**DWP Introduces 13-Week Transitional Period for PIP Claimants Ahead of Major Benefits Overhaul**
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has unveiled a new safeguard for those currently receiving Personal Independence Payment (PIP), as the government prepares for significant changes to the UK’s disability benefits system. A 13-week transitional protection period has been announced, during which claimants impacted by the upcoming reform will continue to receive their benefits before any changes to their PIP payments are implemented.
This interim measure arrives as part of the new Universal Credit and Personal Independence Payment Bill, which outlines extensive modifications to the assessment criteria and eligibility for PIP. The transitionary period will provide current claimants, particularly those seeing amendments to the daily living part of their PIP, with a buffer phase before their payments or related entitlements—such as Carer’s Allowance or the carer element of Universal Credit—are adjusted or potentially stopped.
According to the DWP, this 13-week cushion is notably longer than the transitional periods previously offered during changes from Disability Living Allowance (DLA) to PIP, representing a significant increase on former measures. The intention is to offer greater peace of mind and more time for those affected to adjust to the new landscape of welfare support.
As background, the DLA was the principal disability benefit until PIP replaced it several years ago, with Scotland now operating its own Adult Disability Payment as a PIP replacement. The changes now being heralded are the most substantial since that transition and come as the government seeks to rein in welfare spending, with officials citing sustainability and the need to adapt the social security system for changing public needs.
In March, the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, Liz Kendall, spoke in the House of Commons about the necessity of reform: “Our social security system stands at a critical juncture. Failing to act will mean denying more people opportunities and risking the future security of those who need our help. This new legislation sets out a refreshed social contract based on compassion and dignity.” She added that the changes are intended both to reassure current recipients and create a more sustainable welfare model that supports those able to work while continuing to protect the most vulnerable.
However, the overhaul has prompted caution and criticism. Thomas Lawson, Chief Executive of the anti-poverty charity Turn2us, has expressed concerns that reductions in support could leave sick and disabled individuals facing greater hardship, arguing that cuts run counter to the government’s professed commitment to supporting those in need. “Removing assistance will force people into deeper financial difficulty, rather than leading them into employment. This is likely to worsen health outcomes and hinder potential for recovery,” Lawson stated.
PIP is designed to help people with added daily living costs due to a disability, illness or mental health condition, assessed not on a diagnosis but on the impact that condition has on their ability to carry out a set of routine tasks. Awards are made following a points-based assessment and can be for a fixed period, typically a minimum of nine months, or “ongoing”—subject to periodic review. Terminally ill claimants qualify for a three-year award and are currently exempt from standard assessments.
Under present rules, assessments may be conducted face-to-face, by telephone or via video call, with scores for daily living and mobility needs determining the level of PIP awarded. Standard or enhanced rates are available for both the daily living and mobility components, depending on the points accrued.
Major changes are on the horizon for PIP eligibility and assessment. From November 2026, claimants will need to score at least four points in a single activity to qualify for the daily living component, raising the threshold compared to the current system, which allows lower scores across multiple activities. The updated framework means only those with more significant challenges in at least one area, such as washing or dressing, will qualify. No alterations are planned for the mobility component at this time, but in-person assessments are set to become the norm, with remote assessments reserved for those unable to attend appointments due to health reasons. While individuals with long-term, worsening conditions may be exempt from reassessment, many others could see more frequent reviews.
The value of PIP remains significant for beneficiaries, with weekly rates for the daily living component ranging from £73.90 to £110.40, and the mobility component paying between £29.20 and £77.05 weekly. Payments are made every four weeks, meaning claimants on the highest rates could receive up to £749.80 each period.
The months ahead will bring greater clarity over these reforms and their real-world impact on the millions currently claiming PIP across England, Wales and Northern Ireland. As the government presses forward with its Plan for Change, scrutiny is likely to remain high from advocacy groups and disabled people’s organisations to ensure that those most in need continue to receive essential support.