Conservative MP Joy Morrissey has urged the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) to explore means-testing Personal Independence Payment (PIP) during oral questions in the House of Commons on Monday, citing escalating welfare costs. Morrissey, the MP for Beaconsfield, pointed to a £5 billion increase in PIP costs this year and noted that the number of households earning over £100,000 and receiving PIP has doubled to 200,000 claimants, according to the TaxPayers' Alliance. She questioned whether eligibility for the disability benefit should factor in a claimant's income.
Government Rejects Means-Testing Proposal
Disability and Social Security Minister Sir Stephen Timms responded by reaffirming the UK Government's commitment to keeping PIP as a non-means-tested benefit. He stated: "Together with disabled people, we are co-producing a review of PIP to ensure that it is fair and fit for the future. The review's terms of reference reflect the view of successive Governments that PIP should be a non-means-tested cash benefit for people both in and out of work, because anybody can incur additional costs as a result of long-term ill health or disability."
PIP is currently a non-means-tested benefit, meaning entitlement is based on how a person's long-term health condition or disability affects their daily living and mobility, rather than their income, savings, or employment status. A successful claim is worth between £30.30 and £194.60 per week, with payments made in arrears every four weeks, resulting in awards of between £121.20 and £778.40.
Timms Review Underway
The independent PIP review, announced earlier this year, was initiated after the government scrapped planned reforms that would have tightened eligibility criteria. The review is being conducted alongside disabled people, charities, and other stakeholders. It aims to examine how the benefit can better serve claimants' needs while remaining financially sustainable. The review is due to conclude by autumn, with an interim report expected before parliament breaks for its summer recess on 16 July.
PIP currently provides additional financial assistance to more than 4 million people across England and Wales. It supports working-age adults with long-term physical or mental health conditions or disabilities, helping to cover the extra costs they may face as a result of their condition. Unlike income-related benefits such as Universal Credit or Pension Credit, PIP is unaffected by a claimant's wages, savings, or wider financial situation. Instead, awards are determined by how a person's condition impacts their ability to perform everyday tasks and move about.
