The DWP has confirmed new payment rates for State Pension and benefits from April 6, with 13 million pensioners receiving a 4.8% increase

The Department for Work and Pensions ( DWP ) has confirmed the new weekly payment rates for individuals receiving the State Pension or benefits. Nearly 13 million elderly people on the State Pension will see payments increase by 4.8 per cent from April 6, whilst those on working age or disability benefits can anticipate a rise of 3.8 per cent.

The payment rates previously published on GOV.UK were in a ‘proposed’ state, implying they could have been altered before the commencement of the new financial year, however all rates have now been confirmed. The new Universal Credit Act 2025 will result in the Standard Allowance increasing by approximately £295 annually for a single person aged 25 or over and around £465 for couples, where one is aged 25 or over.

DWP figures released on Tuesday reveal that there are now 8.34 million people claiming Universal Credit. An estimated 23 million people across Great Britain are receiving at least one benefit – it’s crucial to note that the State Pension is categorised as a ‘contributory benefit’.

Additional State Pension payment components will rise by 3.8 per cent whilst the Standard Minimum Guarantee in Pension Credit will increase by 4.8 per cent – in line with the increase in average earnings. From April, it will be £238.00 a week for a single pensioner and £363.25 a week for a couple.

In England and Wales, Personal Independence Payment ( PIP ) and other benefits to assist with additional needs arising from disability, as well as the rate of Carer’s Allowance, will also see a 3.8 per cent increase, reports the Daily Record.

It’s crucial to note that in Scotland, these are devolved matters and the annual uprating for all 17 benefits can be found here.

Those receiving devolved benefits such as Adult, Child or Pension Age Disability Payment, Carer Support Payment or Scottish Adult Disability Living Allowance, will also experience a rise in payments by 3.8 per cent.

All social security, including State Pensions, is a transferred matter in Northern Ireland.

Annual uprating letters are dispatched to all claimants before the new payment rates commence in April, informing people about the changes – it’s important to keep this somewhere safe as it can often be used as proof of benefit entitlement when applying for other forms of financial support.

New DWP payment rates 2026/27

Weekly rates are displayed, unless otherwise stated and have been listed in alphabetical order to make it easier to find the payment relevant to your own situation.

A comprehensive breakdown of all benefits, including additional payments, the benefit cap and new deduction rates can be found on GOV.UK.

Attendance Allowance

• Higher rate: £114.60 (from £110.40)
• Lower rate: £76.70 (from £73.90)

Carer’s Allowance

• April 2026 weekly payment rate: £86.45 (from £83.30)
• Weekly earnings threshold: £204.00 (from £196.00)

Disability Living Allowance

Daily Care component

• Highest: £114.60 (from £110.40)
• Middle: £76.70 (from £73.90)
• Lowest: £30.30 (from £29.20)

Mobility component

• Higher: £77.05 (from £80.00)
• Lower: £30.30 (from £29.20)

Contributory and New Style Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)

• Single, under 25: £75.65 (from £72.90)
• Single, 25 or over: £95.55 (from £92.05)
• Lone parent, under 18: £95.55 (from £72.90)
• Lone parent, over 18: £92.05 (from £92.05)
• Couple, both under 18: £75.65 from (72.90)
• Couple, both under 18 with child: £111.35 (from £110.15)
• Couple, both under 18 (main phase): £95.55 (from £92.05)
• Couple, both under 18 with child (main phase): £150.15 (from £144.65)
• Couple, both over 18: £150.15 (from £144.65)

Complete information on amounts for mixed age households and premiums can be found on GOV.UK.

Income Support

Comprehensive details on additional premiums by age and household circumstances can be found on GOV.UK.

Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)

Contribution-based JSA

• Under 25: £75.65 (from £72.90)
• 25 or over: £95.55 (from £92.05)

Income-based JSA

• Under 25: £75.65 (from £72.90)
• 25 or over: £95.55 (from £92.05)

Lone parent

• Under 18: £75.65 (from £72.90)
• 18 or over: £95.55 (from £92.05)
• Couple, both under 18: £75.65 (from £72.90)
• Couple, both under 18 – higher rate: £114.35 (from £11.15)
• Couple, one under 18, one under 25: £75.65 (from £72.90)
• Couple, one under 18, one 25 and over: £95.55 (from £92.05)
• Couple, both 18 or over: £150.15 (from £144.65)

Complete information on amounts for mixed age households and premiums can be found on GOV.UK.

