Some older Personal Independence Payment (PIP) claimants may now be owed backpay worth over £300 after a recent legal update affecting the mobility component of the benefit. If you’re over State Pension age and were awarded only the standard rate of PIP mobility, you may have been underpaid—especially if your claim was reviewed between April 2013 and November 2020.
Thanks to a correction of regulations following a tribunal ruling, you could now request a review of your past award and potentially receive the enhanced mobility rate, even if you’re no longer receiving PIP.
Let’s walk through who qualifies, how much backpay could be due, and how to apply.
Background
This change comes from a tribunal decision made on May 22, 2020, which found a flaw in regulation 27 of the Social Security (PIP) Regulations 2013. That loophole allowed the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) to wrongly deny mobility increases to people over State Pension age—even when new medical evidence suggested they should get a higher rate.
The rule was fixed by an amendment on November 30, 2020, but that doesn’t help people whose claims were assessed under the older version of the rule. The DWP is now encouraging eligible claimants to come forward and request a review.
Who’s Affected
You could be eligible for a review and backpay if:
- Your PIP claim was reviewed between April 8, 2013, and November 20, 2020
- You were over State Pension age at the time
- You were awarded the standard rate of the mobility component
- You did not report a change in your mobility
- A health professional assessed you during your review
- Your award did not increase, despite that assessment
- Your decision letter stated that your mobility award could not be increased due to your age
These specific conditions are required because the DWP’s error was linked to how it applied the law during that time period.
If you meet all these criteria, even if you’re no longer on PIP, you can still ask for a reassessment.
Payment
The enhanced mobility rate of PIP is worth £77.05 per week in the current financial year. That’s equivalent to £308.20 every four weeks.
If you had been wrongly denied the enhanced rate over any length of time, the backpay owed could add up to hundreds or even thousands of pounds, depending on how long the underpayment lasted.
Plus, receiving the enhanced mobility rate may also open the door to Motability Scheme eligibility, giving you access to a lease vehicle, wheelchair-accessible car, or scooter.
Protection
The DWP has said that existing PIP claims won’t be reduced as a result of this review. So if you request a review and don’t qualify, your current award stays the same. However, the department also confirmed that it cannot reassess any tribunal decisions, so only decisions made by the DWP itself are eligible.
Action
So how do you apply for a review?
The DWP has set up a process called the ‘Regulation 27 administrative exercise review’. You can contact the PIP enquiry line to get started:
- Call: 0800 121 6579
- Mention: Regulation 27 administrative exercise
- Provide: Your National Insurance number
Alternatively, you can write to the DWP by post. Full details, including postal contact information, can be found on the official GOV.UK website.
The sooner you reach out, the sooner you may be able to claim what you’re owed.
FAQs
Who qualifies for PIP mobility backpay?
Claimants over State Pension age with reviews from 2013–2020.
How much is the enhanced mobility rate?
£77.05 weekly or £308.20 every four weeks.
What is the Regulation 27 review?
A reassessment of old PIP mobility claims after legal changes.
Can I apply if I no longer get PIP?
Yes, if your past claim meets the eligibility criteria.
Will my current PIP award be reduced?
No, the DWP says your award won’t be lowered by review.
