The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is implementing a major shift in how it reviews disability benefits, with the time between checks for Personal Independence Payment (PIP) claimants set to be dramatically extended.
Longer Gaps Between PIP Reviews
Under the new plans, the frequency of reviews for PIP awards will be significantly reduced. Currently, some claimants can be reassessed in as little as nine months. The reform will introduce a minimum review period of three years for new claims from those aged 25 and over.
This period will then extend to five years at the next review if the individual remains entitled to the benefit. The DWP states this change will reduce the number of assessments for people whose disability or condition has not changed, allowing resources to be focused elsewhere.
Driving Face-to-Face Assessments and Cutting Costs
This operational change is a core part of a wider package of welfare reforms designed to achieve substantial savings. The government aims to cut £1.9 billion from welfare spending by the end of the 2030/31 financial year.
A key goal is tackling the large inherited backlog of people awaiting a Work Capability Assessment (WCA). By lengthening PIP review periods, the DWP says it will free up health professionals to conduct more face-to-face assessments for both PIP and WCA cases.
The proportion of in-person PIP assessments will rise sharply from 6% in 2024 (approximately 57,000 cases) to 30% of all assessments. Similarly, face-to-face Work Capability Assessments will increase from 13% (74,000 cases) in 2024 to 30%.
Ministerial Statement and Wider Reforms
Work and Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden said the government was committed to reforming a system that had "for too long has written off millions as too sick to work." He stated the ramped-up face-to-face assessments and action on the WCA backlog would "create a welfare state that supports those who need it while helping people into work and delivering fairness to the taxpayer."
The savings from these measures are forecast by the Treasury to reach £85 million in 2026/27, rising to £580 million by 2029/30, with total savings projected to hit £1.95 billion by early 2031.
These changes sit alongside other welfare policies, including the rebalancing of Universal Credit from April 2026 and the redeployment of 1,000 work coaches. The government also highlights employment schemes like Connect to Work, which aims to help 300,000 sick or disabled people into jobs by the end of the parliament.
It is important to note that, according to the Office for Budget Responsibility, total spending on disability benefits is still forecast to rise from £41.4 billion last year to £65.3 billion by the end of 2031.
The extended PIP review periods are separate from the ongoing Timms Review, which is examining the fundamental role, assessment process, and criteria of PIP and may require future legislation. The new rules on assessment frequency are due to take effect from April 2026.
