The Office for National Statistics (ONS) announced on Wednesday that the Consumer Prices Index (CPI) inflation rate for September was 1.7 per cent, dropping from 2.2 per cent in August. This is the figure that millions of people claiming disability benefits such as Personal Independence Payment (PIP), Attendance Allowance and Disability Living Allowance (DLA) should be aware of as it determines the annual uprating from next April.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves will confirm the uprating for State Pension and benefits during the Autumn Budget on October 30. However, many people may not be aware that by law, disability benefits must rise each year with the CPI figure – that also includes Carer’s Allowance and any other DWP-delivered disability benefits not already mentioned.
The uprating for PIP is also expected to be applied by the Scottish Government to people living in Scotland on Adult or Child Disability Payment to avoid a two-tier benefits system.
Benefits increased by 6.7 per cent in April this year, but the new ONS figures mean that it will be a much smaller uplift for the 2025/26 financial year. However, even an uprating of 1.7 per cent will give those on the highest rates of PIP, ADP or DLA, payments of up to £749 each month.
A successful claim for PIP or ADP is currently worth between £28.70 and £184.30 each week in additional financial support and as the benefit is paid every four weeks – resulting in 13 payments over the course of a year instead of 12 – this amounts to between £114.80 and £737.20 every payment period.
Weekly component rates for 2025/26
An uprating of 1.7 per cent will see people on disability benefits receive between £29.20 and £187.45 each week, some £116.80 or £749.80 every four-week pay period.
It’s important to be aware the highest figure of £749.80 is based on someone in receipt of the highest award for both the daily living and mobility components. Attendance Allowance does not include a mobility component.
PIP, Adult Disability Payment, Child Disability Payment and DLA
Estimated weekly rates are shown for all benefits, most are paid every four weeks so to calculate your own uplift simply look for your award rate and multiply by four.
Daily living
- Lower care award (CDP, DLA only): £29.20 (from £28.70)
- Standard: £73.90 (from £72.65)
- Enhanced: £110.40 (from £108.55)
Mobility
- Standard: £29.20 (from £28.70)
- Enhanced: £77.05 (from £75.75)
Attendance Allowance
- Lower rate: £73.90 (from £72.65)
- Higher rate: £110.40 (from £108.55)
Carer’s Allowance
- Weekly payment rate: £83.30 (from £81.90)
- Four-week pay period: £333.20 £from £327.60)
Just remember, these are predictions based on the CPI figure of 1.7 per cent and while the Labour Government cannot uprate disability benefits by less than that figure, they do have the power to increase it.
The annual uprating will be confirmed during the Autumn Budget on October 30. The Scottish Government will confirm the uprating for devolved benefits before the end of the year.