Older Personal Independence Payment (PIP) claimants who were over State Pension age and only receiving the standard mobility rate may now be eligible for a backdated upgrade to the enhanced mobility rate—worth over £300 every four weeks.
This comes after a legal loophole in regulation 27 of the Social Security (Personal Independence Payment) Regulations 2013 was exposed and corrected. If you had your PIP reviewed between April 8, 2013 and November 20, 2020, you may be due a significant backpayment—even if you no longer receive PIP.
Here’s everything you need to know.
Table of Contents
Background
A tribunal decision in May 2020 revealed that the DWP did not have the legal power to refuse increasing the mobility award for those over State Pension age based only on new medical evidence.
Before the regulation was amended in November 2020, the DWP could only increase your award if you had reported a change in circumstances. That meant many older claimants may have missed out on money they were rightfully due, simply because they didn’t report a change—even when health professionals recommended a higher rate.
To correct this, DWP is now inviting eligible claimants to request a review of their past decisions.
Who Is Eligible?
You might be owed backpay and potentially an increase in your PIP mobility award if you meet all of the following:
| Eligibility Criteria |
|---|
| You had your PIP claim reviewed between April 8, 2013 and November 20, 2020 |
| You were over State Pension age at the time |
| You were receiving the standard rate of the mobility component |
| You did not report a change in mobility needs |
| A health professional assessed your claim |
| The DWP decision kept you on the standard mobility rate |
| Your decision letter said it couldn’t be increased due to your age |
You can even apply if you’re no longer receiving PIP, as long as the review falls within the timeframe and matches the conditions.
What You Could Receive
The enhanced mobility component of PIP is worth £77.05 per week in the current financial year.
That equals around:
- £308.20 every four weeks
- Over £4,000 per year if awarded long-term
Backpay will depend on how long ago your claim was reviewed and whether you qualify. Some claimants could be owed thousands in arrears.
A higher mobility award may also give you access to the Motability Scheme, which provides help with transportation, including leasing adapted vehicles or mobility scooters.
How to Apply
If you think you meet the criteria, here’s how to request a review:
- Call the PIP enquiry line:
0800 121 6579
Ask about the ‘Regulation 27 administrative exercise review’ - Have this information ready:
- Your National Insurance number
- Details of your original claim if possible
- Write by post (if preferred):
Visit the GOV.UK website to find the correct postal address for PIP correspondence and include the same details in writing.
Note: The DWP has stated that no current PIP awards will be reduced because of this review. However, tribunal decisions will not be re-examined as part of this process.
Why It Matters
This update may affect thousands of pension-age PIP claimants, many of whom may have accepted the standard rate thinking they were no longer eligible for upgrades due to age. If you or someone you know fits the criteria, it’s worth making a call—it could unlock hundreds or even thousands in backpay.
FAQs
Who qualifies for PIP mobility backpay?
Those over State Pension age reviewed between 2013–2020.
How much is the enhanced mobility rate worth?
£77.05 per week or about £308 every four weeks.
Can I apply if I no longer get PIP?
Yes, as long as you meet the eligibility conditions.
Will my PIP be reduced if I ask?
No, your current award won’t be reduced by the review.
How do I request a review?
Call 0800 121 6579 and ask about the Regulation 27 review.
