Starting from November 2026, nearly 3.7 million Personal Independence Payment (PIP) claimants will face significant changes to the disability benefits system. Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall has confirmed that vouchers will not replace monthly cash payments of up to £737.20, and the benefit will rise annually with September's inflation rate. Kendall also stated that PIP will remain non-means-tested and revealed that over 617,000 people (17% of all PIP claimants) are employed while receiving payments. Plans include raising the application age from 16 to 18 and increasing face-to-face assessments.
The most significant change is a revision of the points scoring system for the daily living component, affecting eligibility. If legislated, these changes will apply to new claimants from November 2026, and also to existing claimants whose award review date falls after that date. To protect your payments, first check your PIP award letter for the date of your next review. If your review is due before November 2026 and the DWP clears its backlog, you may receive a new award that takes you past the crucial date.
If your review date is after November 2026, you will be subject to the new assessment changes. To qualify, you will need to score at least 4 points in one of the ten daily living questions, even if scoring 2 in every question takes you past the award thresholds of 8 (standard rate) and 12 (higher rate). PIP provides financial support for working-age individuals with disabilities, long-term illnesses, or mental health conditions.
To prepare, make a copy of your PIP claim form. If you completed an online claim, save a copy to your computer. For paper forms, photocopy the original before submitting. If you lack a copy of the PIP 2 evidence form (the health questionnaire), contact the PIP enquiry line on 0800 121 4433 to request one. This form can remind you of your initial responses and help you describe how your condition affects you now, especially if your health has deteriorated.
Keep a diary of your condition, using a mobile phone, computer, or tablet to note 'bad days' and significant events. Record everyday tasks you find challenging, forgetting medication, or feeling low due to your condition. This is especially useful for fluctuating conditions, as it helps articulate 'good days and bad days' to healthcare professionals. Also, attend all medical appointments related to your condition to keep records current, and consider linking up with a charity or organisation specialising in your condition for support.
