The British government is poised to deliver a significant financial boost to millions of disabled people across the country, as the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has confirmed that Personal Independence Payment (PIP) awards will rise in line with inflation starting in April 2026. This move comes at a time when the cost of living remains stubbornly high, and many families are struggling to make ends meet. For those relying on disability benefits, the news offers a rare glimmer of hope amid ongoing economic uncertainty.
According to the DWP, individuals receiving the maximum rate of PIP support could see their payments climb to as much as £778.20 every four weeks—a jump of around £28.40. The increase is pegged to July 2025’s Consumer Prices Index (CPI) inflation figure of 3.8%, though the final uplift will be determined once August and September inflation data are factored in. This annual uprating mechanism is designed to ensure that disability benefits keep pace with the ever-rising cost of goods and services, a point the DWP emphasized in comments reported by Lancs Live.
“This increase is part of the government’s annual uprating process, which aims to ensure that disability benefits, including PIP, reflect the rising cost of living,” a DWP spokesperson explained. The department also stressed that the uplift will help guarantee “the most vulnerable are not left behind,” echoing the government’s stated commitment to social support during turbulent times.
For many, the numbers are more than just statistics. Over 3.7 million people across Great Britain currently depend on PIP to help cover additional expenses linked to disability or chronic health conditions. In Scotland, a similar scheme—the Adult Disability Payment (ADP)—assists an additional 476,200 individuals. The payments are split into two elements: Daily Living and Mobility. The amount a claimant receives is determined by how significantly their condition affects their ability to manage everyday activities, from preparing food to getting around or maintaining personal care.
Eligibility for PIP is based not on a specific diagnosis, but on the impact a condition has on daily life. Applicants must demonstrate that their difficulties will persist for at least nine months, a stipulation that ensures support goes to those with long-term needs. Notably, claimants do not require an official medical diagnosis to begin receiving PIP; they simply need to show that they experience restricted mobility or face challenges with daily tasks due to their health condition.
The breadth of conditions covered by PIP is striking. According to data analyzed by the Taxpayers’ Alliance and published by the DWP, more than 23,000 claimants report skin conditions as their primary disability, spread across seven main categories. These range from rare genetic disorders to more common ailments, underscoring the scheme’s wide reach.
Take bullous diseases, for example. These conditions, which result in blisters of varying severity, currently account for 531 PIP claimants. Epidermolysis bullosa, the most commonly claimed disorder in this category, is a rare genetic condition that leaves the skin so fragile that even minor trauma can cause severe and painful blisters. For these individuals, the financial support provided by PIP is not just helpful—it’s essential.
Burns represent another category, with 661 people claiming PIP due to burns being their primary condition. The aftermath of severe burns can limit a person’s range of movement, as the skin tightens and scars, making even basic tasks challenging. The psychological toll can also be significant, further highlighting the importance of tailored support.
Diseases of the blood vessels or lymphatics—such as leg ulcers, lymphoedema, pressure sores, and chronic venous insufficiency—constitute the largest group, with over 8,200 claimants. These conditions can be both debilitating and persistent, requiring ongoing care and resources. Meanwhile, diseases of collagen and elastic tissue are the second most common skin-related reason for PIP claims, with 6,389 people affected. Of these, a staggering 6,247 have Ehlers Danlos syndrome (EDS), a group of disorders affecting connective tissue. EDS can cause symptoms ranging from joint hypermobility to fragile, stretchy skin, and in some forms, it can even threaten internal organs and blood vessels.
Infections and parasites also appear on the list, with 802 claimants reporting cellulitis—a bacterial infection that can become serious if left untreated. Papulosquamous and inflammatory rashes, including eczema, psoriasis, rosacea, urticaria (hives), and acne vulgaris, account for 4,595 claimants. Nearly 2,000 people fall under the “skin disease—other/type unknown” category, a reminder that the PIP system is designed to be inclusive of a wide variety of disabling conditions, even when a formal diagnosis is not yet available.
At present, PIP can offer up to £749.80 per month for those with the most severe limitations, but this figure will soon rise if the government’s plans proceed as scheduled. The precise amount each claimant receives depends on the extent to which their condition affects their daily life, not simply the diagnosis itself.
Recent figures from the Office for National Statistics reveal that while inflation has eased from its previous highs, the cost of everyday essentials remains elevated—particularly for those who rely on specialist care, mobility aids, or support services. Disabled people, in particular, have felt the pinch of rising prices, making the planned PIP increase all the more urgent.
The DWP has stated that aligning payments with inflation is crucial to “support those most in need,” providing vital security as economic pressures persist. The government’s approach, while welcomed by many advocacy groups, will be closely watched as the final inflation figures are released later this year. The hope is that the uplift will offer tangible relief to those who need it most, even as broader economic challenges continue to unfold.
For millions of Britons, the upcoming changes to PIP represent more than just a policy tweak—they’re a lifeline. As families brace for another year of financial uncertainty, the reassurance that disability benefits will keep pace with the cost of living is, for many, a vital promise kept.
