New regulations that came into force in June are beginning to affect claimants of Personal Independence Payments (PIP) and other benefits. These changes grant the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) the authority to extend existing PIP award periods, potentially lengthening the time between reviews for many claimants aged 25 and over in England and Wales.
Purpose of the New Regulations
The Universal Credit, Personal Independence Payment, Jobseeker's Allowance and Employment and Support Allowance (Decisions and Appeals) (Amendment) Regulations 2026 took effect on June 2. Part of the motivation is to manage the growing backlog of planned award reviews. The regulations state: “The Secretary of State may extend the length of a fixed-term award of personal independence payment, where the Secretary of State considers it necessary to do so to safeguard the efficient administration of personal independence payment.” This gives the DWP discretionary power to extend awards when deemed necessary for efficient administration.
Impact on New and Existing Claimants
There are approximately 3.9 million PIP claimants in England and Wales. Under the new rules, the minimum review period for new claims is set at three years, rising to five years at the next review if the claimant remains entitled. This aims to reduce the volume of reassessments, cut administrative costs, and alleviate stress for those with stable, long-term conditions. For existing claimants, the DWP can now extend current awards instead of requiring reassessment when the award was originally due. Claimants do not need to take any action; if their award is extended, they will receive written confirmation from the DWP. It is important to read all correspondence carefully.
The Timms Review and Potential Changes
The Timms Review, a comprehensive independent UK government review of the PIP system launched in late 2025, is set to announce results this autumn. Led by Minister for Social Security and Disability Sir Stephen Timms, the review will bring changes for around 4 million claimants. BBC correspondent Laura Pomfret outlined several factors under consideration: increased face-to-face assessments, longer gaps between reviews, recording of assessments, no reviews for the most severe conditions, and sharing of medical evidence.
Face-to-Face Assessments
The DWP aims to increase face-to-face assessments for PIP from 6% to 30%, and for work capability assessments from 13% to 30%. Home visits and alternative formats will still be available for those unable to attend in person.
Longer Gaps Between Reviews
The review period for PIP is expected to change from three to five years, with the first review at three years and subsequent reviews at five-year intervals. This change is likely to be announced this summer.
Recording Assessments
Standard recording of assessments is being considered to build trust and gather evidence for appeals. Claimants may opt out if they prefer not to be recorded.
Scrapped Four-Point Rule
The proposed four-point rule, which would have required claimants to score at least four points in a single daily living activity to qualify for PIP, has been completely scrapped and will not form part of the review.
Use of Medical Evidence
The review is exploring better use of medical evidence, including digital sharing from the NHS to the DWP with consent. This could help claimants provide appropriate health evidence, though implementation is not expected until 2027/2028.
Disability bodies have questioned the need for regular assessments for those with severe, non-improving conditions. The review is considering whether the ten-year review cycle needs updating and whether evidence from other services could eliminate the need for full PIP assessments for some individuals.
