01.09.26

The government’s review of PIP

A full government review of Personal Independence Payment (PIP) started the summer of 2025, triggered by a parliamentary debate on the new Universal Credit Act. Sir Stephen Timms was appointed to lead this review, so you may see this referred to as the ‘Timms Review’.

This review is arguably the biggest ‘co-produced’ review ever conducted by the government, meaning that the views of people with disabilities, as well as the general public, are being sought to aid the completion of this review.

An interim report was published in June 2026, detailed the findings so far. This report confirmed that the current PIP system is “not fit for purpose”. It highlighted the following issues with the system.

The role and purpose of PIP

• PIP’s purpose is widely misunderstood.
• Needs and extra costs vary, but this is not reflected in the PIP system.
• It is unclear how well PIP supports independent living and social participation. Some commented that the assessment penalises coping strategies and work, even when the need with support with these remains.
• PIP’s poor public reputation and falling support for welfare spending has increased anxiety for people with disabilities.

Eligibility, fairness and equity in the award of PIP

• The PIP assessment may not fully reflect real-world needs, including multiple or fluctuating conditions.
• It is unclear whether PIP works equitably for everyone- there is inconsistency in decision making.
• PIP may be filling gaps left by other services.

Experience of claiming PIP

• The PIP claim journey can feel stressful, complex and overly focussed on a claimant’s limitations, rather than what they can do. 90% of responses related to the claiming process were negative.
• Some of those with disabilities have low trust in the PIP
• Communication throughout the PIP process needs to be improved.

Changing context and the impact on PIP

• Disability is now understood differently, but PIP has not kept pace.
• PIP demand has risen faster than disability prevalence.
• Planned reforms, including the government’s proposal to remove the UC Work Capability Assessment, are placing new expectations on PIP.

The review’s final report is due in Autumn 2026, and this will include recommendations for changes to the current system, with the aim of tackling the problems highlighted below.

DLA to PIP

Just recently the government have announced they will be moving forward with moving all adults who are of working age and still receive DLA onto PIP.

There are approximately 153,000 adults who are still in receipt of DLA, and these adults will soon receive a letter, inviting them to claim PIP. The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) will be starting with a trial of 3,000 claimants in September 2026, who will be randomly selected by postcode to receive the letter inviting them to claim PIP.

The process will involve those who receive a letter needing to submit an application for PIP, no one will be moved automatically. The criteria for PIP is vastly different to the DLA criteria, so if you are not familiar with the PIP criteria, we would encourage you to seek advice about you or your loved one’s PIP application as soon as you receive the letter. We can help you with this transition if needed.

If you or a loved one is a vulnerable adult who still receives DLA at the moment, there is nothing you need to do until you receive your letter, unless moving to PIP will mean you are better off.

What is Andy Burham saying about welfare benefits?

Whilst the new Prime Minister has only been in office for a few weeks, he has indicated there could be big changes on the horizon for many.

With regard to welfare benefits, he has been clear about focussing on reducing the benefits bill by creating more opportunities, rather than through out and out cuts.

He has announced that his first budget will be released on 28 October 2026 so we will be keeping an eye of how his initial proposals develop over the next few months.

How can we help?

As proven in the feedback collated from PIP review so far, we know navigating the current PIP system can be stressful and time consuming. Our specialist welfare benefits experts can help you with claiming PIP, PIP award reviews, and with preparing requests for Mandatory Reconsiderations and with Appeals.

We can also help if you are supporting a vulnerable adult who is receiving DLA and would like to explore their PIP entitlement.

If you would like to speak to someone in the benefits team, then please contact us on 01273 610611 or email us to arrange a consultation about your personal circumstances.