Maternity Allowance

• Standard rate: £194.32 (from £187.18)

Pension Credit

Standard minimum guarantee

• Single: £238.00 (from £227.10)
• Couple: £363.25 (from £346.60)

Additional amount for severe disability

• Single: £86.05 (from £82.90)
• Couple (one qualifies): £86.05 (from £82.90)
• Couple (both qualify): £172.10 (from £165.75)
• Additional amount for carers: £48.15 (from £46.40)

Personal Independence Payment (PIP)

Daily Living component

• Enhanced: £114.60 (from £110.40)
• Standard: £76.70 (from £73.90)

Mobility component

• Enhanced: £80.00 (from £77.05)
• Standard: £30.30 (from £29.20)

State Pension

New State Pension

• Full rate: £241.30 (from £230.25)

Old/Basic State Pension

Complete details on Additional State Pension, Widows Pension, increments and Invalidity Allowance can be found on GOV.UK.

Universal Credit (monthly rates)

Single People

• Under 25: £338.58 (from £316.98)
• 25 or over: £424.90 (from £400.14)

Couples

• Joint claimants both under 25: £528.34 (from £497.55)
• Joint claimants, one or both 25 or over: £666.97 (from £628.10)

A comprehensive list of additional elements related to Universal Credit can be found on GOV.UK.

The DWP has confirmed it will be sending letters to pensioners in April 2026 to inform them about tax code changes for Winter Fuel Payment repayments

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has announced it will be sending letters to pensioners who must repay their Winter Fuel Payment later this year.

The welfare department has confirmed that it will soon be contacting pensioners who are due to have their tax code altered in order to return the money. The government distributed payments of up to £300 to pensioner households during the winter months, but anyone with an income exceeding the £35,000 threshold will need to return the money to HMRC.

From November last year, Winter Fuel Payments were issued to those born before 22 September 1959, unless they had chosen not to receive the payment, to assist them with living costs. However, only pensioners with an income below £35,000 are eligible to retain it.

From April, HMRC will begin recouping the money from those who exceed the income threshold, reports the Manchester Evening News.

There are two methods by which the tax department will reclaim the cash, depending on how tax is typically paid. For pensioners who pay tax through PAYE, HMRC will collect payment for the 2025 to 2026 tax year by adjusting their tax code for the 2026 to 2027 tax year.

This will result in paying more tax each month to repay the full payment. For instance, for a typical payment of £200, you would pay approximately £17 per month extra in tax from April.

The government has now confirmed that these pensioners can expect a letter or email outlining the tax code change in April.

On the GOV.UK website, the DWP said in an update: “In April 2026, you’ll get a letter or an email notification to tell you that we’ve changed your tax code to take back your Winter Fuel Payment. This will show as an underpayment. Any tax code letter or notification before this will not include this change.”

The second way HMRC can collect take back the Winter Fuel Payment is through a self assessment tax return. For pensioners who do a self assessment tax return, the payment will need to be included.

For those who file online, the payment will be automatically included.

HMRC calculates income individually rather than as a household. That means that if your total personal income is above £35,000, you will have to return the money, however if you live in a household with someone who earns less than this amount they will still receive the payment.

For example, if you earn £36,000 and your partner earns £22,000, HMRC will take back your payment, but your partner will keep their payment.

The DWP has confirmed that it plans to complete migration of claimants on income related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) to Universal Credit by March

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) recently confirmed its intention to complete the transition of claimants on income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) to Universal Credit by March.

Minister for Social Security and Disability, Sir Stephen Timms, also stated that part of this migration process will involve ESA claimants moving to the Universal Credit Health Element.

