The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has confirmed proposed plans to reform Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) confirmed last month that proposed plans to reform Personal Independence Payment (PIP), specifically introducing a change to the eligibility rules, will come into force in November 2026 for new and existing claimants.
DWP also stated that existing claimants will only be affected by the change at their next review, after the November implementation date. The latest data reveals that over 1.5 million (41%) of all 3.7m PIP claimants have been issued with an award of five years or longer.
The figures show that as of the end of January, some 1,501,215 people in England, Wales and living abroad, have an ongoing award for a disability, long-term illness, or physical or mental health condition.
Over 58 per cent of people claiming PIP for a visual disease have a monthly award of up to £737.20 (rising to £749 this month) for five years or more. More than half of all claimants with general musculoskeletal conditions (50.8%) such as arthritis, muscle or joint pain, have been given a longer award, along with 49.5 per cent of people with a neurological condition such as epilepsy, multiple sclerosis and muscular dystrophy.
For those considering applying for Personal Independence Payment (PIP), it’s crucial to understand that award lengths vary, ranging from nine months to a maximum of 10 years. However, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) only records awards given for ‘five years or longer’, reports the Daily Record.
The latest version of the PIP Handbook clarifies that the decision maker will determine the PIP award based on how the claimant’s health condition or disability affects their daily life and their ability to live independently. It further states: “The length of award will be based upon each claimant’s individual circumstances.”
It’s also important to note that DWP guidance indicates most claimants will have their award regularly reviewed, “regardless of the length of the award”, to ensure “everyone continues to receive the most appropriate level of support”.
Some claimants may receive a limited-term award for a fixed period of up to two years – the DWP confirms these awards will not be reviewed. Limited awards with no review date are granted when the claimant’s health condition is expected to improve.
Ongoing awards with a ‘light touch’ review
A ‘light touch’ review is generally awarded to claimants who have:
- high-level needs which will either stay the same or get worse
- very stable needs which are unlikely to change over time
- a planned award review date due on or at State Pension age
- a special rules for end-of-life claim due when of State Pension age
According to DWP guidance: “These claimants would not usually be expected to have a face-to-face assessment at review.”
The annual increase of 1.7 per cent will result in individuals on disability benefits receiving between £29.20 and £187.45 each week, equating to some £116.80 or £749.80 every four-week pay period. Over the financial year, this will see those on the highest awards receive an additional £9,747.
It’s crucial to note that the maximum amount of £749.80 is based on someone receiving the highest award for both the daily living and mobility components.
Six conditions with PIP award of five years or longer
It’s important to understand that people with various health conditions can be awarded PIP for up to five years or more. The award is dependent on how the condition affects the claimant.
The conditions listed below have the highest percentage rate of five-year or longer awards given to claimants at the end of January 2025.
- Visual disease
- Musculoskeletal disease (general)
- Neurological disease
- Respiratory disease.
- Autoimmune disease (connective tissue disorders)
- Musculoskeletal disease (regional)
Who might be eligible for PIP
To qualify for PIP you must have a health condition or disability that has caused difficulties with daily living or mobility (or both) for three months, and these difficulties are expected to continue for at least nine months. Typically, you need to have resided in the UK for at least two of the past three years and be in the country when you apply.
In addition to the above criteria, if your condition requires or results in assistance with any of the following, you should consider applying for PIP:
- managing your medicines or treatments
- washing, bathing, using the toilet, managing incontinence
- working out a route and following it
- leaving your home
- mixing with other people
- talking, listening, reading and understanding
- physically moving around
- eating, drinking or preparing food
- dressing and undressing
- making decisions about money
Different rules apply if you are terminally ill, which can be found on the GOV.UK website.
How is PIP paid?
PIP is typically paid every four weeks unless you are terminally ill, in which case payments are made weekly. Payments are directly deposited into your bank, building society, or credit union account.
ADP is paid at the same rates as PIP.
How to make a claim for PIP
To make a claim for PIP, you can contact the DWP directly. All the necessary information needed to apply can be found on the GOV.UK website here.
Before you call, ensure you have the following details:
- your bank or building society account number and sort code
- dates and addresses for any time you’ve spent abroad, in a care home or hospital
- your contact details
- your date of birth
- your National Insurance number – this is on letters about tax, pensions and benefits
- your doctor or health worker’s name, address and telephone number