Personal Independence Payment (PIP) 2026/27
By Omair SaoLast reviewed — rates for the 2026/27 tax year. See how we check our figures.
Personal Independence Payment (PIP) helps with some of the extra costs caused by long-term ill health or a disability if you are aged 16 to State Pension age. It is not means-tested and is not affected by your income, savings, or whether you are working. PIP has two components: a daily living component and a mobility component. You can receive either or both, at either a standard or enhanced rate.
The daily living component is for people who need help with everyday tasks such as preparing food, washing, dressing, communicating, managing medication, or making decisions about money. The mobility component is for people who have difficulty getting around, whether due to a physical condition, a mental health condition, a cognitive impairment, or a sensory impairment.
To qualify for PIP, your condition must have affected you for at least 3 months and be expected to continue for at least 9 months. You will need to complete a PIP2 questionnaire describing how your condition affects you day to day, and you may be invited to attend a face-to-face assessment with a health professional. The assessment is based on a points system — you need 8 points for the standard rate and 12 points for the enhanced rate of each component.
Personal Independence Payment (PIP) Rates 2026/27
Eligibility
- Aged 16 to State Pension age
- Have a long-term physical or mental health condition or disability
- Have difficulty with daily living activities and/or getting around
- Your condition has affected you for at least 3 months and is expected to continue for at least 9 months
- Live in England or Wales (in Scotland you claim Adult Disability Payment from Social Security Scotland instead, and in Northern Ireland PIP is run by the Department for Communities)
How to Claim
Call the PIP new claims line on 0800 917 2222 to start your claim. You will then be sent a form called 'How your disability affects you' (PIP2) to complete and return within 28 days. You may then need to attend an assessment.
What Personal Independence Payment (PIP) Adds Up To Over a Year
Rates are published weekly, which makes it easy to underestimate what a claim is worth. The figures below multiply each 2026/27 rate out to a full year, for each component you qualify for.
If Your Claim Is Refused
A refusal, or an award lower than you expected, is not the end of the process. Ask the DWP for a mandatory reconsideration within one month of the date on the decision letter, explaining which part you disagree with and adding any evidence the decision maker did not have. If the reconsideration goes against you, you can appeal to an independent tribunal within one month of the reconsideration notice. The Ministry of Justice's tribunal statistics show that a large share of benefit appeals that reach a hearing are decided in the claimant's favour, so it is worth pursuing, and free help is available from Citizens Advice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I claim PIP if I am working?
Yes. PIP is not means-tested and is not affected by your income or employment status. You can work full-time and still receive PIP if you meet the eligibility criteria based on how your condition affects your daily life.
How long does a PIP claim take?
The DWP publishes the average time from starting a PIP claim to a decision in its quarterly PIP statistics on GOV.UK. In recent releases it has been several months, and it varies by region and by whether a face-to-face assessment is needed. If your claim is successful, your payments are backdated to the date you called to start your claim.
Is PIP taxable?
No. PIP is a tax-free benefit and does not need to be declared on your Self Assessment tax return. It also does not count as income when calculating your entitlement to other means-tested benefits such as Universal Credit.
Official Sources
The rates and rules on this page come from the following official publications and were checked on 25 September 2026. Read how we check our figures.
Related Tools
Related Benefits
Universal Credit
A monthly payment to help with living costs if you are on a low income or out of work.
Carer's Allowance
A weekly payment if you care for someone at least 35 hours a week.
Attendance Allowance
A tax-free benefit for people over State Pension age who need help with personal care.
Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
Financial support if you cannot work because of illness or disability.