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PIP Bill vs Up-Rating Order: What Changes in 2026 (and What Doesn’t)
Written by
Georgina, Founder of Purpl
Published on
November 5, 2025
The government has introduced the Universal Credit and Personal Independence Payment Bill, which sets out how the system operates — including uprating rules and possible updates to PIP eligibility — but it does not list payment amounts. This page explains what the Bill can change, what it cannot, and how the annual Up-Rating Order confirms benefit figures. If you need the latest or expected PIP rates, please see our dedicated PIP Rates 2026 article.
At a Glance
- This page explains Bill vs Up-Rating Order — the process, not the pound amounts.
- PIP rates are not in the Bill. Amounts are confirmed each year via the Social Security Benefits Up-Rating Order.
- Where figures appear: after Parliament approves the Up-Rating Order, GOV.UK updates the “Benefit and pension rates” page.
- Timeline: Bill scrutiny through 2025, Up-Rating Order in late autumn/winter 2025/26 and then new figures take effect from April 2026.
- Need actual or expected PIP rates? See our PIP Rates 2026 article.
- Save while you wait: use Purpl to cut costs on mobility aids and assistive tech.
In this Article
- What the Bill Actually Does
- What the Bill Does Not Do
- Know the Difference: Bill vs. Rates
- Timeline: What to Watch Out For
- Who Could be Affected
- Practical Guidance
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Sources (Official & Primary)
What the Bill Actually Does
The Universal Credit and Personal Independence Payment Bill explains how the government plans to calculate and increase benefits. It focuses on how the system operates rather than listing the actual payment amounts.
To make it easier to follow, here’s a simple breakdown of what the Bill covers:
Universal Credit uprating from April 2026
Starting in April 2026, the government will use September’s CPI inflation figure to increase the Universal Credit standard allowance each year. The Bill also sets out additional percentage adjustments that determine how these increases work in practice.
Universal Credit elements
Between 2026 and 2030, the government may freeze or adjust certain Universal Credit elements depending on its financial strategy and the wider economy. This flexibility allows the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) to manage benefit levels in line with inflation and budget priorities.
PIP eligibility rules
The Bill also updates how the DWP assesses eligibility for Personal Independence Payment. It reviews the daily living and mobility criteria to decide who qualifies, but it keeps the actual payment amounts the same for now.
For the latest PIP rates and what to expect for April 2026, see our PIP Rates 2026 article.
Purpl Tip: Always check the official Up-Rating Order on legislation.gov.uk before trusting online predictions about new benefit rates. Many unofficial websites share estimates that the government never confirms.
What the Bill Does Not Do
It’s important to be clear about what’s not in this Bill:
- It does not confirm how much PIP will pay in 2026/27.
- It does not list weekly or monthly payment figures.
- It does not alter the existing process for confirming PIP rates — that still happens through the Social Security Benefits Up-Rating Order, published annually on GOV.UK.
- If you see PIP rates listed for 2026 elsewhere, double-check they’re not speculation — the DWP hasn’t confirmed them yet.
Know the Difference: Bill vs. Rates
It’s easy to mix them up, but a Bill and a rates announcement do completely different things.
Parliament debates and passes a Bill. It changes how benefits work — for example, how eligibility rules apply or how payments increase each year — but it doesn’t include any payment amounts.
The Department for Work and Pensions releases the Up-Rating Order later. This legal document confirms the benefit amounts for the next financial year.
After Parliament approves the Order, GOV.UK publishes the updated “Benefit and pension rates” page with the official figures that take effect from April.
In short, the Bill sets the rules, and the Up-Rating Order sets the money.
Timeline: What to Watch Out for
The first major step will happen in October 2025, when Parliament debates the Universal Credit and Personal Independence Payment Bill.
Next, during autumn or winter 2025/26, the government will issue the Social Security Benefits Up-Rating Order, which sets out the confirmed PIP rates for April 2026.
In April 2026, once Parliament passes the Bill, the government will start the new Universal Credit changes and roll out any approved PIP eligibility updates. At the same time, GOV.UK will publish the confirmed PIP payment rates for 2026/27.
Who Could be Affected
Anyone who currently receives PIP or plans to apply for it will notice changes once Parliament approves the Bill.
