The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has officially begun its review of Personal Independence Payment (PIP), the main disability benefit in the UK. The Labour government announced the overhaul in March as part of its Pathways to Work Green Paper, aiming to cut welfare spending. The changes could affect up to 800,000 claimants, according to the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR).
Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall confirmed the review in the Commons, stating that the DWP will engage with disabled individuals and organisations to explore potential adjustments to eligibility criteria. She emphasised that PIP is a crucial benefit for covering the extra costs of living with a disability and assured that the government wants to ensure it remains fair for those who need it now and in the future.
Under the proposed changes, from November 2026, claimants will need a minimum of four points in at least one activity—such as washing, eating, or dressing—to qualify for the daily living component of PIP. Currently, points are totalled across all activities. The mobility component assessment will not change. An assessment report suggests 370,000 people could lose support, and 430,000 future recipients could receive less, with an average loss of £4,500 per year.
Existing claimants will not be affected unless they reapply or are reassessed after the new rules come into force. Those with permanent or worsening conditions will not face reassessment, but others may face more frequent checks. Terminally ill claimants will continue to receive PIP automatically without assessment.
