If a long-term illness or disability makes day-to-day tasks harder, you may be entitled to a cash lifeline from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). Personal Independence Payment (PIP) is designed to cover some of the extra costs that come with ill-health or disability, and the enhanced daily-living rate is currently worth £110.40 a week—well above the headline figure of £92 many people still quote. Even the standard daily-living rate, at £73.90 a week, can ease pressure on tight household budgets, yet thousands of eligible claimants never apply. gov.uk
What Is PIP?
This Article Includes
PIP is a non-means-tested benefit for anyone aged 16 to State Pension age who has:
- a long-term physical or mental health condition or disability, and
- difficulty with everyday activities or getting around that is expected to last at least 12 months.
The support is made up of two parts:
| Part | Standard weekly rate | Enhanced weekly rate |
|---|---|---|
| Daily Living | £73.90 | £110.40 |
| Mobility | £29.20 | £77.05 |
You can receive one or both parts, depending on how your condition affects you. PIP is paid every four weeks and is tax-free, regardless of your income or savings. gov.uk
Why £92 Still Matters
Before April 2024, the enhanced daily-living rate was £92.40 a week. Media reports and many online guides still reference that figure—so if you see “£92 a week,” understand it refers to the former rate. Today’s higher amount means successful claimants now get over £5,700 a year at the top rate. reddit.com
Who Can Qualify?
Eligibility is based on how your condition limits everyday life, not on a specific diagnosis. However, recent DWP data shows large numbers of awards for:
- Respiratory conditions like asthma or cystic fibrosis
- Mental-health issues including anxiety or depression
- Musculoskeletal problems such as arthritis or chronic back pain
- Neurological conditions like epilepsy or multiple sclerosis.
For example, people with asthma who struggle with routine tasks may qualify for up to the enhanced rate. nationalworld.com
When the DWP assesses your claim, it looks at whether you can complete 12 daily-living and mobility tasks safely, repeatedly, and in a reasonable time, or whether you need help from someone else or special equipment.
Fast Way to Check Your Eligibility
To see if it’s worth applying, use a free online benefits calculator such as the one offered by Age UK. It takes about ten minutes to input basic details—age, income, savings and health issues—and gives an instant estimate of what you could claim. ageuk.org.uk
How to Apply in Five Steps
- Ring DWP or start online
- Call 0800 917 2222 (textphone 0800 917 7777) or begin a claim on GOV.UK.
- Receive and return the “How Your Disability Affects You” form
- You usually have one month to send it back; ask for an extension if needed.
- Gather medical evidence
- GP letters, hospital discharge notes, prescription lists and statements from carers strengthen your case.
- Attend an assessment
- Most people have a phone or face-to-face consultation with a health professional who scores how your condition affects you.
- Wait for the decision letter
- Typical processing time is 10–14 weeks. If approved, payments are back-dated to the claim-start date.
If you disagree with the outcome, you can request a mandatory reconsideration and, if necessary, appeal to an independent tribunal.
Tips to Boost Your Success Rate
- Describe your worst days, not your best, when filling in the form.
- Explain why a task is hard: pain, breathlessness, fatigue, confusion, risk of falls.
- Note how often you have difficulties—frequency matters.
- Mention help you need, even if you don’t currently receive it.
- Keep copies of everything you send.
Extra Perks Once You’re on PIP
Receiving either part of PIP can open the door to more help:
- Blue Badge or vehicle tax discounts if you get the mobility component.
- Motability Scheme vehicle lease at the higher mobility rate.
- Council Tax reductions, Disabled Persons Railcard, and potential top-ups to means-tested benefits. gov.uk
Why Apply Now?
The Government is reviewing disability benefits to curb costs, and future changes—such as stricter assessments—could make new claims tougher. Starting your application today locks you into current rules and payment levels. thescottishsun.co.uk
Bottom Line
If illness or disability affects your daily life, skipping a PIP claim could mean walking away from at least £92 every week—and possibly much more. A quick online check or a single phone call is all it takes to see if this untapped support can boost your budget. Take ten minutes, gather your evidence, and let the DWP decide. The extra cash could cover higher energy bills, pay for mobility aids, or simply give you breathing room each month.