The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has quietly introduced three changes to Personal Independence Payments (PIP), affecting 3.9 million claimants. These adjustments include modifications to award lengths, assessment types, and decision-making responsibilities.
PIP Decision-Making Pilot
Under current rules, healthcare professionals such as nurses, paramedics, and physiotherapists carry out functional assessments and award points based on a claimant's ability limitations. Points are allocated across two categories: daily living and mobility, with a maximum weekly entitlement of £194.60 for high points in both. The DWP is piloting a shift where part of this workload moves from assessors to DWP case managers, who will decide how to allocate points based on the assessor's information. The case manager remains the final decision maker.
More Face-to-Face Assessments
The proportion of face-to-face assessments for PIP and the Work Capability Assessment (WCA) will increase to 30%, rising from lows of 6% for PIP in 2024 and 13% for the WCA. This change may reduce successful claims, as in 2024 the success rate for face-to-face PIP assessments was 44% compared to 57% for telephone assessments. To accommodate this and deliver more WCA reassessments, the time between PIP reviews will be extended for most claimants aged 25 and over. New claims will have a minimum three-year award period, rising to five years at the next review if entitlement continues. Claimants can still request an alternative assessment method if their condition prevents travel to an assessment centre.
Longer Awards
New regulations give the DWP power to extend PIP award periods in England and Wales. Most claimants aged 25 and over can expect a minimum three-year award, rising to five years at the next review. This does not apply to claimants under 25. If an award is extended, the DWP will send written confirmation, and no action is needed. Claimants whose condition has worsened and believe their award should be higher can request a mandatory reconsideration at any time by calling 0800 121 4433.
The Timms Review, led by Labour cabinet minister Sir Stephen Timms, is separate and aims to reform PIP to reduce the welfare bill. Sir Stephen stated: "Hearing from disabled people across the UK is vitally important to inform the Review. That is why we are co-producing this review with disabled people every step of the way — to make sure that PIP is truly fair and fit for the future." No eligibility changes are happening yet as part of the review.
