Claimants of Personal Independence Payments (PIPs) in the UK who have three specific conditions are set to retain their benefits under a new points system introduced by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). In an attempt to streamline the benefits system, the government has announced significant changes to the PIP system, aiming to cut £5 billion from its budget. This move has sparked criticism from various groups, with concerns raised that it may disproportionately impact the most vulnerable individuals.
Under the proposed changes, which are scheduled to come into effect in November 2026, PIP eligibility will be redefined to focus more on individuals with higher support needs. Claimants will now be required to score a minimum of four points on one daily living activity to qualify for PIP, in addition to meeting the existing eligibility criteria. The DWP is collaborating with the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) to ensure that current PIP recipients who may no longer meet the eligibility criteria under the new rules continue to receive the necessary support for their health and care needs.
The Resolution Foundation has warned that these changes to the PIP system could have a significant impact on the living standards of hundreds of thousands of disabled individuals. According to their analysis, if the proposed measures result in a £5 billion saving, it could mean that between 800,000 to 1.2 million people may lose financial support ranging from £4,200 to £6,300 per year by 2029-30. The Foundation highlighted that those most at risk of losing benefits are individuals who currently qualify for the Daily Living element of PIP but score less than four points across all ten assessment criteria.
However, certain groups are expected to be less affected by the changes. The Foundation noted that individuals with specific conditions such as learning difficulties, cerebral palsy, and autism are less likely to be impacted by the new criteria. This is because individuals with these conditions are more likely to score over 21 points in the Daily Living part of the PIP assessment, making them less vulnerable to failing the assessment due to scoring less than four points in any one activity.
During a recent session of Prime Minister’s Questions, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer defended the government’s decision to reform the benefits system, describing the current system as “morally and economically indefensible.” However, his statements were met with opposition from Diane Abbott, the longest-serving female MP, who criticised the potential impact of the changes on up to a million people and argued that there is nothing moral about cutting benefits for vulnerable individuals.
The debate surrounding the changes to the PIP system reflects the broader discussions on social welfare and support for disabled individuals in the UK. As the government moves forward with its proposed reforms, stakeholders and advocacy groups continue to monitor the situation closely, advocating for a fair and inclusive benefits system that adequately supports those in need.