Personal Independence Payment (PIP) claimants could be required to attend compulsory face-to-face assessments under welfare reforms proposed by the Conservatives, who also want tighter eligibility criteria for disability benefits as part of plans to reduce the annual welfare bill by £36.1billion.
Proposals set out in policy document
The plans are contained in a 52-page policy document, Welfare That Works, published on November 10 by Shadow Secretary of State for Work and Pensions Helen Whately. The Conservatives have pledged to overhaul how people are assessed for sickness and disability benefits, with all claimants required to undergo face-to-face assessments.
The document states: "Through our Disability and Sickness Benefit Review, we will introduce more detailed and holistic assessments with tighter eligibility criteria. All claimants will be assessed face to face."
This would mark a significant change from the current system, which allows some disability benefit claims to be assessed using paper evidence, telephone appointments or video consultations. The document does not provide a timetable for introducing the changes or specify whether exemptions would be available for people unable to attend assessments in person.
Concerns over current assessment process
The Conservatives have raised concerns about the current assessment process, particularly the evidence required to establish eligibility for financial support. The policy document states that assessments for PIP and the Universal Credit health element do not necessarily require medical evidence or a formal diagnosis.
It also cites information from assessment providers indicating that 80 per cent of assessments are completed by nurses, compared with systems in some other countries that require specialist clinicians. The party argues that a more rigorous assessment process would help ensure support is directed towards people with the greatest needs.
It also raises concerns about the length of some disability benefit awards and delays in reassessing existing claimants. According to the document, two-thirds of Universal Credit health claims are overdue for reassessment, while the DWP has extended 1.86million PIP claims to a minimum four-year award period.
Review and current PIP process
The Conservatives want their ongoing Disability and Sickness Benefit Review to develop a revised assessment system, including more detailed consideration of people's health conditions and support needs. The review, announced in June 2026, includes an advisory board with experience in business, health and disability policy.
Under existing DWP rules, PIP assessments consider how a long-term health condition or disability affects a person's ability to complete everyday activities and get around. Claimants are assessed against a series of activities, with points awarded according to the difficulties they experience.
Not everyone claiming PIP is required to attend an assessment appointment. In some cases, a decision can be made using the information provided on the application form and supporting evidence. Where an assessment is needed, it may take place by telephone, video call or face to face, depending on individual circumstances.
The Conservatives' proposals have not been introduced and there are no immediate changes to the current PIP assessment process as a result of the announcement. The plans would need to be taken forward by a future Conservative government before any new requirements could come into force.
