The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has outlined key reforms to the Personal Independence Payment (PIP) system, scheduled to begin in 2026. These changes are aimed at improving the assessment process and eligibility criteria.
A “wider review” of the indicators used on the PIP 2 evidence form will be launched to better reflect the real impact of disabilities on daily living and mobility tasks.
Planned Reforms to the PIP System
Review of the PIP 2 Evidence Form
The PIP 2 evidence form is a critical component of the PIP application process. Claimants use this form to answer questions about their ability to perform daily activities and mobility tasks, selecting descriptors that best reflect their individual circumstances.
Under the new proposals, there will be a comprehensive review of these indicators to ensure they accurately capture the challenges faced by people with disabilities. The DWP has committed to improving the form, making it more representative and fair.
Key Points from Minister for Social Security
Sir Stephen Timms, the Minister for Social Security and Disability, emphasized the need for urgent reform to address the growing number of PIP claimants, which is expected to double over the next decade.
He noted that PIP claims are set to increase from 2 million to over 4.3 million in the coming years, making it necessary to adapt the system to meet this demand. The reforms aim to restore trust and fairness in the system while promoting the interests of disabled people.
Sir Stephen also highlighted that the review would involve collaboration with experts, stakeholders, and individuals with lived experience to ensure that the proposed changes meet the needs of all claimants. Further updates will be provided as the plans progress.
Key Proposed Changes to Eligibility and Assessment
Minimum Points Requirement for Daily Living
A significant change involves the eligibility criteria for receiving PIP. Under the new rules, claimants will need to score at least four points for any one of the daily living activities to qualify for PIP.
Points are awarded based on how much difficulty a claimant experiences when completing tasks like preparing food, washing, dressing, communicating, and interacting with others.
New Points System for Daily Living Component
Currently, claimants must score eight points for the standard rate and 12 points for the enhanced rate of the daily living component of PIP.
However, under the proposed reforms, the minimum points required for the daily living component will be adjusted. The points system will align with the new eligibility rules, ensuring that those with significant difficulties are properly supported.
Mobility Component Not Affected
While the daily living component will undergo significant changes, the mobility component will remain unaffected by the review. It will continue to use the existing points scale, which is also based on a claimant’s ability to perform mobility tasks.
The Impact of Proposed Reforms
Reduced PIP Caseload
The DWP forecasts that the changes will lead to a reduction of 400,000 PIP claimants by 2029/30. Despite this reduction, the overall number of claimants is expected to continue growing over the next five years, increasing by 24% or over 750,000 individuals.
No Freeze on PIP Payments
The PIP payment rates will remain unaffected by the reforms. Payments will continue to be non-means-tested and will rise in line with the September inflation rate. There will be no freeze on PIP payments, ensuring that claimants are not financially disadvantaged by the changes.
Increase in Face-to-Face Assessments
Another key reform is the increase in the number of face-to-face assessments. Currently, most assessments are conducted remotely via telephone, video call, or through paper-based forms. The DWP intends to introduce more in-person evaluations to better understand the claimant’s needs and challenges.
Timeline for Changes
The proposed changes are set to come into force in November 2026, pending parliamentary approval. The implementation timeline will allow for sufficient time to make adjustments and ensure that the new rules are effective and fair for all claimants.
Proposed Changes to PIP Eligibility
| Change | Current Status | Proposed Change |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Points for Daily Living | 8 points for standard rate, 12 for enhanced rate | 4 points for at least one daily living activity |
| Mobility Component | No review of points system | No change to mobility component |
| PIP Payment Rates | Linked to inflation | No freeze, rates will continue to rise with inflation |
| Assessment Method | Remote assessments (phone, video, paper-based) | Increase in face-to-face assessments |
| Total PIP Caseload | 3.7 million claimants | Expected reduction of 400,000 by 2029/30 |
The Department for Work and Pensions has outlined a series of reforms to the Personal Independence Payment (PIP) system, aiming to improve the fairness and efficiency of the assessment process. The introduction of a wider review of the PIP indicators and changes to eligibility requirements are designed to better support individuals with disabilities.
While some components will remain unchanged, the PIP 2 evidence form will undergo significant adjustments to reflect the true impact of disabilities. These changes will be rolled out in November 2026, subject to parliamentary approval, with the aim of providing more accurate and equitable support to claimants.
FAQs
What are the proposed changes to the PIP eligibility criteria?
The new rules propose that claimants must score at least four points for any one of the daily living activities to qualify for PIP.
When will the proposed PIP reforms take effect?
The reforms are scheduled to come into force in November 2026, subject to parliamentary approval.
Will there be any changes to the PIP payments?
No, PIP payments will continue to be non-means-tested and will rise in line with inflation.
Thay will be 120000 reduction not 400,000,pour evil by the government.