### DWP Changes Could Lead to Hundreds of Thousands Losing PIP Payments
Sweeping reforms to the Personal Independence Payment (PIP) system could see hundreds of thousands of people with disabilities losing their benefits, following predictions from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). The changes, expected to take effect in late 2026—pending parliamentary approval—have ignited widespread concern among claimants and disability rights advocates.
The DWP’s most recent impact assessment estimates that around 370,000 existing PIP recipients could lose their daily living component entitlement in the 2029/30 financial year as a direct result of stricter eligibility criteria. Further, an additional 430,000 future applicants are expected not to qualify for support under the new regulations, with the average annual loss per individual calculated at approximately £4,500. These numbers shine a light on the significant impact these proposed reforms could have on some of the country’s most vulnerable citizens.
Details of these projected changes were published as part of a broader Equality Analysis following the Spring Statement. The Minister for Social Security and Disability, Sir Stephen Timms, outlined the findings in a written response to parliamentary inquiries, highlighting how the department analysed claimants with the 18 most common disabling conditions. The analysis focused specifically on those who did not score at least four points in one or more ‘daily living’ activities—a threshold that is crucial for PIP entitlement.
The DWP’s research relies on primary health conditions recorded in the PIP assessment system, acknowledging that many claimants live with multiple conditions, though only the principal diagnosis is considered for this analysis. This approach underpins how decisions on eligibility and support levels are made within the PIP framework.
Amongst the recorded conditions, the report found that certain groups stand to be disproportionately affected. For example, 71% of claimants with chronic pain syndromes or regional musculoskeletal diseases were found to score below the four-point threshold across daily living activities. Similarly, significant proportions of those with cardiovascular and respiratory problems, as well as those with neurological diseases like multiple sclerosis, fell below the qualifying threshold.
Other groups, such as individuals diagnosed with ADHD, learning disabilities, or autistic spectrum disorders, saw lower proportions at risk; notably, only 3% of those with learning disabilities and 6% of people with autism were likely to be affected according to the current criteria. However, as these percentages still represent thousands of individuals, the scale of the issue is considerable.
PIP is designed to assist those who face challenges with everyday tasks including preparing food, bathing, managing treatments, and utility tasks such as communication or handling finances. The DWP assesses claimants against a set of ‘descriptors’ for each activity, awarding points based on the level of difficulty faced and the need for assistance or aids. Claimants earn a standard or enhanced rate depending on their total points, with the highest threshold resulting in more substantial financial support.
Currently, more than 3.7 million people in Great Britain claim PIP, with over 1,000 new awards processed daily, according to Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall. She has previously emphasised that reforms are necessary to maintain the long-term sustainability of the system amidst rising numbers of claimants.
As part of the upcoming reforms, the DWP also plans to increase the number of face-to-face assessments. Most evaluations are currently conducted remotely—either by telephone, video, or paper form. Despite these planned changes, PIP payments are set to remain non-means-tested and will continue to rise in accordance with inflation. There are also no proposed alterations to the PIP mobility component at this time.
The scale of the proposed changes, and the prospect of significant numbers losing their entitlement, have prompted calls for close scrutiny and participation from the public. The government has opened a consultation on these reforms, with details available on the official GOV.UK website. Advocacy organisations urge anyone potentially affected to review the proposals and make their voices heard during this critical consultation period.
As the debate around the future of disability benefits continues, those reliant on PIP await further clarification on how these developments will affect their financial support and daily lives. The spotlight is now on policymakers to consider carefully the human impact as they move towards implementing this new framework.