Certain groups of older people with an award for the lower rate of mobility element may be able to ask the DWP to review their claim following a recent change in the lawLinda Howard Money and Consumer Writer and Lucy John
21:30, 16 Jan 2026
It concerns those above state pension age(Image: John Myers)
Certain older people receiving personal independence payment (PIP) with the lower rate mobility component may now be eligible to request the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) reassess their claim due to a recent legislative amendment. Those who have reached state pension age might qualify for an enhanced mobility award under PIP even if they’re no longer in receipt of the benefit.
It’s crucial to understand that this legislative change exclusively concerns claimants above state pension age and their eligibility for the enhanced mobility component. According to DWP guidance it applies solely to PIP claims that underwent review between April 8, 2013, and November 20, 2020.
The legislative amendment follows a tribunal decision on May 22, 2020, which highlighted an inadvertent loophole in regulation 27 of the Social Security (Personal Independence Payment) Regulations 2013. For money-saving tips sign up to our Money newsletter here.
The guidance clarifies: “DWP did not have the legal powers to restrict the mobility award for claimants who were in receipt of the standard rate of the mobility award and over state pension age, on the grounds of new medical evidence. New medical evidence is a report from a health professional requested by DWP which recommended the enhanced rate of the mobility award.
“DWP were only able to restrict the mobility award for claimants if a relevant change in circumstances was identified after they reached state pension age,” reports the Daily Record.
Amendments to PIP regulations came into force on November 30, 2020, to address this unintended oversight. The DWP is urging anyone who believes they may have been affected to request a review of their claim.
Who might qualify for the enhanced mobility rate of personal independence payment (PIP)?
Previously the DWP would utilise a health professional’s report when assessing your claim. If you hadn’t reported any changes in your mobility needs you could be eligible for an increase in your mobility award.
This is due to the fact that the DWP should not have informed you your award couldn’t be increased because you had reached state pension age – implying you could have received more funds.
The enhanced mobility rate currently stands at £77.05 per week for this financial year, equating to £308.20 every four-week pay period. An award for the enhanced mobility rate could also allow someone to join the Motability Scheme, assisting them with transportation.
Eligibility
You may be entitled to an increased award for the mobility part of your PIP, even if you have stopped getting PIP, if all of the following apply:
- you had your PIP claim reviewed between April 8, 2013, and November 20, 2020
- you were over state pension age
- you received the standard rate of the mobility award
- you did not report a change in your circumstances that affected your mobility needs
- you had a health professional assessment
- you continued to receive the standard rate of the mobility award
- your decision letter told you the DWP could not increase your mobility award because you were over state pension age
DWP has also previously said if you are getting PIP now they will not reduce your award because of this change. However it added it cannot look again at any decisions made by a tribunal.
How to apply
Contact the PIP inquiry line on 0800 121 6579 and say you are inquiring about the ‘Regulation 27 administrative exercise review’.
You will need your National Insurance number.
You can also contact them by post. Full details are on the GOV.UK website here.