If managing money has become challenging because of a health condition or disability, there’s good news. You could receive up to £749 every month through the UK’s Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) under the Personal Independence Payment (PIP) scheme. This benefit is specifically designed to support individuals with long-term physical or mental health conditions to help cover the extra costs they face daily. Understanding how this payment works, who can qualify, and how to apply can make a significant difference.
Whether you’re new to disability benefits or a professional advising others, this comprehensive guide will break down everything about PIP, making it easy to understand and actionable.
You Could Get £749 Every Month From DWP
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Maximum Monthly Payment | £749 (enhanced daily living and mobility rates combined) |
| Eligibility Age | 16 years and above; must be under State Pension age for new claims |
| Required Condition | Long-term physical or mental health condition or disability |
| Minimum Duration | Difficulties must have lasted for 3 months and expected to continue for at least 9 more months |
| Payment Components | Daily Living and Mobility components |
| Application Process | Medical evidence, assessment by DWP-appointed healthcare professionals |
| Additional Benefits | Enables access to Motability Scheme, Blue Badge, Council Tax Discounts |
| Official Website | gov.uk/pip |
If money is tight due to a long-term health condition or disability, the Personal Independence Payment from the DWP is a vital support system in the UK, offering up to £749 a month for those with the most significant needs. Understanding the application process, eligibility criteria, and potential for additional benefits can empower applicants and advisors alike. The system, while complex, is designed to provide financial assistance where it’s most needed.
By following the guidance here and using official resources, individuals can navigate the PIP process confidently and get the support they deserve.
What Is Personal Independence Payment (PIP)?
PIP is a benefit for people aged 16 to State Pension age who have disabilities or health conditions that affect their daily lives or mobility. It is non-means-tested, meaning income or savings do not affect eligibility. PIP helps cover the extra costs caused by physical or mental difficulties, such as paying for care, transportation, or assistance at home.
There are two components:
- Daily Living Component – for help with everyday tasks like eating, washing, dressing, and managing medication.
- Mobility Component – for help with getting around, such as walking or planning and following journeys.
Each component can be paid at either a standard or enhanced rate, depending on the severity of the impact. To get the maximum payment of approximately £749 a month, one must qualify for both the enhanced daily living and enhanced mobility components.
Who Can Get PIP?
To be eligible, you must meet several key criteria:
- Be aged 16 or over (and under State Pension age if applying for the first time).
- Have a long-term physical or mental health condition or disability.
- Have difficulties doing everyday tasks or getting around.
- Have had these difficulties for at least 3 months and expect them to last for at least another 9 months.
- Meet residency requirements, usually living in Great Britain for at least 2 out of the last 3 years.
PIP is available whether you are working or not, and it doesn’t reduce if you have savings or a partner with an income. There are special provisions if you have a terminal illness, allowing for a faster and higher-rate claim.
How Does the PIP Assessment Work?
The DWP uses a points-based system to assess how the condition affects daily life and mobility. Points are awarded based on the applicant’s ability to carry out specific activities.
Daily Living Activities Assessed Include:
- Preparing or eating food.
- Washing, bathing, and using the toilet.
- Dressing and undressing.
- Reading and communicating.
- Managing medicines or treatments.
- Making decisions about money.
- Engaging with other people.
Mobility Activities Assessed Include:
- Planning and following journeys.
- Moving around.
Scoring enough points in these categories determines the level of support, either standard or enhanced. Enhanced rates reflect a greater need for help, which can total up to the £749 mentioned for combined components.
What Are the Payment Rates?
Here are the current weekly PIP rates for 2025/26:
| Component | Standard Rate per Week | Enhanced Rate per Week |
|---|---|---|
| Daily Living | £73.90 | £110.40 |
| Mobility | £29.20 | £77.05 |
Combining the enhanced rates for daily living and mobility gives approximately £749 per month (or £187.45 per week).
How to Apply for PIP: Step-by-Step Guide
- Check Eligibility: Use the criteria above to determine if you’re eligible.
- Start Your Claim: Call the DWP or apply online via the official gov.uk/pip website.
- Provide Evidence: Gather medical reports, care assessments, or details from health professionals about your condition.
- Complete the PIP Questionnaire: The DWP will send a form called “How your disability affects you” where you describe the difficulties you face daily.
- Assessment Appointment: You might be asked to attend a face-to-face or virtual assessment with an independent healthcare professional who evaluates your abilities.
- DWP Decision: Based on your questionnaire and assessment, the DWP decides your eligibility and payment rate.
- Appeal if Necessary: If denied or you disagree with the rate, you can request a mandatory reconsideration and, if needed, appeal to a tribunal.
Important Changes and Considerations for 2025 and Beyond
There are ongoing discussions and planned legislative changes affecting PIP eligibility. From November 2026, new claimants will need to meet stricter criteria requiring a minimum of 4 points for at least one daily living activity to qualify for the daily living component. This may reduce the number of new claimants eligible, but existing recipients will not be affected by these changes immediately.
Examples: Who Could Qualify for £749 per Month?
- A person with multiple sclerosis who needs help dressing, eating, managing medications, and uses a wheelchair for mobility.
- Someone with severe arthritis who struggles with daily tasks and cannot walk far without assistance.
- An individual with mental health conditions like PTSD or bipolar disorder that significantly affects communication, social interaction, and leaving the house.
- People with conditions like COPD or Parkinson’s who require help planning journeys and managing everyday self-care.
Additional Benefits Linked to PIP
Getting PIP can open doors to other supports, such as:
- Eligibility for the Motability Scheme allows you to lease a car, scooter, or powered wheelchair using your mobility component.
- Access to a Blue Badge for parking concessions.
- Potential council tax reductions and other local government support.
- Easier qualification for other disability benefits or funding for aids and adaptations at home.
DWP Calculator Unlocks Payments for Nearly One Million People – Could You Be Owed Money Too?
FAQs About You Could Get £749 Every Month From DWP
Can I get PIP if I am working?
Yes, PIP is not means-tested. You can receive PIP whether you work or not.
What if I have savings or a partner’s income?
Your savings or your partner’s income do not affect your eligibility for PIP.
Can I apply for PIP if I am over State Pension age?
No, if you are over State Pension age and applying for the first time, you should apply for Attendance Allowance instead. If you had PIP before reaching State Pension age, you might continue receiving it.
How often is PIP reviewed?
PIP awards can be short-term or long-term. The DWP may schedule review assessments to check if your condition has changed.
What happens if I disagree with a PIP decision?
You can ask for a mandatory reconsideration and, if still refused, appeal to an independent tribunal.
