Older people could boost monthly income by up to £1,670 | Personal Finance | Finance

Certain older people could dramatically increase their earnings by submitting a new application for Personal Independence Payment (PIP).

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has published its most recent statistics, showing that more than 3.7 million people throughout Great Britain are presently receiving PIP. The figures additionally demonstrate that by the conclusion of April, there were 709,710 people aged 65 to 79 collecting this disability benefit, which could enhance their monthly earnings by up to £1,670.80.

Throughout the 2025/26 tax year, thousands of people beyond State Pension age across England, Scotland, and Wales who suffer from a disability, chronic illness, or physical or mental health condition will obtain assistance ranging from £116.80 to £749.80 every four-week payment cycle, reports the Daily Record.

Concerning pensioners receiving PIP, the latest DWP data shows that the total number of individuals over 65 claiming PIP throughout Scotland, England, and Wales encompasses:

• Aged 65 – 69: 424,614
• Aged 70 – 74: 219,089
• Aged 75 – 79: 69,013
• Total: 709,710

Numerous people above 56 and approaching State Pension age might be unaware of a modification to PIP guidelines in 2019 which declares “claimants whose review would have taken place when they were of State Pension age means that they are now generally awarded ongoing awards”.

Benefit categories and assessment intervals are decided on a case-by-case basis, considering the applicant’s requirements and the probability of those requirements altering. Elements including scheduled treatment/therapy or learning/adjusting to cope with a condition are taken into consideration.

PIP awards

According to guidance from DWP:

• For fixed length awards, the review period usually ranges from a minimum of nine months to a maximum 10 years
• Review periods of less than nine months are set only in exceptional circumstances
• An award of two years or less is considered short-term

Combined incomes

The full, New State Pension is valued at £230.25 each week (£921 every 4-week pay period) and the Basic State Pension up to £176.45 (£705.80 every 4-week pay period) – your payment depends on the amount of National Insurance contributions made.

Although payments for State Pension and PIP are made separately, they could provide a combined monthly income of up to £1,670.80 – based on someone receiving the full, New State Pension and highest PIP awards for the daily living and mobility component.

PIP payment rates

Daily living

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

Mobility

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

Who might be eligible for PIP

To qualify for PIP you must have a health condition or disability that has caused difficulties with daily living or mobility (or both) for three months, and these difficulties are expected to continue for at least nine months. Typically, you need to have resided in the UK for at least two of the past three years and be in the country when you apply.

In addition to the above criteria, if your condition requires or results in assistance with any of the following, you should consider applying for PIP:

• managing your medicines or treatments
• washing, bathing, using the toilet, managing incontinence
• working out a route and following it
• leaving your home
• mixing with other people
• talking, listening, reading and understanding
• physically moving around
• eating, drinking or preparing food
• dressing and undressing
• making decisions about money

Different rules apply if you are terminally ill, which can be found on the GOV.UK website.