The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has confirmed a 1.7% increase in disability benefits from April 2025.
This applies to Personal Independence Payment (PIP), Attendance Allowance, Carer’s Allowance, and other related benefits. However, due to payments being made in arrears, many claimants may not see the increase until May 2025.
While this increase offers some financial relief, disability rights advocates argue that it does not keep pace with the rising cost of living. People with disabilities often face higher expenses for medical care, mobility aids, and personal support, making financial assistance crucial.
There are also concerns that eligibility rules may become stricter, making it harder for new claimants to qualify for benefits. Disability charities continue to push for fairer assessments and a better support system.
New Disability Benefit Rates for 2025
The updated DWP benefit rates for 2025/26 are:
Personal Independence Payment (PIP) (Weekly Rates)
Component | 2024/25 Rate | 2025/26 Rate |
---|---|---|
Daily living (enhanced) | £108.55 | £110.40 |
Daily living (standard) | £72.65 | £73.90 |
Mobility (enhanced) | £75.75 | £77.05 |
Mobility (standard) | £28.70 | £29.20 |
Attendance Allowance (Weekly Rates)
Rate | 2024/25 Rate | 2025/26 Rate |
---|---|---|
Higher rate | £108.55 | £110.40 |
Lower rate | £72.65 | £73.90 |
Carer’s Allowance (Weekly Rate)
Allowance | 2024/25 Rate | 2025/26 Rate |
---|---|---|
Standard rate | £81.90 | £83.30 |
Weekly earnings threshold | £151.00 | £196.00 |
The increase in the earnings threshold for Carer’s Allowance is one of the more significant changes. It means that carers can now earn up to £196 per week before losing their eligibility for the benefit.
Are Disability Benefits Enough?
Although the 1.7% increase provides some relief, many disability rights groups believe it is insufficient to address rising costs. People with disabilities often have extra financial burdens, including:
- Medical treatments and equipment
- Specialist transport and mobility aids
- Personal care assistance
- Higher household energy costs due to additional heating needs or medical devices
Campaigners argue that benefits should increase in line with inflation to ensure claimants can afford essential expenses.
Will Eligibility Rules Change?
There is growing concern that the DWP may make eligibility criteria stricter for disability benefits. Recent years have seen changes to assessment procedures, which some claimants say make it harder to qualify for support.
Advocacy groups are calling on the government to:
- Make assessments fairer and more transparent
- Reduce delays in processing claims
- Ensure long-term disabled individuals do not have to reapply frequently
Many fear that future changes could lead to fewer people qualifying for essential support.
How Much Savings Can a Pensioner Have in the UK?
If you receive Pension Credit, Income Support, or Universal Credit, your savings can affect your benefits:
- Less than £6,000 – No reduction in payments
- Between £6,000 and £16,000 – Payments are reduced
- Over £16,000 – You are generally ineligible for most income-related benefits
For State Pension recipients, there is no savings limit because it is a contribution-based benefit rather than a means-tested one.
The 2025 disability benefit increase will provide slight financial relief, but many claim it does not go far enough.
With rising costs, many disabled individuals and carers continue to struggle. There are also growing concerns that changes to eligibility rules could make it harder for new claimants to qualify.
If you rely on PIP, Attendance Allowance, or Carer’s Allowance, it’s important to stay updated on any further changes. Charities and advocacy groups continue to push for fairer policies that support those most in need.