The UK government is rolling out Personal Independence Payment (PIP) back payments of up to £12,000 to individuals who were underpaid due to assessment errors. This correction comes as the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) reviews around 326,000 cases, focusing on those who need social support for face-to-face interactions.
If you believe you were affected, now is the time to check your eligibility and claim what you’re owed. Plus, with PIP rates set to rise in April 2025, staying informed about these changes is crucial.
Payments
A reassessment of past PIP claims has revealed that many individuals were not awarded the correct number of points for their difficulty in engaging with others. This mistake resulted in lower payments—or, in some cases, no payments at all.
The key details of these back payments are summarized below:
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Who is affected? | PIP claimants previously assessed incorrectly for social engagement difficulties |
| How much is available? | Backdated payments between £5,000 – £12,000 |
| How many people are affected? | Around 326,000 cases under review |
| Why is this happening? | Errors in assessing “Engaging with other people face to face” |
| Who is eligible? | Those needing social support but not awarded proper PIP points |
| When will payments be made? | Reviews ongoing; payments expected in 2024-2025 |
| What should claimants do? | Contact the DWP if they suspect underpayment |
| Where to check updates? | Gov.uk PIP website |
Eligibility
Not every PIP claimant will automatically be reviewed. However, you may be eligible if:
Social Support Needs
You require help from a mental health professional, friend, or family member to engage in social interactions. Conditions such as autism, anxiety disorders, PTSD, and severe depression are among those that might qualify.
Errors in Past Assessments
If your claim was denied or awarded fewer points due to your social engagement difficulties being overlooked, you could be entitled to back payments.
Not Already on the Enhanced Rate
If you have continuously received the enhanced rate of the PIP daily living component since April 6, 2016, your claim likely won’t be reassessed.
Payment Amount
The exact amount varies depending on how much you were underpaid. However, reports indicate:
- Some claimants are receiving between £5,000 and £12,000 in back payments.
- The standard daily living rate is currently £72.65 per week, while the enhanced rate is £108.55 per week.
- If you were wrongly assessed and underpaid for several years, you could receive a substantial lump sum.
Claim
If you believe you were underpaid, take these steps to claim your back payment:
Contact the DWP
The DWP is reviewing cases, but you can speed up the process by contacting them directly.
PIP Inquiry Contact Details:
- Telephone: 0800 121 4433
- Textphone: 0800 121 4493
- Website: Gov.uk PIP
Gather Medical Evidence
Supporting documents can strengthen your claim. Collect:
- Medical records
- Letters from doctors or specialists
- Statements from family members or carers
Await the DWP’s Decision
The review process can take several months. If the DWP determines you were underpaid, they will issue a lump sum payment.
Increases
Alongside back payments, the UK government has announced a 1.7% increase in PIP rates, starting in April 2025.
PIP Rates
| Component | Current Rate | New Rate (2025) |
|---|---|---|
| Standard daily living | £72.65 | £73.91 |
| Enhanced daily living | £108.55 | £110.15 |
| Standard mobility | £28.70 | £29.35 |
| Enhanced mobility | £76.40 | £77.35 |
These increases aim to help claimants cope with rising living costs while ensuring they receive the financial support they need.
If you think you qualify for a back payment, don’t wait—contact the DWP today and check your eligibility. With thousands of people affected, taking action now could mean securing a life-changing lump sum.
FAQs
Who qualifies for the PIP back payment?
PIP claimants who were underpaid due to errors in face-to-face interaction assessments.
How much can I receive in back payments?
Claimants may receive between £5,000 and £12,000, depending on their underpayment.
How can I check if I was underpaid?
Contact the DWP at 0800 121 4433 or visit the official Gov.uk PIP website.
When will I get my PIP back payment?
Payments are expected between 2024 and 2025 as the DWP reviews cases.
Are PIP rates increasing in 2025?
Yes, PIP rates will rise by 1.7% in April 2025 to help with the cost of living.
