The government led by Andy Burnham is set to release the findings of the Timms Review, a major assessment of the UK's main disability benefit, the Personal Independence Payment (PIP). The review's results are expected to explain how the non-means-tested system should be overhauled, prompting claimants to examine their rights.
The Timms Review was launched in October 2025 to ensure PIP is fair and fit for the future, helping disabled people achieve better health, higher living standards, and greater independence, including through employment. The amount of money people receive through the scheme depends on how many points they get, based on how much their condition affects daily life.
Concerns over potential changes
PIP supports many people with a disability or long-term health condition, and the government has said it is committed to ensuring it remains a non-means-tested cash benefit for people both in and out of work. However, concerns have been raised that the overhaul could make it more difficult for people with certain conditions to claim, or lead to cuts for some households.
Applications and payments through PIP have grown significantly over the years, largely attributed to younger adults claiming for conditions like anxiety, depression, and ADHD. It is understood these claimants could be targeted in the disability benefits overhaul, expected in 2027.
Reasons PIP can be stopped or reduced
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) can currently stop or reduce PIP payments for several reasons. These include failing to return review forms or missing a telephone assessment or face-to-face interview without a good reason. PIP could also be removed if the health condition a person is claiming for improves significantly at a scheduled reassessment and they no longer meet the points threshold.
The benefit can also be changed or removed if the claimant moves abroad or goes into certain types of NHS-funded or residential care for a long period. Benefits could also be reduced or stopped if somebody receiving PIP fails to report a change in circumstances, is accused of benefit fraud, or the DWP takes back a benefit overpayment.
What to do if your payment changes
If a person claiming PIP is not sure why the DWP stopped or reduced their payment, they should check any letters the DWP has sent them or call the PIP enquiry line and ask for an explanation.
