DWP confirms major change to PIP in move impacting four million Britons

Patrick O'Donnell
Wed, 29 Apr 2026 13:00:24 +0000

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has confirmed major reforms to Personal Independence Payments (PIP) in a move impacting four million Britons.

Those in receipt of the primary disability benefit will soon be subject to new rules regarding health assessments under plans being drawn up by the Labour Government.

Earlier this week, the DWP revealed that all award reviews will be set at a minimum of three years for new claims, increasing to five years at their next review if the claimant continues to be eligible for support.

In the majority of circumstances, it is expected that this will reduce the number of recurring award reviews for those claiming PIP for disabilities and health conditions.

Currently, around 60 per cent of PIP reviews result in no change to their award, however the Government is still urging claimants to notify the DWP about any changes to their circumstances.

Based on Government data, an estimated 3.9 million Britons receive this support from the state pension to assist with the extra costs incurred by living with a disability or illness.

A review into PIP is being conducted by disability minister Sir Stephen Timms to ensure the payment remains "fit and fair for the future".

The Government has come under pressure to reduce welfare expenditure since returning to power in 2024, with DWP spending on both disability and incapacity benefits for working-age claimants estimated to be around £55.1billion in 2025/26.

LATEST DEVELOPMENTS

DWP alert: Tony Blair's think tank demands action as benefits bill to hit £73BILLION

Universal Credit claimants get golf course discounts under 'ridiculous' DWP freebies

State pension triple lock 'cannot exist forever' as payment hikes cost YOU £12bn a year

Critics have noted that combined spending on disability and incapacity benefits has grown from £24.4billion in 2015–16 to £44.6billion in 2023–24.

Furthermore, Government spending on working-age sickness and disability benefits has jumped by £20billion since the Covid-19 pandemic, with a surge in claims for ADHD and anxiety being a contributing factor.

Speaking to The Independent, Mr Timms said: "Reforming the welfare system so that it better meets the needs of disabled people is a priority for the government.

"A major part of this is ensuring that PIP is fit and fair for the future and we are taking an important step to improve the system through new legislation, which will reduce the frequency of reviews for many existing PIP customers."

​These changes to the PIP regime has received support from disability organisations activists, including Fazilet Hadi, Disability Rights UK’s head of policy.

She said: Reducing the frequency of Pip reviews makes sense, both for disabled people and DWP. So often our needs remain the same, and reviews just cause anxiety.

"It is of concern that face-to-face reviews will increase, as these can be physically and emotionally challenging."

The Timms Review is taking evidence from stakeholders impacted by changes to disability benefits until May 28.