Welfare reforms set to be implemented in April aim to address these ‘perverse incentives’ by introducing a lower Universal Credit Health Element rate of £217.26 per month for new claimants, compared to the higher rate of £429.80.

Those with the most severe, lifelong conditions, those nearing end of life, and all existing Universal Credit health claimants will continue to receive the higher rate. The change does not affect existing claimants, only new applicants.

Sir Stephen’s remarks were made in a written response to Labour MP Amanda Martin, who queried whether claimants with disabilities, receiving the Personal Independence Payment ( PIP ) and legacy work-related benefits, will be “treated as new claimants for the purposes of the proposed changes to the Health Element of Universal Credit when they are migrated”.

The Portsmouth North MP also questioned whether claimants on legacy benefits transitioning to the Universal Credit system would “see a reduction in their income as a result of these proposed changes”, reports the Daily Record.

The DWP Minister responded: “The Department plans to complete migration of ESA claimants to Universal Credit by March 2026. As part of this ESA claimants will be migrated to the Universal Credit Health Element. To protect any claimants who have not migrated by April 2026 we intend to mirror as closely as possible the changes made in Universal Credit in the ESA rates.

“Changes to the ‘support component’ and the two disability premia (severe and enhanced disability premium rates) will reflect changes to Universal Credit LCWRA ( Limited Capability for Work and Work-Related Activity) rates for existing claimants.”

He added: “Including these commensurate measures aims to give fair treatment for all customers moving onto Universal Credit from income related ESA, regardless of their point of migration.”

The DWP has previously stated that nearly four million households will receive an annual income increase estimated at £725 under new legislation designed to reform the welfare system.

Changes outlined in the Universal Credit Act will aim to rebalance the core payment and health top-up within Universal Credit. The Act will result in the Universal Credit standard allowance rising permanently above inflation, totalling £725 by 2029/30 in cash terms for a single person aged 25 or over. According to the Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS), this represents the largest permanent real terms increase to the main rate of out-of-work support since 1980.

The Universal Credit Act The DWP has announced a rebalancing of Universal Credit health and standard elements to address what it calls a ‘fundamental imbalance in the system which creates perverse incentives that drive people into dependency’. The Act recently received Royal Assent.

In addition to these changes, the DWP has introduced significant new measures, giving those receiving health and disability benefits the right to try work without fear of reassessment. This new ‘Right to Try Guarantee’ applies to individuals with a disability or health condition – such as those recovering from illness – who wish to return to work now their health has improved.

All current recipients of the Universal Credit Health Element and new customers with 12 months or less to live or who meet the Severe Conditions Criteria will also see their standard allowance combined with their Universal Credit health element rise at least in line with inflation every year from 2026/27 to 2029/30.

The DWP is stepping up accuracy checks for Universal Credit claims and can now directly recover debts from former claimants who refuse to repay

The DWP is ramping up scrutiny of Universal Credit claims to root out mistakes. This development follows the introduction of sweeping new powers designed to tackle fraud and incorrect payments within the welfare system.

Among the fresh measures are bank account inspections, which will compel financial institutions to provide information on accounts associated with benefits that may not qualify for support. Initially, these eligibility verifications will focus on Universal Credit recipients, alongside those receiving Employment and Support Allowance and Pension Credit.

The law allows for potential extension to additional benefits. Liberal Democrat MP Max Wilkinson raised a written parliamentary question regarding what action the DWP is pursuing “to prevent fraud relating to Universal Credit recipients claiming for properties they no longer occupy”.

DWP minister Sir Stephen Timms provided a reply, stating: “Since Autumn Budget 2024, the Government has committed to gross savings of £14.6billion up to the end of 2030/31 from fraud, error and debt activity in Great Britain.”

Mr Timms explained the savings will come through “the new powers contained within the Public Authorities (Fraud, Error and Recovery) Act, an extension to continue targeted case reviews to check accuracy of Universal Credit (UC) claims at risk of being incorrect until 2031, and the introduction of periodic redeclaration for Universal Credit claims to ensure claim accuracy, reduce fraud and error, and prevent avoidable debt”, reports the Mirror.

