DWP PIP payments will rise from April and these are the new rates

Personal Independence Payment (PIP) benefits are due to rise by 1.7% in April next year. PIP is a benefit awarded to individuals who need help with daily living due to an illness, disability or mental health condition.

It comprises two parts - a daily living rate and a mobility rate - and eligibility for either or both hinges on how your condition affects your everyday life. If you're currently receiving PIP, your payments will increase from April, in line with the previous September rate of inflation.

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is legally required to raise PIP, one of nine benefits, annually. Other payments, including Universal Credit, necessitate Parliamentary approval.

At present, PIP is paid every four weeks and the maximum amount that can be claimed is £737.20. This applies to someone claiming the higher rate for both the daily living and mobility components, according to the Mirror.

These rates will jump up from next April, meaning the maximum possible payment will reach £749.80. Here's how the PIP rates will rise: Daily living - Lower rate: £72.65 a week to £73.90 a week; Higher rate: £108.55 a week to £110.40 a week.

Mobility - Lower rate: £28.70 a week to £30.20 a week; Higher rate: £75.75 a week to £77.05 a week. Who qualifies for PIP?

To submit a new claim for PIP, you must be aged 16 or above and below the state pension age. If you're already receiving PIP and reach the state pension age, your claim will typically continue.

You may also be able to make a new claim at state pension age if you were eligible for PIP in the past 12 months. Most individuals usually require an assessment to determine their eligibility for PIP, during which you'll need to explain how your condition impacts your daily life.

If the DWP decides you're eligible for PIP, it's generally awarded for a specific period - typically between one to ten years - before your claim needs to be reviewed. Your PIP award might change if your health improves or if your condition deteriorates.

It's the responsibility of claimants to inform the DWP if their health status changes. Those with a terminal illness likely won't require a PIP assessment and can receive PIP payments weekly, instead of every four weeks.