Under the new rules, there will be three years between reviews once PIP has been granted, according to multiple reports. The current interval between PIP reviews can be as short as nine months. The interval will be lengthened for most claimants 25 and over to a minimum of three years for new applications. At review, the interval will increase to five years if claimants continue to qualify. The specific criteria that will determine if a claimant continues to qualify for PIP after the initial three-year period have not been detailed.
The Department for Work and Pensions says the aim of the move is to free up healthcare professionals to conduct additional face-to-face assessments and complete more Working Capability Assessments. How many healthcare professionals are expected to be freed up by the change in review intervals remains unclear.
New DWP PIP rates were announced, with some claimants set to receive over £10,000 following a 3.8% increase. PIP is split into two parts: the daily living component and mobility component. The standard rate for daily living is currently £73.90 per week, while mobility is £29.20 per week.
According to the GOV.UK website, Personal Independence Payment can help with extra living costs if you have a long-term physical or mental health condition or disability, or difficulty doing certain everyday tasks or getting around because of your condition. The same source states that you can get PIP even if you're working, have savings, or are getting most other benefits.
Secretary of State for Work and Pensions Pat McFadden said the government is committed to reforming the welfare system it inherited, which for too long has written off millions as too sick to work. McFadden added that the government is ramping up the number of assessments done face-to-face and taking action to tackle the inherited backlog of people waiting for a Work Capability Assessment. How many claimants are currently affected by the backlog of Work Capability Assessments has not been specified.
The new PIP measure is separate from the Timms review, which was launched by the government. According to the GOV.UK website, the Timms review aims to ensure PIP is fair and fit for the future, helping support disabled people to achieve better health, higher living standards, and greater independence, including through employment. The timeline and scope of the Timms review, and how its findings will interact with the new PIP measures, have not been detailed.
The new changes will take place in April 2026 and come into force alongside Universal Credit changes that reduce the difference between payments for unemployment and long-term illness. The exact details of the Universal Credit changes that will accompany the PIP changes in April 2026 have not been specified.