The targeted case review system verifies that all information is accurate and current for individual claimants, ensuring they receive the correct payment amount. Officials may request claimants submit documentation to verify their circumstances.

Evidence requirements for claimants

Launched in 2022, the initiative was detailed in a 2023 video by DWP senior official Neil Couling, who noted: “Customers are asked and supported to provide evidence, including bank statements, to identify any discrepancies.”

The recently enacted Public Authorities (Fraud, Error and Recovery) Act grants officials authority to withdraw money directly from bank accounts when individuals owe the DWP and refuse repayment. Advance notification will be provided, allowing people to challenge the action.

This provision specifically targets former benefit recipients who still have outstanding debts to the DWP. Until now, the department could only recover owed money via PAYE deductions from wages or by reducing ongoing benefit payments.

Many people approaching retirement may not be aware they need to have made National Insurance contributions for a specific number of years to receive the full New State Pension of £230.25 each week

The Department for Work and Pensions ( DWP ) has revealed that the State Pension currently delivers a regular income to 13 million elderly people nationwide, with over one million pensioners in Scotland amongst them. This benefit is accessible to individuals who have reached the UK Government’s qualifying retirement age, presently set at 66 for both men and women. They also have to have accumulated a minimum of 10 years of National Insurance (NI) contributions.

The retirement age is scheduled to increase to 67 from April. People nearing retirement may be unaware that securing the full New State Pension payment of £230.25 weekly requires approximately 35 years of NI contributions. This figure represents an average, as certain individuals who were ‘contracted out’ will require additional NI contributions to qualify for the complete sum.

While workplace and private pensions will supplement the State Pension during retirement, a significant number of people may depend on this contributory benefit as their sole retirement income. This makes it essential to understand the years of NI contributions needed to secure the maximum payment.

The State Pension age is also scheduled to rise from 67 to 68 during the mid-2040s. If you’re concerned about how many years you need to work – whether retirement is decades away or just around the corner – our useful guide below should help clarify how National Insurance contributions impact the State Pension you’ll receive, reports the Daily Record.

How to qualify for any New State Pension payment

To qualify for any State Pension, you’ll require a minimum of 10 qualifying years on your National Insurance record, though these needn’t be consecutive. This means that for at least 10 years, one or more of the following circumstances applied:

• you were employed and paid National Insurance contributions
• you were receiving National Insurance credits, for instance if you were out of work, unwell, a parent or a carer
• you were making voluntary National Insurance contributions

If you’ve resided or been employed overseas, you may still be eligible for some New State Pension. You could also qualify if you’ve paid married women’s or widow’s reduced rate contributions – further details are available on the GOV.UK website.

How to qualify for full New State Pension payments

It’s important to understand that ‘full’ refers to the maximum New State Pension amount an individual can obtain.

You’ll typically need approximately 35 qualifying years to secure the full New State Pension if you don’t hold a National Insurance record dating before 6 April 2016 – this figure may be higher if you were ‘contracted out’, more information here.

Individuals who have contributed between 10 and 35 years are entitled to a proportion of the new State Pension, though not the full amount unless they purchase additional NI years.

Qualifying years while in employment

When employed, you pay National Insurance and obtain a qualifying year if:

• you’re in employment and earning more than £242 per week from a single employer
• you’re self-employed and making NI contributions

You might not make National Insurance contributions if you’re earning below £242 weekly. However, you may still secure a qualifying year if you earn between £123 and £242 per week from one employer.

Qualifying years when not in employment

You may receive National Insurance credits if you’re unable to work – for instance due to illness or disability, or if you’re a carer or unemployed.

You can obtain National Insurance credits if you:

• claim Child Benefit for a child under 12 (or under 16 prior to 2010)
• receive Jobseeker’s Allowance or Employment and Support Allowance
• are in receipt of Carer’s Allowance

If you’re neither working nor receiving National Insurance credits

You may be able to make voluntary National Insurance contributions if you’re not in any of these categories but wish to boost your State Pension amount. Further information is available on the GOV.UK website.

