Many people who claim Personal Independence Payment (PIP) in the UK have seen an unexpected payment of £749 land in their bank accounts today. This early payment comes just ahead of the upcoming Bank Holiday on Monday, May 26, when banks and payment offices will be closed. The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has confirmed that this shift is to ensure no one misses out on their regular PIP payment.
Why Are People Receiving an Early PIP Payment?
Normally, PIP is paid every four weeks. The payment date depends on when your claim started and your National Insurance number. However, because of the May Bank Holiday, the DWP is processing early payments. So, if your payment was due on Monday, you’ll receive it today instead—Friday, May 23.
For many claimants, this means waking up to a payment of up to £749.80. This is not a bonus or extra payment—it’s simply the regular payment being delivered early to avoid delays due to the Bank Holiday closure.
How Much Can You Get on PIP?
PIP is a benefit given to people with health conditions or disabilities that affect their daily lives or ability to move around. It has two parts: Daily Living and Mobility. Each part has a standard and enhanced rate.
From April 2025, due to a 1.7% inflation increase, the weekly PIP amounts are:
Standard daily living: £73.90
Enhanced daily living: £110.40
Standard mobility: £29.20
Enhanced mobility: £77.05
If you qualify for the enhanced rate of both elements, your payment can be as high as £749.80 every four weeks. Even though PIP is not monthly, it is paid 13 times a year, unlike standard monthly benefits.
Who Is Eligible for PIP?
To claim PIP, your condition must have affected you for at least three months and be expected to continue for at least nine more months. You must also be living in the UK during this time.
The benefit is not based on the condition alone but how it affects your daily living and mobility. This is assessed through a medical and lifestyle evaluation.
While not guaranteed, people suffering from the following 27 health conditions are more likely to qualify for PIP:
List of 27 Conditions That May Qualify for PIP
Sleep apnoea, upper respiratory tract diseases, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), chronic bronchitis, cystic fibrosis, emphysema, empyema, epilepsy, bronchiectasis, asthma, asbestosis, extrinsic allergic alveolitis, fibrosing alveolitis, sarcoidosis, silicosis, granulomatous lung disease, pulmonary infiltration, pulmonary fibrosis (various types), pneumoconiosis, pleura-related issues, pleural effusion, pneumothorax, pulmonary embolus, pneumonia, lung transplantation, and heart-lung transplantation.
How the Payment Works
PIP is made up of two parts—each can be paid at different levels depending on how much help you need. Many claimants with serious breathing conditions or mobility issues can qualify for both the Daily Living and Mobility components at the enhanced rate.
That means a weekly total of up to £187.45, and £749.80 every four weeks.
This early DWP payment of up to £749 is not a surprise bonus but a thoughtful shift in schedule due to the upcoming Bank Holiday. It helps ensure that those who rely on this vital support are not left waiting for funds. If you have a long-term illness or disability, especially one of the listed 27 conditions, and it affects your day-to-day life, it may be worth checking if you are eligible for PIP. With the right assessment and paperwork, you could receive essential financial support to help manage your condition and live more comfortably.
FAQs
Why did I receive a £749 DWP payment today?
This payment is an early release of your usual PIP benefits due to the Bank Holiday on Monday, May 26. The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) processes payments earlier when the regular date falls on a public holiday.
Is the £749 payment a bonus or one-time support?
No, the £749 is not a bonus or special payment. It is your regular four-weekly PIP payment made early because of the Bank Holiday.
Who qualifies for PIP payments?
You may qualify for PIP if you have a health condition or disability that affects your ability to carry out daily tasks or move around. Eligibility is based on an assessment, not just the diagnosis.
How often are PIP payments made?
PIP is paid every four weeks. Though it is not a monthly payment, you receive it 13 times a year, not 12, as it is based on a 28-day cycle.
What conditions can make you eligible for PIP?
Conditions like COPD, asthma, cystic fibrosis, epilepsy, and various lung and breathing issues are examples. However, eligibility depends on how the condition affects your daily life, not just the condition itself.
