The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has issued a 10-day warning over major changes to Personal Independence Payment (PIP), affecting 3.9 million claimants. The Timms Review, led by Minister of State for Social Security and Disability Sir Stephen Timms, is conducting an independent examination of PIP, the UK's main non-means-tested disability benefit. The call for evidence closes on 28 May 2026.
Potential changes include longer intervals between PIP reviews, especially for those with long-term or worsening conditions, and exploring direct medical evidence sharing from the NHS to the DWP. The review also considers recording assessments as standard, with an opt-out option, to build trust and aid appeals. Financial expert Laura Pomfret told BBC Morning Live that face-to-face assessments are expected to increase significantly.
PIP spending has doubled from £11 billion in 2019-2020 to £22 billion last year, with claims rising from 2 million working-age people in 2019 to over 4 million projected by the end of the decade. The review aims to report back by autumn 2026, with some changes, such as extended review periods from three to five years, expected to be implemented this summer.