Even with gaps in your National Insurance (NI) record, you can still be eligible for the full New State Pension. You can request a State Pension statement which will provide an estimate of how much State Pension you might receive.

To verify if there are any gaps in your record, you can apply for a National Insurance statement from HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC). If your National Insurance record has gaps that could hinder you from receiving the full New State Pension, you may have options to:

• Acquire National Insurance credits.
• Make voluntary National Insurance contributions.

Labour MP Neil Duncan-Jordan calls for a universal system of retirement income and equal uprating for all pensions to address the widening gap between New and Basic State Pension rates

During the State Pension and benefits uprating debate in Parliament, Labour MP Neil Duncan-Jordan called on the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) to “look again at the advantages of a universal system of income in retirement that reaches everyone”. The Poole MP also drew attention to the “unfairness” in payment rates between the New and Basic State Pension.

Mr Duncan-Jordan told fellow MPs: “For our older generation, the State Pension is the foundation on which a decent retirement can be built. The restoration of the Triple Lock has been key to raising the income of some of our poorest pensioners, which is why we need it to continue, but it would be wrong to say that the job has been done when we still have 1.9 million older people living in poverty.”

The Labour MP highlighted the disparity between the annual uprating in cash terms for those who reached State Pension age before April 2016 (Basic) or after 2016 (New), stating: “That is unfair, and we should consider uprating all pensions in the same way.”

Under the Triple Lock, both the New and Basic State Pensions increase each year in line with whichever is the highest between the average annual earnings growth from May to July (4.8%), the CPI inflation rate in the year to September (3.8%), or 2.5 per cent.

Additional State Pension elements and deferred State Pensions rise each year with the September CPI figure (3.8%), reports the Daily Record. The uplift means those receiving the full New State Pension will get £241.30 per week, while those on the maximum Basic State Pension would pocket £184.90 per week.

Speaking in Parliament, Mr Duncan-Jordan said: “Our social security system is the bedrock of our welfare state, but for years, the safety net that it was meant to provide has been developing bigger and bigger holes, through which some of our most vulnerable citizens have fallen.

“For our older generation, the State Pension is the foundation on which a decent retirement can be built. The restoration of the Triple Lock has been key to raising the income of some of our poorest pensioners, which is why we need it to continue, but it would be wrong to say that the job has been done when we still have 1.9 million older people living in poverty.”

He highlighted the “weakness” of the means-tested Pension Credit system, noting that approximately 750,000 older people are entitled to claim but haven’t yet done so, adding “that is why we need to look again at the advantages of a universal system of income in retirement that reaches everyone”.

The Labour MP went on: “Even in the current uprating arrangements, there is an unfairness. Some 8.3 million older people are in receipt of the pre-2016 State Pension, made up of a Basic State Pension and a second State Pension, which for many would have been SERPS (state earnings-related pension scheme) introduced by the late, great Barbara Castle.

“While the Triple Lock applies to the Basic State Pension for these people, the lower consumer prices index is used to uprate the second State Pension. This year, that will give a difference of 1 per cent, and over time, we have seen the gap between those on the old State Pension and the New State Pension widen. That is unfair, and we should consider uprating all pensions in the same way.”

The State Pension amount someone receives is based on their National Insurance contributions. Around 35 years’ worth are needed to qualify for the full New State Pension, though this may vary if you were ‘contracted out’.

The full New State Pension will rise by approximately £574 to £12,547 over the new financial year. However, the uprating leaves only £36 before breaching the Personal Allowance income threshold of £12,570, which would result in more pensioners with any additional income paying tax in retirement.

The UK Government recently confirmed that HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) will introduce new measures next year to ensure that pensioners – whose only income is the State Pension – will not be required to complete a Simple Self Assessment tax return if their payment exceeds the Personal Allowance threshold of £12,570.

This follows Chancellor Rachel Reeves’ announcement during the Autumn Budget that the Personal Allowance will remain frozen at £12,570 until April 5, 2030 – extending the original timeline by three years. New State Pension payment rates 2026/27.

