The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has paused proposed changes to Personal Independence Payment (PIP) until a review of the eligibility and assessment process is completed. Minister for Social Security and Disability, Sir Stephen Timms, will co-produce the review with disabled groups and charities, with completion expected in autumn 2026.
PIP Award Lengths and Reviews
PIP awards are typically made for a fixed period rather than for life, and most claimants face a review before payments end. According to the latest DWP figures, there are over 4 million PIP claimants in England and Wales, receiving between £30.30 and £194.60 per week. In Scotland, Adult Disability Payment (ADP) has replaced PIP for all new and existing claimants, with over 504,000 people receiving ADP, according to Social Security Scotland.
More than 1.5 million (39%) of PIP claimants have an award of five years or longer. Over half of claimants with general musculoskeletal conditions (50.8%), such as arthritis, and 49.5% with neurological conditions like epilepsy or multiple sclerosis, have longer awards. Over 58% of claimants with visual conditions receive higher rates for over five years.
Limited Term Awards and Light Touch Reviews
Some claimants receive a limited term award of up to two years with no review, typically when their condition is expected to improve. Ongoing awards with a 'light touch' review are given to claimants with very stable needs that are unlikely to change, high-level needs that will stay the same or worsen, a planned award review date at or after State Pension age, or a special rules for end of life claim. The DWP guidance states: 'These claimants would not usually be expected to have a face-to-face assessment at review.'
Conditions with Highest Five-Year Awards
Data from April 2026 shows the conditions with the highest percentage of five-year or longer awards: Visual disease (60,360 total claimants, 34,692 with 5+ year awards), musculoskeletal disease (general), neurological disease, respiratory disease, autoimmune disease (connective tissue disorders), and musculoskeletal disease (regional).
Eligibility and Assessment
To qualify for PIP or ADP, you must have had difficulties with daily living or mobility for three months and expect these to continue for at least nine months. You usually need to have lived in the UK for at least two of the last three years. The DWP or Social Security Scotland assesses how difficult you find tasks, considering safety, time, frequency, and need for help or equipment.
PIP and ADP are paid every four weeks, except for terminally ill claimants who receive weekly payments. Daily living standard rate is £76.70 per week, enhanced rate £114.60. Mobility standard rate is £30.30, enhanced rate £80.00. Assessments can be face-to-face, video, telephone, or paper-based; ADP assessments are not face-to-face unless the claimant prefers.
