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The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has announced significant changes to the Personal Independence Payment (PIP), set to be implemented in November 2026, which could impact many claimants.
These modifications aim to better target the benefit to those with the greatest needs, but they also mean that individuals with lower needs might lose their eligibility for the daily living component.
Key Changes to PIP Eligibility
Social Security and Disability Minister Sir Stephen Timms explained that the upcoming changes to PIP will focus on individuals who are either unable to complete activities on their own or require substantial help from others to do so.
These changes are designed to support those facing the highest levels of need, while also addressing the growing cost of the welfare system.
The main modification involves a new eligibility criterion: claimants must now score four points in any one of the ten daily living activities to qualify for PIP.
This could mean that some individuals who have lower needs in daily living activities—scoring fewer than four points—will no longer be eligible for monthly payments of £295.60 or £441.60.
Why the Changes Are Happening
In a written response to Labour MP Noah Law, Sir Stephen Timms explained that PIP is an important benefit for disabled individuals and those with long-term health conditions.
However, he also pointed out that the rate of increase in claims and expenditure on PIP has become unsustainable, surpassing the growth in the disability prevalence.
The new rules aim to control welfare spending while ensuring that support continues for those with the highest needs.
Impact of the Changes
The new rules, which will apply to new claims and award reviews beginning in November 2026, are expected to affect around 370,000 existing PIP recipients, who could lose their benefits when reassessed.
This impact is predicted to extend to 430,000 future claimants, with an average annual loss of £4,500 per individual.
DWP’s Analysis of Claimants
The DWP’s analysis reviewed 18 common disabling conditions to see how these changes would affect claimants. Here’s a breakdown of how PIP claimants with certain health conditions fared:
- Back Pain: 79% (154,000 claimants) scored less than 4 points.
- Arthritis: 6% (13,000 claimants) scored less than 4 points.
- Chronic Pain Syndromes: 71% (97,000 claimants) scored less than 4 points.
- Cardiovascular Diseases: 62% (38,000 claimants) scored less than 4 points.
Other conditions like epilepsy, cerebral palsy, and psychiatric disorders also showed a significant proportion of claimants who would lose eligibility due to scoring under four points.
Daily Living Component: How it’s Assessed
To qualify for the daily living component of PIP, individuals must demonstrate difficulty in performing various tasks such as:
- Eating and drinking.
- Washing, bathing, using the toilet.
- Dressing and undressing.
- Managing medication.
- Interacting with others.
The DWP assesses these tasks based on how often the condition affects the individual, whether they can do it safely, how long it takes, and whether they need help to complete the activity.
The scoring system for each task ranges from 0 to 12 points, with higher scores indicating greater difficulty.
Understanding the Scoring System
- Preparing food: 8 points.
- Taking medication: 10 points.
- Managing therapy: 8 points.
- Washing and bathing: 8 points.
- Making budgeting decisions: 6 points.
To receive the standard rate of PIP, claimants need to score between 8 and 11 points, while scoring 12 or more points qualifies them for the enhanced rate.
Projected Changes and Impact
According to the DWP’s projections, around 370,000 current claimants may lose their benefits by 2029/30, as a result of the new eligibility criteria.
The DWP’s analysis indicates that those with conditions like back pain or chronic pain may face the highest impact, with many scoring below the four-point threshold in daily living tasks.
The PIP reforms are a crucial step toward refining the system to ensure that benefits are allocated to those with the most significant needs.
However, these changes may also result in loss of benefits for many individuals who score lower than the required points for the daily living component.
As these reforms unfold, it’s important for claimants to stay informed and prepare for reassessments.
FAQs
What changes will be made to PIP eligibility in 2026?
Starting in November 2026, claimants will need to score four points in at least one of the ten daily living activities to qualify for the daily living component of PIP.
How will the DWP assess my daily living needs?
The DWP will evaluate how challenging it is for you to perform daily activities, considering factors like safety, the time it takes, and whether you need assistance.
Will PIP payments be frozen after these changes?
No, PIP payments will continue to be non-means-tested and will increase in line with the September inflation rate. The changes will not affect the mobility component.