New Universal Credit claimants will receive lower health element payments of £217.26 per month from April, while existing claimants and those with severe conditions remain protected at £429.80

Welfare reforms aimed at “rebalancing the benefits system” and supporting more people into employment took a step forward when Universal Credit legislation was presented in Parliament. The UK Government criticised the system inherited from the Conservatives, stating that individuals receiving Universal Credit due to health reasons are paid over twice as much as a single job-seeking person, without being provided with adequate support to transition closer to – or directly into – work.

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) announced that the reforms, which will be implemented in April, will address these ‘perverse incentives’. This will be achieved by introducing a reduced Universal Credit health element rate of £217.26 per month for new claimants, compared to the existing higher rate of £429.80.

However, those with the most severe, lifelong conditions, those nearing end of life, and all current Universal Credit health claimants will continue to receive the higher rate.

In order to provide the support ‘they’ve long been denied’, the DWP stated that the UK Government is investing over £3.5 billion in employment support by the end of the decade. This ensures everyone affected by the changes to Universal Credit will be offered personalised assistance to access the skills they need to progress, secure good jobs, and enhance their living standards – contributing to a growing workforce and a thriving economy for the future.

In line with the UK Government’s commitment to addressing the cost of living, nearly four million households on the standard rate of Universal Credit will experience the first sustained above-inflation increase to their benefit, reports the Daily Record.

This uplift equates to roughly an additional £295 this year for a single person aged 25 or over, which is expected to rise to £760 by the end of the decade, ensuring those seeking and in employment have more financial leeway as they strive to progress in their careers.

Work and Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden commented: “The benefits system we inherited was rigged with the wrong incentives and wrote people off instead of backing them. We are changing this. These reforms put more money in the pockets of working people on Universal Credit, while ensuring those who can work get the support they need to do so.

“By boosting the standard allowance and investing in proper employment support, we’re building a welfare system that rewards work and offers people a route to a better future.”

The DWP also confirmed the presence of over 1,000 Pathways to Work advisers in Jobcentres across Scotland, England and Wales, providing personalised assistance to individuals on health-related benefits with no obligation to work – many of whom previously lacked support. The DWP reported that ‘tens of thousands’ of claimants have already availed themselves of this support, with an estimated 65,000 people set to benefit within this financial year.

The UK Government insists it’s making good headway on its pledge to provide bespoke assistance to everyone impacted by the Universal Credit shake-up.

These fresh initiatives form part of a broader package designed to ‘meet sick or disabled people where they are’. WorkWell is currently being implemented nationwide across England, targeting support for as many as 250,000 additional individuals, whilst Connect to Work aims to deliver tailored assistance to 300,000 people throughout the coming five years.

The DWP stated: “With 2.8 million people currently out of work due to long-term sickness, these measures are central to the government’s Plan for Change to break down barriers to opportunity and get Britain working. By supporting more people into work and reducing the health element for new claimants, the reforms are set to save taxpayers £950 million by 2030/31 – delivering fairness for working people and taxpayers alike.”

Responding to the forthcoming changes, Warren Kirwan, Media Manager at disability equality charity Scope, cautioned: “These cuts to universal credit will only make it harder for disabled people to get into work. The health element of universal credit only exists because it’s more expensive and often takes longer for disabled people to get into work.

“We urge the government to properly listen and engage with disabled people, to build a welfare system that supports disabled people and addresses the extra costs they face.”

The DWP scheme can provide grants worth up to £69,260 a year to disabled workers, but faces scrutiny from experts over awareness and application issues

The DWP has come under scrutiny regarding one of its payment schemes that can be worth several thousands of pounds. Policy experts recently addressed MPs about individuals with a disability or health condition who are struggling to access the support to which they are entitled.

One particular area of concern highlighted was Access to Work. This is a DWP scheme providing grants to assist people with a disability or medical condition in paying for support they require to begin or remain in employment.

The most recent DWP statistics reveal that during the 2024/2025 financial year, grants were distributed to 74,190 customers, with an average annual payment of £4,000. You can actually receive considerably more through the scheme, up to £69,260 annually.

