The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has announced a significant operational shift in the management of Personal Independence Payment (PIP) claims, set to commence in April 2026. The central reform involves substantially extending the period between PIP award reviews for the majority of claimants.
Key Changes to PIP Award Durations
Under the current system, the gap between PIP award reviews can be as short as nine months, with most claimants seeing no change to their award at reassessment. This is now set for a major overhaul. For most claimants aged 25 and over, the minimum period for a new PIP claim will be extended to three years.
Furthermore, at their next review, if they continue to qualify, their award could be set for a duration of up to five years. Officials state this change is designed to free up valuable time for health professionals, allowing them to focus on conducting more in-person assessments and tackling the inherited backlog of Work Capability Assessments (WCAs).
A Push for Face-to-Face Assessments
A core part of the government's strategy is a dramatic increase in face-to-face health assessments, which were scaled back during the COVID-19 pandemic. The DWP confirms this move fulfils a pledge made in the Pathways to Work Green Paper.
The shift is stark: the proportion of PIP assessments conducted in person is projected to jump from just 6% in 2024 (57,000 cases) to 30% of all assessments. Similarly, face-to-face Work Capability Assessments will rise from 13% in 2024 (74,000 cases) to 30% across the board.
Separate from Wider Review and Financial Impact
The DWP emphasises that these operational changes are distinct from the ongoing Timms Review, which is scrutinising the fundamental role of PIP, its assessment criteria, and how it supports disabled people. The April changes coincide with adjustments to Universal Credit designed to reduce the disparity between payments for unemployment and long-term sickness.
The financial implications of the new PIP and WCA strategy are substantial. The government projects these measures will deliver savings of £1.9 billion to UK taxpayers by the end of the 2030/31 financial year.
Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, Pat McFadden, defended the reforms, stating: "We're committed to reforming the welfare system we inherited, which for too long has written off millions as too sick to work." He added that ramping up face-to-face assessments and tackling the WCA backlog would create a system that "supports those who need it while helping people into work and delivering fairness to the taxpayer."
