The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has unveiled a significant overhaul of the benefits assessment system, mandating a substantial increase in face-to-face meetings for claimants from April 2026. This marks a decisive move away from the virtual assessment model that became dominant after the pandemic.
Major Shift in Assessment Ratios
The department confirmed it will dramatically ramp up the proportion of in-person evaluations. For Personal Independence Payment (PIP) assessments, the rate will surge from just 6% in 2024 (equating to 57,000 assessments) to 30% of all assessments. Similarly, for the Work Capability Assessment (WCA), used for Universal Credit and Employment and Support Allowance, the face-to-face rate will jump from 13% in 2024 (74,000 assessments) to 30%.
This policy shift follows sustained criticism that the heavy reliance on remote assessments, agreed under previous Conservative contracts stipulating 80% be done virtually, was leading to an excessively high rate of approvals. The current Labour government has targeted these contracts for reform.
Extended Review Periods and Backlog Focus
In a parallel change, the DWP is extending the time between mandatory check-ups to see if a claimant's condition still qualifies them for PIP. Currently, reviews can be as frequent as every nine months, with most seeing no change to their award.
Under the new rules, for the majority of PIP recipients aged 25 and over, the review period for new claims will stretch to at least three years. If eligibility continues at the subsequent review, the period will then extend to five years.
The DWP states this change will free up health professionals' time to conduct the increased volume of face-to-face assessments and tackle the inherited backlog of people awaiting a Work Capability Assessment. Work and Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden said the action was part of reforming a system that had "for too long has written off millions as too sick to work."
Financial Impact and Wider Employment Strategy
The Treasury estimates these combined operational reforms will save the taxpayer £1.9 billion by the close of the 2030/31 financial year. The savings are framed as part of creating a welfare state that supports those in need while ensuring fairness for those who fund it.
These changes are integrated into a broader employment drive, including the Connect to Work programme and the deployment of 1,000 additional work coaches. The government aims to help 300,000 individuals who are ill or disabled into work by the end of the parliamentary term.
It is crucial to note that these operational tweaks are separate from the ongoing Timms Review, which is examining the fundamental purpose of PIP, its assessment framework, and eligibility criteria. The DWP's new assessment ratios and review timelines are scheduled to take effect from April 2026, coinciding with planned alterations to Universal Credit designed to reduce the gap between benefits for unemployment and long-term sickness.