The funding can cover a broad range of items you may require. These can include aids and equipment in your workplace, modifications to equipment, additional travel expenses, an interpreter, or other support you need at a job interview to help you communicate, reports the Mirror.

If you have a mental health condition, the grant funding can also be used towards developing a support plan for you, which can include flexible working arrangements or supplementary training. Those receiving Universal Credit may qualify for the support.

Who could be eligible for Access to Work grants?

Information on the Government website states: “Universal Credit is a single benefit paid to those in or out of employment. If you are claiming Universal Credit and have a disability or health condition, you will be able to apply for Access to Work for any paid work you do.”

Individuals claiming PIP (Personal Independence Payment) may also wish to verify their eligibility. PIP assists with the additional expenses associated with living with a long-term health condition or disability, meaning receipt of this benefit could help demonstrate that you have a qualifying health condition for Access to Work.

Receiving disability benefits is not a requirement to qualify. The guidance cautions that you may not be eligible if you claim one of these benefits:

• Incapacity Benefit
• legacy Employment Support Allowance
• Severe Disablement Allowance
• Income Support paid because of illness
• National Insurance credits.

Despite the substantial grants available, a recent Work and Pensions Committee meeting heard that numerous employers remain unaware of the scheme. Chris Russell, senior policy manager at the Federation of Small Businesses, said awareness of the programme among small business employers is “not high and definitely could be higher”.

He said: “The support that Access to Work provides can often make the difference between them staying in work and leaving the labour market. The main problems I see are the waiting times and the application process. The support that the scheme provides is fantastic, but if the department could address waiting times and do something about the application process, it would be most beneficial because, yes, in general it is a great scheme.”

The specialists also cautioned that some individuals receiving the assistance have seen their grant awards cut. James Taylor, executive director of Strategy, Impact and Social Change at disability charity Scope, recounted the experience of a woman called Jamila, who had previously been using Access to Work to fund taxi journeys and 24 hours per week of support worker assistance.

Following several months off work due to illness, she did not use much of her allocated funding. Consequently, her support worker provision was slashed to eight hours weekly and her taxi allowance was similarly reduced.

Mr Taylor said: “She cannot work without the right level of support. She works in the NHS and does loads of site visits. The reduced funding means she can only go to two sites, but she has to visit up to 50 for her job. She has now handed in her notice. Official or unofficial, that sort of change has an impact on disabled people. These are people who want to be in work, and that is what we are hearing.”

Tom Pollard, head of Policy, Public Affairs and Campaigns at mental health charity Mind, also told the MPs: “I have heard isolated anecdotal evidence of reductions in awards or a more stringent application process. The latest stats that came out last week showed a lower number of approvals compared with last year, but I have not heard anything robust on that.”

Upcoming changes to Access to Work

The most recent figures from the DWP reveal that 56,000 individuals had Access to Work approved in the financial year ending March 2025. This represents a 12 per cent decrease compared to the previous year, when 63,450 people were approved.

A spokesperson for the DWP stated: “Access to Work supports thousands of sick or disabled people to start or stay in work, but the scheme we inherited is failing employees and employers. That’s why we’re working with disabled people and their organisations to improve it – ensuring people have the support, skills, and opportunities to move into good, secure jobs as part of our Plan for Change.”

The DWP announced it is reviewing “all aspects” of the scheme following a consultation which concluded in June 2025. Case managers at the DWP have received additional training to assist them in making better and more consistent decisions about people’s awards.

The group indicated this might mean some award amounts are altered when they are renewed. However, this does not signify a change in the policy of the scheme.

The DWP has outlined five key points on Personal Independence Payment including eligibility criteria, how to apply, and the assessment process

The Department for Work and Pensions ( DWP ) has produced a series of four videos about Personal Independence Payment ( PIP ). They are designed to help people understand what the benefit entails, who it’s intended for, how to apply, and the assessment process. These YouTube videos are accompanied by an online document outlining five key points everyone should know about PIP.

Recent statistics from the DWP reveal that as of the end of October, nearly 3.9 million people in England and Wales were claiming PIP. Comparable data shows that nearly half a million people are now claiming the Adult Disability Payment (ADP), which replaced PIP for people in Scotland.

