Thousands of UK pensioners may be in for a financial surprise — a backdated payment of up to £5,285 due to past assessment errors by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). If you claimed Personal Independence Payment (PIP) between 2016 and 2020, there’s a real chance you were underpaid.
And now, the DWP is fixing that mistake with reassessments and lump-sum payouts. Wondering if you or a loved one qualifies? Let’s break it down in simple terms.
Error
The problem? A misstep in how the DWP evaluated people’s need for “social support” in the Daily Living component of PIP. Instead of recognizing long-term help or the need for someone to be present in social settings, assessments focused too narrowly on one-off support. That left thousands either denied enhanced payments or receiving far less than they should have.
In response, a review kicked off in 2021. By early 2024, the DWP had paid £74 million to over 14,000 people, with an average payout of £5,285 each.
But they estimate up to 284,000 claimants may be affected. So, if your claim dates back to between April 2016 and September 2020 — you might be due a slice of that pie.
Eligibility
Think you could be eligible? Here’s a checklist:
- You claimed or were assessed for PIP between 6 April 2016 and 17 September 2020
- You needed regular help to engage with others, especially in social situations
- Your support needs weren’t fully accounted for in your original PIP assessment
- You currently receive PIP or did so at any point during that window
Even if the DWP hasn’t contacted you yet, you can (and should) ask for a reassessment.
Action
Here’s your step-by-step game plan:
- Review your old paperwork – Look at PIP decisions made between 2016 and 2020.
- Gather evidence – Things like doctor’s letters, social worker notes, or a diary of your support needs can help.
- Call the DWP – Ring the PIP enquiry line on 0800 121 4433. Be prepared to explain how your needs weren’t properly considered.
- Request reassessment – You might need to attend another assessment or provide further documentation.
It might seem like a hassle, but it’s your right — and it could lead to a life-changing payment.
Rates
The DWP also bumped up PIP rates by 1.7% from April 2025. Here’s what you could now be receiving weekly:
| Component | Standard Rate | Enhanced Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Daily Living | £73.90 | £110.40 |
| Mobility | £29.20 | £77.05 |
| Total Max | — | £187.45 |
That’s £749.80 every four weeks, or up to £9,747.40 a year.
Examples
Want to know how this plays out in real life? Here are two real-world cases:
Mary, 68 – A widowed pensioner with severe anxiety. Her original claim ignored her need for her sister’s presence during outings. After reassessment, she received £5,430 in backdated payments.
Tom, 61 – Lives with Parkinson’s and struggled to communicate in social settings. His original PIP award missed that entirely. He got £4,960 in arrears and now qualifies for enhanced support.
Support
If all this feels overwhelming, don’t go it alone. Reach out to:
- Citizens Advice
- Disability Rights UK
- Age UK
They can help you know your rights, prepare your case, and deal with DWP if needed.
This backdated payment scheme is not just about money — it’s about correcting years of oversight. If you think you were affected, take action today. It could mean thousands of pounds in your pocket and better support going forward.
FAQs
Who qualifies for the £5,285 PIP payment?
Anyone assessed between 2016–2020 who was underpaid due to social support misjudgment.
How do I contact the DWP for reassessment?
Call the PIP enquiry line on 0800 121 4433, Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm.
What documents should I prepare?
Medical records, support letters, and examples of daily challenges are useful.
What’s the current PIP weekly rate?
Up to £187.45 a week, depending on eligibility.
Is this payment automatic?
Some will be contacted, but many must request reassessment themselves.
