The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has revealed that 300,000 Personal Independence Payment (PIP) award review cases were outstanding at the end of May 2026. The figure covers England and Wales and is rounded to the nearest 10,000, according to Sir Stephen Timms, Minister of State for Social Security and Disability.
Backlog and Review Update
In a written answer to a parliamentary question from DUP MP Jim Shannon, Sir Stephen confirmed the scale of the reassessment backlog. He noted that the data comes from unpublished management information and has not been quality assured to National Statistics or Official Statistics standards.
Sir Stephen added that all claims remain in payment while reviews are in progress, and any award increases identified during a planned review will be backdated as appropriate. He also highlighted the Timms Review, which is being co-produced with disabled people and their organisations, and is due to report to the Secretary of State in Autumn 2026.
Transformed Decision Making Trial
Ministers are set to extend the Transformed Decision Making (TDM) pilot this autumn. The trial, part of the Health Transformation Programme, aims to rebalance the decision-making process by giving DWP Case Managers the final say, while Healthcare Professionals focus on providing clear, factual evidence.
In response to a written question, Baroness Sherlock explained: "Transformed decision making aims to rebalance the decision-making process by refocusing Healthcare Professionals on providing clear, factual evidence, while reinforcing the role of DWP Case Managers to make the final decision using all available evidence."
Trial Expansion and Oversight
The initial phase of the trial began on 16 March 2026, involving around 1% of PIP assessments. From 1 June 2026, this expanded to approximately 4% of assessments nationally, with an estimated 2,800 to 3,300 PIP customers per month in the second phase.
In answer to a question from Liberal Democrat Steve Darling, Sir Stephen Timms confirmed that the test is an operational change aimed at freeing up assessment provider capacity and improving decision quality. He stated: "The test forms part of the work of the Health Transformation Programme, which is a major government programme modernising the PIP service, and is therefore subject to programme governance."
