MP Calls for Means-Testing PIP Amid Rising Costs
During Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) oral questions in the House of Commons on Monday, Conservative MP Joy Morrissey urged the government to explore means-testing Personal Independence Payment (PIP) as part of the ongoing Timms Review. Morrissey highlighted that PIP costs are expected to add an extra £5 billion to the welfare budget this year, and cited TaxPayers' Alliance data showing the number of households earning over £100,000 and receiving PIP has doubled to 200,000 claimants.
PIP is a non-means-tested benefit, meaning eligibility depends on how a person's long-term health condition or disability impacts daily living and mobility, rather than their income, savings, or employment status. A successful claim is valued between £30.30 and £194.60 per week, with payments issued in arrears every four weeks, resulting in awards ranging from £121.20 to £778.40.
Minister Reaffirms Non-Means-Tested Principle
In response, Disability and Social Security Minister Sir Stephen Timms signalled that the UK Government has no intention to change the established principle that PIP should not be determined by a person's financial circumstances. He told MPs: "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."
Timms Review and Future of PIP
The UK Government announced the independent review of PIP earlier this year, following the decision to scrap previously planned reforms that would have tightened eligibility criteria. The review is being conducted alongside disabled people, charities, and various stakeholders, and is expected to examine how the benefit can more effectively address claimants' needs while ensuring long-term financial sustainability. The review is anticipated to conclude by autumn, with an interim report due before Parliament rises for the summer recess on July 16. PIP currently provides vital additional financial assistance to more than 4 million people across England and Wales, supporting working-age adults living with long-term physical or mental health conditions or disabilities to offset extra costs.