Current PIP claimants may see the DWP update how it reviews and assesses eligibility, which could change the review process in future.
New applicants will need to meet the updated eligibility rules once they come into effect, so keeping an eye on official GOV.UK updates will be important.
Meanwhile, Universal Credit claimants will see changes in how the DWP increases their benefit each year, starting from April 2026. These adjustments will follow the new uprating formula introduced in the Bill.
If you receive both PIP and Universal Credit, you’ll likely experience both sets of updates next year.
Purpl Tip: Try the Turn2Us benefit calculator to estimate what you can claim. The tool will update automatically when the government confirms the official 2026 PIP rates.
Practical Guidance
To stay prepared, there are a few practical steps you can take now.
- Keep evidence organised. If you’re applying or waiting for a review, make sure all your documents, reports, and notes are up to date. Should new rules be introduced, GOV.UK will publish clear guidance on who is affected and when.
- See our PIP rates 2026 article for current figures and how the next Up-Rating Order works.
- Set a reminder for the Up-Rating Order. This is usually published between November and January. Once it’s released, GOV.UK updates the benefit rates table for the year ahead.
- Budget with headroom. When planning finances for 2026, leave a small buffer in your budget in case the confirmed PIP uplift differs from what you expect.
- Save while you wait. Purpl members can access discounts on mobility aids, assistive technology, and essential living items — helping you stretch your budget while waiting for new DWP announcements.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. What does the Universal Credit and Personal Independence Payment Bill actually do?
It sets the rules for how benefits operate — for example, how Universal Credit is uprated each year and how PIP eligibility may be assessed. It does not include payment amounts.
Q2. Does the Bill change how PIP amounts are decided?
No. The Bill can change mechanisms and eligibility rules, but payment amounts are confirmed separately via the Social Security Benefits Up-Rating Order each year.
Q3. What is the Social Security Benefits Up-Rating Order?
It’s the legal instrument that confirms benefit figures for the next financial year. After it’s approved by Parliament, GOV.UK updates the official benefit and pension rates table.
Q4. Where can the official numbers be found when they’re confirmed?
On GOV.UK’s “Benefit and pension rates” page and in the Up-Rating Order text. For a reader-friendly summary, see our PIP rates 2026 article.
Q5. Will PIP eligibility assessments change because of the Bill?
Potentially. The Bill can update how daily living and mobility criteria are applied. Any changes would be set out in official guidance before they take effect.
Sources (Official & Primary)
- Universal Credit and Personal Independence Payment Bill (Parliament PDF)
- GOV.UK — Benefit and Pension Rates 2025 to 2026
- The Social Security Benefits Up-Rating Order (annual; legislation.gov.uk)
- GOV.UK — Personal Independence Payment (overview)
About the Author
Georgina is the founder of Purpl, a platform dedicated to helping disabled people save money through exclusive discounts. Living with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and ADHD, she understands firsthand the financial challenges of living with a disability. Her mission is to work with brands to secure discounts that ease the cost of essential products, services, and everyday expenses for the disabled community.
As an ambulatory wheelchair user, Georgina knows how it feels to lose independence due to a disability. She is passionate about holistic therapies and diet to manage inflammation and stay as healthy as possible. Her goal is to make Purpl an essential resource for disabled people, offering practical support, advice, and financial relief.
Beyond Purpl, Georgina has a long-term vision to launch a foundation providing grants for disabled people who need extra financial support.
Follow @Purpldiscounts on social media for the latest disability discounts, financial advice, and accessibility resources.
Other articles, or links, you might find useful:
How to Apply for PIP and Maximise the Benefits in the UK
DWP Confirms Small Benefits Increase for PIP, Carer’s Allowance & More
Going Abroad On PIP: The 4-Week Rule That Could Pause Your Payments
How to Challenge a PIP Decision in the UK: What to Do If Your Claim Is Refused or Underpaid
PIP Reform 101: Latest Update on Personal Independence Payment (PIP) Changes
PIP Discounts and Freebies 2025: Maximise Savings with your PIP Benefits
PIP and Disability Benefits in 2025: What’s Changing and the Impact on Lifelong or Progressive Conditions
The Future of PIP: 2026 Rates, Budget Updates and What Disabled People Need Most