The DWP’s YouTube videos direct viewers to the dedicated PIP pages on GOV.UK, where more comprehensive information is available, including the process for people nearing the end of life. Viewers of the videos on the official DWP YouTube channel are encouraged to visit the website to ensure they have all the necessary information about PIP eligibility before submitting a new claim, according to the Daily Record.

The DWP has outlined five key points for anyone considering making a PIP claim. These include:

• Entitlement to PIP is not based on an individual’s health condition or disability alone but on how much a long-term health condition or disability impacts an individual’s daily life or mobility.
• To qualify for PIP, the impacts of a health condition or disability must have been present for three months and be expected to last at least another nine months.
• PIP claimants will undergo a functional assessment of how their health condition or disability affects 12 key everyday activities, which are fundamental to living an independent life.
• If an individual can manage the PIP daily living and mobility activities safely, to an acceptable standard, repeatedly and in a reasonable time period, without being supported by someone or using equipment, it is unlikely they will get PIP.
• When applying for PIP, individuals should provide any relevant information they already have about how their health condition affects them. This may mean that a health professional can assess the claim using this information without a face-to-face or virtual consultation, and that a decision can be made more quickly. DWP says people should not request new documents for their application as these can incur a fee, for example, from GPs.

The DWP has confirmed that Personal Independence Payment (PIP) will rise by 3.8 per cent in the 2026/27 financial year – here are the new weekly payment rates

The Department for Work and Pensions ( DWP ) has announced that disability benefits, including Personal Independence Payment ( PIP ), Disability Living Allowance (DLA) and Attendance Allowance will rise by 3.8 per cent for the 2026/27 financial year. The updated weekly payment rates will take effect from April 6, 2026.

PIP is presently valued at between £29.20 and £187.45 per week, with payments typically made every four weeks which translates to awards ranging from £116.80 to £749.80. A 3.8 per cent uplift will see payments increase to between £30.30 and £194.60, equating to £121.20 and £778.40 every four-week payment period.

The Scottish Government has also announced that devolved benefits such as Adult Disability Payment (ADP), Child Disability Payment, Pension Age Disability Payment (PADP), Carer Support Payment and Scottish Adult Disability Living Allowance will similarly increase by 3.8 per cent in April.

PIP payment rates 2026/27

PIP comprises two components – daily living and mobility. From Monday, April 6, PIP will be paid at the following weekly amounts, reports the Daily Record.

Daily Living component

• Enhanced: £114.60 (from £110.40)
• Standard: £76.70 (from £73.90)

Mobility component

• Enhanced: £80.00 (from £77.05)
• Standard: £30.30 (from £29.20)

PIP payment combinations 2026/27

Those receiving PIP may be granted the lower rate of one or both elements, the higher rate of one or both elements, or a combination of the lower or higher rates of each component.

Before April, the DWP will send letters to all claimants outlining their updated payment rates.

There are eight potential awards, which are outlined below.

Single component award only

You might receive either the lower or higher daily living or mobility component:

• Standard daily living only – £76.70 per week, £306.80 per pay period
• Enhanced daily living only – £114.60 per week, £458.40 per pay period
• Standard mobility only – £30.30 per week, £121.20 per pay period
• Enhanced mobility only – £80.00 per week, £320.00 per pay period

Lower rate for daily living and mobility

If you’re receiving the lower rates of both components, your new payments are projected to be:

• Standard daily living and standard mobility – £107 per week, £428 per pay period

Higher rate for daily living and mobility

If you’re receiving the higher rates of both components, your new payments are projected to be:

• Enhanced daily living and enhanced mobility – £194.60 per week, £778.40 per pay period

Lower rate of one component and higher rate of the other

If you’re receiving the lower rate of one component and the higher rate of the other, your new payments are projected to be:

• Standard daily living and enhanced mobility – £156.70 per week, £626.80 per pay period
• Enhanced daily living and standard mobility – £144.90 per week, £579.60 per pay period

Bear in mind, PIP and all disability benefits are exempt from tax and don’t impact the benefit cap.