The UK government, through the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), has announced new changes to disability benefits starting April 2025. These changes include a 1.7% increase in payments for benefits like personal independence payment (PIP), disability living allowance (DLA), attendance allowance, and Carer’s allowance. This article explains what these updates mean, who they help, and how you can apply.
Disability Benefits Explained
Disability benefits are financial aids provided to support people with disabilities and their families. Here’s a quick look at the new benefit rates starting April 7, 2025:
| Benefit | Current Weekly Rate | New Weekly Rate | Annual Increase |
|---|---|---|---|
| PIP Daily Living | £68.10 (Standard) / £101.75 (Enhanced) | £69.26 (Standard) / £103.48 (Enhanced) | £1.16 (Standard) / £1.73 (Enhanced) |
| PIP Mobility | £26.90 (Standard) / £71.00 (Enhanced) | £27.35 (Standard) / £72.21 (Enhanced) | £0.45 (Standard) / £1.21 (Enhanced) |
| DLA Care | £26.90 (Lowest) / £68.10 (Middle) / £101.75 (Highest) | £27.35 / £69.26 / £103.48 | £0.45 / £1.16 / £1.73 |
| DLA Mobility | £26.90 (Lower) / £71.00 (Higher) | £27.35 (Lower) / £72.21 (Higher) | £0.45 (Lower) / £1.21 (Higher) |
| Attendance Allowance | £68.10 (Lower) / £101.75 (Higher) | £69.26 (Lower) / £103.48 (Higher) | £1.16 (Lower) / £1.73 (Higher) |
| Carer’s Allowance | £76.75 | £81.90 | £5.15 |
Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
PIP supports people struggling with everyday tasks or mobility because of long-term health conditions. It has two parts:
- Daily Living Component: Helps with activities like cooking, bathing, or taking medication.
- Mobility Component: assists with walking or planning trips.
The increase in 2025 will provide more financial help for daily necessities.
Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
DLA is designed for children under 16 with disabilities. It has two parts:
- Care component: helps with caregiving expenses.
- Mobility Component: covers transportation needs.
The updated rates aim to ease the financial burden on families caring for children with disabilities.
Attendance Allowance
This benefit is for individuals aged 65 and older who need care because of disabilities. The 2025 update gives more funds to help older people with their caregiving needs.
Carer’s Allowance
Carer’s Allowance supports those who spend a lot of time looking after someone with a disability. The increase of £5.15 per week recognizes the important work that carers do.
Why the Increase Matters
The 1.7% increase is essential for helping people cope with higher living costs caused by inflation. For instance, someone receiving the highest rate of PIP can now get an extra £151 per year, which can be used for essential expenses like groceries or medical supplies.
Practical Uses for the Extra Money
- Transportation: The additional mobility allowance can cover taxi fares, bus passes, or vehicle maintenance.
- Caregiving Support: Families can use the extra funds to buy specialized equipment or hire caregivers.
- Managing Daily Expenses: The daily living component can help pay for utility bills, groceries, or medication.
How to Apply for These Benefits
If you qualify for any of these benefits, make sure you apply or update your claims before April 2025. Here’s how:
For PIP
- Download the claim form from the DWP website.
- Describe how your condition affects your daily life and mobility.
- Attach medical evidence like doctor’s reports.
- Submit the form and attend an assessment if needed.
For DLA
- Download the form from the DWP website.
- Provide detailed information about your child’s needs.
- Attach medical records and other documents.
- Submit the completed application.
Attendance Allowance
- Complete the form available on the DWP website.
- Explain the level of care required.
- Attach medical evidence to support your application.
Conclusion
The DWP’s Cost of Living Payment for 2025 is a much-needed boost for people with disabilities and their families. By increasing benefits like PIP, DLA, Attendance Allowance, and Carer’s Allowance, the government is helping claimants better manage daily expenses, caregiving costs, and mobility needs. Make sure you apply or update your claims to benefit from these changes.
Guilderland Historical Society
FAQ’s
What is the 2025 increase in disability benefits?
Disability benefits like PIP, DLA, and Attendance Allowance will rise by 1.7% starting April 7, 2025.
How do I apply for PIP or DLA?
Download the form from the DWP website, fill it out with details of your condition, and submit it with medical evidence.
Who can receive Carer’s allowance?
Anyone caring for a disabled person for at least 35 hours a week can apply for Carer’s allowance.