households, the government says the increase is intended to protect the most vulnerable from further financial strain.
Which benefits are included
The approved increase applies to three key non‑means‑tested benefits:
- Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
- Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
- Attendance Allowance
These benefits are designed to help people with extra costs caused by disability or long‑term health conditions, rather than replacing income.
When the increase starts
The new payment rates will take effect from April. Most claimants will see the higher amount included in their regular payment cycle automatically from that month onward.
There is no need to apply for the increase separately, as it will be applied automatically to existing awards.
Personal Independence Payment explained
PIP supports people aged 16 to State Pension age who have long‑term health conditions or disabilities that affect daily living or mobility.
It is made up of two components:
- Daily Living
- Mobility
Each component has a standard rate and an enhanced rate, depending on how a condition affects the claimant.
How PIP payments will increase
Both the standard and enhanced rates of PIP are set to rise. This means claimants receiving:
- Daily Living support
- Mobility support
- Or both
will see an increase in their weekly and monthly payments.
The exact amount depends on the rate currently awarded, but all eligible PIP recipients will benefit from the uplift.
Disability Living Allowance changes
Although DLA is largely closed to new adult claims, it is still paid to some adults and many children.
DLA includes:
- Care component
- Mobility component
Both components will increase from April, ensuring existing recipients are not left behind as costs rise.
Attendance Allowance explained
Attendance Allowance supports people over State Pension age who need help due to illness or disability.
It is paid at:
- A lower rate
- A higher rate
depending on the level of care required. Both rates will rise under the approved increase.
Why Attendance Allowance matters
Attendance Allowance is often overlooked, yet it plays a crucial role in helping older people maintain independence.
It can help cover:
- Personal care
- Support at home
- Supervision needs
The increase provides additional help for older people managing health challenges on fixed incomes.
How much will payments rise
The increase is linked to inflation and represents a percentage uplift rather than a flat amount.
While individual increases may seem modest week to week, over a full year the extra money can make a meaningful difference, especially for those on tight budgets.
Exact figures are confirmed annually, but all eligible claimants will see their payments rise.
Do claimants need to take action
No action is required from existing claimants.
If you already receive PIP, DLA, or Attendance Allowance:
- Your award remains the same
- Your eligibility does not change
- The increase is applied automatically
Payments should update without the need for forms or reassessments.
Will the increase affect other benefits
No. The increase does not negatively affect other benefits.
Because these benefits are non‑means‑tested:
- They do not reduce other support
- They are not counted as income for means‑tested benefits
- They do not affect tax
Claimants can receive the full increase without concern.
Impact on carers
Higher disability benefits can indirectly help carers, as the extra money may contribute toward care‑related costs.
In some cases, increased payments can also help maintain eligibility for other support linked to disability benefits.
Why the rise may feel small
Many campaigners argue that benefit increases do not fully reflect real‑world living costs.
While the April rise helps, many claimants still feel pressure from:
- Energy bills
- Food costs
- Transport expenses
- Disability‑related costs
The increase is seen as a partial measure rather than a complete solution.
What is not changing
Despite online rumours, several things are not changing:
- Eligibility rules remain the same
- Existing awards are not being reviewed
- There are no new assessments linked to the increase
The change is purely a rate adjustment.
Why April is the key month
Most benefit rate changes in the UK take effect in April. This aligns with the new financial year and allows payment systems to update consistently.
Claimants may see the increase in:
- Late April payments
- Early May payments
depending on their normal payment schedule.
How to check your new payment amount
Once the increase is applied, claimants can:
- Check bank statements
- Review online benefit accounts
- Look for updated payment notifications
If payments do not change by May, claimants should contact the DWP for clarification.
What new claimants should know
People applying for PIP, DLA, or Attendance Allowance before April will still receive the increased rate once their claim is active.
There is no disadvantage to applying before the increase takes effect.
Why awareness matters
Some claimants worry that increases trigger reassessments or reviews. This is not the case.
Understanding that the rise is automatic helps reduce unnecessary stress and confusion.
How this fits into wider support
The increase is part of a broader package of support aimed at protecting vulnerable people.
It works alongside:
- Cost‑of‑living assistance
- Council tax reductions
- Energy support schemes
No single benefit is intended to cover all extra costs alone.
What campaigners are saying
Disability and older‑people’s organisations broadly welcome the increase but continue to push for:
- Larger uplifts
- Better recognition of disability costs
- Simpler assessment processes
The debate around adequacy of support remains ongoing.
What families should know
Families supporting disabled or elderly relatives should:
- Be aware of the April increase
- Help check updated payments
- Reassure loved ones no action is required
Small changes can cause worry if not explained clearly.
Avoiding misinformation
Scammers sometimes target benefit changes.
Claimants should ignore:
- Messages asking for bank details
- Claims that applications are needed
- Requests for fees
The DWP does not charge for applying or updating payments.
Key points to remember
- PIP, DLA and Attendance Allowance will rise from April
- The increase is automatic
- No reassessment is triggered
- Payments remain tax‑free
- The rise helps with rising living costs
Final thoughts
The approved DWP payment rise for PIP, DLA, and Attendance Allowance from April provides welcome relief for millions of people living with disability or long‑term health conditions. While the increase may not fully offset rising costs, it represents an important commitment to maintaining support for those who need it most.
For claimants, the key reassurance is simple: nothing needs to be done. Payments will increase automatically, offering a small but meaningful boost at a time when every extra pound counts.