Benefits and funding
PIP and care costs: who qualifies, 2026/27 rates and how to claim
Personal Independence Payment (PIP) helps with the extra costs of a long-term condition or disability for people aged 16 to State Pension age. It isn't means-tested, isn't taxed and doesn't depend on National Insurance, and many people use it to pay for help at home. In Scotland, Adult Disability Payment has replaced PIP.
Reviewed 20 October 2026 by The Care Panel editorial team · Next review April 2027 · Editorial policy
PIP rates for 2026/27
| Part | Points needed | Weekly amount |
|---|---|---|
| Daily living, standard rate | 8 to 11 points | £76.70 a week |
| Daily living, enhanced rate | 12 points or more | £114.60 a week |
| Mobility, standard rate | 8 to 11 points | £30.30 a week |
| Mobility, enhanced rate | 12 points or more | £80.00 a week |
DWP rates from 6 April 2026. State Pension age is 66, rising to 67 between 2026 and 2028.
Free tools: Attendance Allowance checker · NHS Continuing Healthcare checker · What will I pay?
Who can get it
You must be 16 or over and under State Pension age, and have a physical or mental health condition or disability that has caused difficulty for at least 3 months and is expected to last at least another 9. It depends on how your condition affects you, not the diagnosis. If you are already on PIP when you reach State Pension age, you keep it; after State Pension age, people claim Attendance Allowance instead.
How the points work
An assessor scores 10 activities. The daily living part covers preparing food, eating, managing medication or treatment, washing, using the toilet, dressing, communicating, reading, mixing with other people and making decisions about money. The mobility part covers planning and following journeys and moving around. Describe your worst days as well as your typical ones, and whether you can do each activity safely, to a good standard, again and again, and in a reasonable time.
How to claim
- Call the PIP new claims line on 0800 917 2222 (or claim online where available) to start the claim.
- Fill in the "How your disability affects you" form. Include letters from your GP, consultant, nurse or carers.
- Have an assessment by phone, video or in person with a health professional.
- If you disagree with the decision, ask for a mandatory reconsideration within one month, then appeal to a tribunal.
If someone may have 12 months or less to live, claim under the special rules: the claim is faster, with no assessment, and the daily living part is paid at the enhanced rate.
PIP and paying for care
PIP is yours to spend however you choose, and many people use it for home care, cleaning or transport. If the council funds your care, it may count the daily living part as income when working out your contribution, but must allow for disability-related expenses. The mobility part is never counted. Getting PIP can also unlock Carer's Allowance for a family carer and extra amounts in Universal Credit.
Changes to watch
The government is reviewing how the PIP assessment works. Check GOV.UK before you claim for any changes to the points or the process.
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Questions
How much is PIP in 2026/27?
The daily living part is £76.70 or £114.60 a week and the mobility part is £30.30 or £80.00 a week, so the most someone can get is £194.60 a week.
Is PIP means-tested?
No. It doesn't depend on income or savings, and you can get it whether or not you work.
Can I get PIP if I am over State Pension age?
You can't make a new claim, but if you already get PIP when you reach State Pension age you keep it. Over State Pension age, claim Attendance Allowance instead.
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Sources: GOV.UK: Personal Independence Payment · GOV.UK: benefit and pension rates 2026 to 2027 · Citizens Advice: PIP. Provider counts from the CQC register (Open Government Licence v3.0). This guide is general information, not legal, financial or medical advice.
CQC register data (Oct 2026), reused under the Open Government Licence v3.0. The Care Panel is independent of every provider listed.