The UK government has introduced a significant change to Personal Independence Payment (PIP) as part of its newly published Welfare Reform Bill, which is expected to impact thousands of claimants across the country.
The change includes a 13-week transitional support payment for individuals whose future PIP claims are rejected—offering temporary financial support while they adjust.
This reform is part of a larger move to tighten eligibility criteria and reduce benefit expenditures, with projected government savings of £5 billion by 2030. However, it has sparked backlash from MPs and disability rights organizations, warning of potential harm to vulnerable individuals.
What Is the New PIP Transitional Payment?
Under current rules, when a PIP award expires or the claimant’s circumstances change, they must reapply. If the reapplication is rejected, their payments are immediately stopped, causing a sudden loss of income.
The new bill, tabled by Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall, proposes a 13-week “transitional window” that offers continued PIP payments for a limited time after a claim is rejected. This aims to give claimants time to adjust financially or apply for alternative support.
| Change | Previous Policy | New Policy (from 2026) |
|---|---|---|
| PIP claim rejected | Payments stopped immediately | Payments continue for 13 weeks post-rejection |
| Time to apply for new benefits | No grace period | 3-month adjustment period |
| Youth DLA to PIP rejection | 5 weeks of support | No change |
This transitional PIP payment will be introduced from November 2026.
Tougher Assessment Criteria from 2026
In addition to the transitional support, the Welfare Reform Bill will also tighten PIP assessment requirements, making it harder to qualify for the daily living component.
Here’s what’s changing:
- Current Rule: Claimants must score 8 points across multiple activities to qualify.
- New Rule (Nov 2026): Claimants must score at least 4 points in a single activity to receive the daily living component.
This change alone could disqualify thousands of applicants who previously qualified based on cumulative lower scores across various activities.
Impact on PIP Claimants
According to estimates, up to 800,000 people may lose eligibility for PIP by 2029/30, resulting in an average annual loss of £4,500 per person. Despite pressure from over 170 Labour MPs and advocacy groups, the government has moved forward with these cost-cutting measures.
Advocates argue that the 13-week transition only delays hardship, especially as living costs remain high and many disabled people already struggle with debt.
Why This Matters
PIP is a lifeline for over 3 million people in the UK, helping cover additional costs associated with disability—from mobility aids to extra heating bills. While the transitional period may cushion the blow, campaigners stress it does not replace the long-term financial support many depend on.
The government’s aim is to reduce spending and ensure benefits are targeted at the most severely disabled. However, critics say the narrowed criteria risk excluding people with genuine needs who don’t meet the stricter thresholds.
The key change to PIP in the 2025 Welfare Reform Bill introduces a 13-week transitional payment for those whose reapplications are rejected, offering short-term relief.
But coupled with stricter assessment rules, it is expected to disqualify hundreds of thousands from future support. If you or a loved one relies on PIP, staying updated and preparing alternative plans will be essential.
FAQs
What is the 13-week transitional PIP payment?
It’s a temporary financial support period for claimants whose future PIP applications are rejected, giving them time to adjust or reapply.
When will the new PIP rules take effect?
The transitional payment and new qualification criteria are set to begin in November 2026.
How do the PIP assessment criteria change?
Claimants will need to score at least 4 points in one activity instead of 8 points across several activities to qualify.