PIP and Universal Credit: Can You Get Both? (2026 Guide)
By the RightfulUK team • • 4 min read • Reviewed for accuracy
Yes, you can claim PIP and Universal Credit at the same time. They're completely different benefits for different purposes, and claiming PIP can actually INCREASE your Universal Credit payments.
Here's how they work together.
PIP vs Universal Credit: What's the Difference?
PIP is for the extra costs of being disabled. It's NOT means-tested — your income and savings don't matter.
Universal Credit is for living costs when your income is low. It IS means-tested.
They serve completely different purposes: - PIP = disability costs (mobility, daily living support) - UC = basic living costs (rent, food, bills)
You can receive both at full rate.
How PIP Affects Your Universal Credit
PIP is completely ignored as income for UC purposes. Your PIP payments don't reduce your UC at all.
BUT receiving PIP can unlock EXTRA money on Universal Credit:
LCWRA element: If you have limited capability for work-related activity, you can get an extra £416.19/month on UC. Having PIP supports your case for this.
Carer element: If your partner gets PIP and you care for them, you might qualify for the carer element on UC.
Housing element: PIP can affect your housing costs calculation — you may be entitled to an extra bedroom.
Should You Claim PIP If You're on Universal Credit?
Absolutely yes. Reasons:
1. PIP is tax-free extra income on top of UC 2. PIP can increase your UC through disability premiums 3. PIP unlocks other benefits (Blue Badge, Motability, council tax reduction) 4. Claiming PIP doesn't trigger a UC review or reduction 5. Even if you're working, you can claim PIP
There is literally no downside to claiming PIP if you have a qualifying disability.
Do You Need a Work Capability Assessment for Both?
PIP and UC have SEPARATE assessments:
PIP assessment — Tests how your condition affects 12 daily activities Work Capability Assessment — Tests whether you can work
They're done by different organisations, at different times, with different criteria. You may pass one and fail the other.
However: A PIP award provides strong evidence for your Work Capability Assessment. If PIP says you can't prepare food safely, that supports a finding of limited capability for work.
How to Claim Both
1. Apply for Universal Credit at gov.uk/universal-credit 2. Call 0800 917 2222 to start your PIP claim 3. Tell your UC work coach you've applied for PIP 4. Provide evidence of your PIP award to UC when you receive it
You don't need to wait for one before claiming the other. Claim both as soon as possible — PIP is backdated to the date of your call.
Related Articles
- PIP Backpay: How Much Could You Get? (Calculator + Guide) — 3 min read
- Universal Credit Sanction: What to Do If You've Been Sanctioned (2026) — 5 min read
- PIP Denied? Here's Exactly What to Do Next (2026 Guide) — 4 min read
- Helping Someone with Their PIP Appeal: A Guide for Family and Friends — 5 min read
Related Tools & Guides
- Free PIP Eligibility Checker — estimate your likely points
- Mandatory Reconsideration Letter Builder — challenge the DWP decision
- Tribunal Preparation Tool — practice panel questions
- PIP Condition Guides — descriptors for your condition