Millions of people across the UK will see their disability-related benefits rise from April 2026, following the Department for Work and Pensions’ (DWP) latest announcement. Payments for Personal Independence Payment (PIP), Disability Living Allowance (DLA), Attendance Allowance, and Carer’s Allowance will go up by 3.8%, giving some much-needed relief amid ongoing cost-of-living pressures.
Here’s a full breakdown of how much more you could receive — and what those increases mean for your weekly and monthly income.
Overview
As confirmed by the DWP, the 3.8% increase will apply from April 2026, and annual letters confirming new payment amounts will be sent out in advance. These letters are important and should be kept safe — they’re often required as proof when applying for additional support or benefits.
In Scotland, updated figures for devolved benefits like the Adult Disability Payment and Carer Support Payment will be released following the Scottish Budget on 13 January 2026.
Let’s take a closer look at what these increases look like across each major benefit.
PIP
Personal Independence Payment (PIP) helps people with daily living or mobility needs. You can receive either or both components at either standard or enhanced rate.
Here are the updated weekly PIP payment rates for 2026/27:
| PIP Component | New Rate (2026) | Previous Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Enhanced Daily Living | £114.60 | £110.40 |
| Standard Daily Living | £76.70 | £73.90 |
| Enhanced Mobility | £80.00 | £77.05 |
| Standard Mobility | £30.30 | £29.20 |
Depending on your award, payments can range from just over £120 to more than £770 every four weeks.
PIP Payment Combinations (2026/27)
There are eight possible award combinations, and here’s what you can expect to receive:
| Award Type | Weekly Amount | 4-Week Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Daily Living only | £76.70 | £306.80 |
| Enhanced Daily Living only | £114.60 | £458.40 |
| Standard Mobility only | £30.30 | £121.20 |
| Enhanced Mobility only | £80.00 | £320.00 |
| Standard Daily Living + Standard Mobility | £107.00 | £428.00 |
| Enhanced Daily Living + Enhanced Mobility | £194.60 | £778.40 |
| Standard Daily Living + Enhanced Mobility | £156.70 | £626.80 |
| Enhanced Daily Living + Standard Mobility | £144.90 | £579.60 |
DLA
Disability Living Allowance is being gradually replaced by PIP for adults, but many children still receive it. It’s split into care and mobility components.
Care Component (Weekly)
| Level | New Rate (2026) | Previous Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Highest | £114.60 | £110.40 |
| Middle | £76.70 | £73.90 |
| Lowest | £30.30 | £29.20 |
Mobility Component (Weekly)
| Level | New Rate (2026) | Previous Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Higher | £80.00 | £77.05 |
| Lower | £30.30 | £29.20 |
Attendance Allowance
Attendance Allowance helps those over State Pension age with long-term care needs.
| Rate Type | New Rate (2026) | Previous Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Higher | £114.60 | £110.40 |
| Lower | £76.70 | £73.90 |
Carer’s Allowance
Carer’s Allowance supports those who care for someone at least 35 hours a week.
| Category | New Rate (2026) | Previous Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Weekly Payment | £86.45 | £83.30 |
| Weekly Earnings Limit | £204.00 | £196.00 |
The earnings limit is important — if you earn more than this, you may not qualify. It’s reviewed yearly.
Letters and Evidence
All claimants will receive annual uprating letters before April 2026, confirming their new payment amounts. Keep this safe — you’ll often need it when applying for council tax reductions, housing benefit, or other types of assistance.
These benefit payments are tax-free and not subject to the benefit cap, which means your full entitlement will be paid without being reduced by other claims or earnings.
While a 3.8% rise may not feel like a massive increase, it helps offset ongoing inflation and rising living costs. For millions of people relying on disability benefits, even small increases can ease the pressure — especially when spread across both components of PIP or combined with other support like Carer’s Allowance or DLA.
Keep an eye out for your annual DWP letter in the post before April 2026 and check the official GOV.UK website for any further updates or policy changes.
FAQs
When do PIP and DLA rates increase?
From April 2026, with updated letters sent before that.
How much is the new PIP weekly rate?
Up to £194.60 per week if both components are enhanced.
Are disability benefits taxed?
No, they are completely tax-free.
Do new rates affect the benefit cap?
No, disability benefits aren’t included in the benefit cap.
What if I live in Scotland?
You’ll get updated rates after the Scottish Budget on 13 January.
