Universal Credit claimants could be missing out on DWP top-up of £1,149

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has disclosed that as of the end of January, 7.5 million people across , England, and Wales were receiving financial support through . This income-related benefit is designed to assist individuals with low incomes, whether they are in work or not, with everyday living costs.

However, many who claim Universal Credit or income-related Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA) and have a disability, long-term illness, or physical or mental health condition may be unaware that they could qualify for additional funds through Personal Independence Payment (PIP).

These payments can help meet daily living or mobility expenses. PIP is a tax-free, non-means tested payment that does not affect the benefit cap.

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This means that a single claimant over 25 on Universal Credit or JSA making a new claim for either disability benefit could potentially receive up to £749.80 every four weeks, separate from their other benefits. When combined with a monthly Universal Credit payment of £400.14 (for a single person over 25), this could provide up to £1,149.94 each month.

It is vital to understand that this figure is based on someone receiving the higher rate of both the daily living and mobility components of PIP. It is also important to note that the health condition itself does not automatically qualify someone for PIP, it is how it affects a person's daily living and/or mobility needs, reports the Daily Record.

Universal Credit (monthly rates) 2025/26

Unlike Universal Credit, PIP is claimed by individuals, not couples.

Single claimants, under 25: £316.98

Single claimants, 25 or over: £400.14

PIP payment rates for 2025/26

An assessment is required to determine the level of financial assistance you will receive, and your rate will be regularly reviewed to ensure you are receiving the appropriate support.

PIP consists of two components - Daily living and Mobility - Whether you receive one or both of these and the amount depends on how severely your condition impacts you.

PIP payments are typically made every four weeks. The following amounts will be paid per week, depending on your level of award:.

Daily living

• Standard rate: £73.90
• Enhanced rate: £110.40

Mobility

• Standard rate: £29.20
• Enhanced rate: £77.05

PIP health conditions

Here are the five main disabling conditions recorded by the at the end of January, 2025.

Psychiatric disorders

• Number of claimants - 1,421,753
• This includes mixed anxiety, stress, depressive and mood disorders, OCD and cognitive disorders

Musculoskeletal disease (general)

• Number of claimants - 697,476
• This includes muscle or joint pain and arthritic conditions

Neurological disease

• Number of claimants - 472,121
• This includes muscular dystrophy, epilepsy, headache, multiple sclerosis, neuropathy and other movement disorders

Musculoskeletal disease (regional)

• Number of claimants - 440,684
• This includes neck, back, shoulders, elbow, wrists, hands, hip, knee and ankle pain

Respiratory disease

• Number of claimants - 137,957
• This includes asthma, diseases of the upper respiratory tract, pulmonary fibrosis and cystic fibrosis

An award for PIP can also open the door to additional support for housing costs, Council Tax, other benefits and a reduction or exemption on public transport fares.

Disabling conditions recorded by DWP

These are the main disability categories, the umbrella term by which more than 530 other conditions fall under. This list is only an overview of conditions, disorders and diseases and how the DWP lists the main disabilities being claimed for.

• Haematological Disease
• Infectious disease
• Malignant disease
• Metabolic disease
• Psychiatric disorders
• Neurological disease
• Visual disease
• Hearing disorders
• Cardiovascular disease
• Gastrointestinal disease
• Diseases of the liver, gallbladder, biliary tract
• Skin disease
• Musculoskeletal disease (general)
• Musculoskeletal disease (regional)
• Autoimmune disease (connective tissue disorders)
• Genitourinary disease
• Endocrine disease
• Respiratory disease
• Multisystem and extremes of age
• Diseases of the immune system

How to apply for PIP

You can initiate a new claim by contacting the DWP, all the necessary information to apply can be found on the GOV.UK website

Before you make the call, you will need:.

• dates and addresses for any time you’ve spent abroad, in a care home or hospital
• your date of birth
• your bank or building society account number and sort code
• your contact details
• your doctor or health worker’s name, address and telephone number
• your National Insurance number - this is on letters about tax, pensions and benefits