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The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is set to roll out significant changes to Personal Independence Payment (PIP) eligibility and assessment rules from November 2026.
These changes will influence both new applicants and current recipients, though individuals at or beyond State Pension age will remain unaffected.
Sir Stephen Timms, Minister for Social Security and Disability, confirmed that the proposed eligibility adjustments won’t apply to this group.
This update came as part of his written response to Labour MP Paula Barker, who raised concerns over how the reforms could impact older PIP recipients.
Who Is Exempt from the PIP Changes?
Those of State Pension age will not be subject to the revised eligibility criteria. Current DWP data shows that approximately 690,186 individuals aged 65 to 79 were receiving PIP as of January, with 2,492 residing in Scotland.
These claimants will transition to Adult Disability Payment (ADP) and move under the management of Social Security Scotland in the upcoming Spring 2025 rollout.
Key Change: New Eligibility Criteria from November 2026
Starting November 2026, DWP proposes that claimants must score at least four points on one daily living activity to qualify for the daily living component of PIP. This rule applies solely to:
- New claims
- Review of awards
Importantly, this will not affect people already past State Pension age, as they do not undergo full reassessments under current policy.
What About Terminally Ill Applicants?
In response to Independent MP Apsana Begum, Sir Stephen also clarified that the fast-track service for terminally ill individuals will remain unchanged.
Those diagnosed with 12 months or less to live will:
- Continue receiving the enhanced daily living component
- Be processed via the Special Rules for End of Life
- Experience claim clearance within two working days
This vital service will not be impacted by the revised eligibility thresholds.
Current and Projected PIP Claimant Figures
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Current PIP recipients in Great Britain | 3.7 million |
| Projected by end of decade | 4 million |
| State Pension age PIP claimants | 690,186 (as of Jan) |
| Scottish claimants aged 65–79 | 2,492 |
The increase in claimants has prompted the UK Government to pursue a sustainable model for future welfare support.
Full Package of Proposed Reforms
To improve long-term sustainability and effectiveness, the UK Government has outlined a series of reforms:
Supportive Measures
- End reassessments for those permanently unable to work or with lifelong conditions
- Scrap the Work Capability Assessment
- Introduce £1 billion in employment support
- Legislate protections for individuals who try returning to work from losing their benefits
Targeted Eligibility and Sustainability Measures
- Reintroduce reassessments for those with potential work capacity
- Set minimum four-point score on daily living activities to receive PIP’s daily living element
- Adjust Universal Credit payments, particularly the Standard Allowance
- Consider delaying health-related UC benefits until age 22
- Redirect savings into Youth Guarantee programs
Public Consultation Open Until June 30, 2025
In conjunction with the Pathways to Work Green Paper, the DWP launched a public consultation, allowing feedback on the proposed reforms.
Anyone may participate by visiting the GOV.UK website. The consultation is open until June 30, 2025.
Impact on Scotland Claimants
The reforms will not directly affect individuals receiving devolved disability benefits in Scotland, such as Adult Disability Payment, unless funding to the Scottish Government changes due to Westminster’s decisions.
The DWP’s upcoming changes to PIP aim to strike a balance between sustainable support and targeted aid for those with significant needs. While reforms will reshape the system for future applicants, elderly and terminally ill claimants remain protected under current exemptions.
As the UK Government continues its consultation process, public input and awareness will be crucial in shaping a welfare model that is both compassionate and future-proof.
FAQs
Will PIP changes affect people over State Pension age?
No, individuals at State Pension age are exempt from these changes and won’t face reassessments under the new rules.
What is the new PIP eligibility rule starting in November 2026?
To qualify for the daily living component, new and reviewed applicants must score at least four points on one daily living activity.
Is the fast-track PIP process for terminally ill people changing?
No, individuals with a life expectancy of 12 months or less will still receive expedited support through the Special Rules for End of Life.