The UK government has announced a major reform to the Personal Independence Payment (PIP) system, set to take effect by November 2026. With over 1.2 million people potentially affected, this change could reshape how disability benefits are awarded across the UK.
Whether you’re currently receiving PIP or planning to apply, it’s vital to know the impact of these changes so you can prepare and protect your income.
Overview
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is planning to overhaul PIP eligibility in an effort to make the system more sustainable and targeted. The main change? Claimants will need to score at least four points in one specific daily living activity rather than spreading their points across several.
Here’s a quick breakdown of the proposed policy:
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Policy Change | Must score 4+ points in a single daily living activity |
| Affected Population | Over 1.2 million current/future PIP recipients |
| Financial Impact | Potential loss of £4,200–£6,300 per year per claimant |
| Start Date | November 2026 |
| Reason for Reform | Control rising costs, target high-need claimants, support return to work |
| Estimated Savings | £5 billion annually by 2030 |
PIP Basics
PIP is a non-means-tested benefit that helps people aged 16 or over with the extra costs of long-term health conditions or disabilities. It replaced Disability Living Allowance (DLA) in 2013 and now supports over 3.3 million people in the UK.
In recent years, PIP claims have increased sharply—especially among individuals with mental health conditions. The government argues that the system is no longer financially sustainable and that changes are needed to better focus support.
Why the Change?
The DWP lists several reasons for this reform:
- Focus support on those with the most significant needs
- Reduce the number of people receiving low-level support
- Encourage people back into work where possible
- Reduce fraud and misuse of the system
- Save billions in annual welfare costs
The government also says that the rising number of claims for conditions like anxiety, depression, and ADHD is a sign the system needs to be tightened.
What Will Change?
Currently, applicants can qualify for PIP by scoring at least eight points across various activities like cooking, dressing, and communicating.
From November 2026, under the new system:
- You must earn at least four points in one single daily living activity
- Mobility rules are staying the same for now
- People who qualify by scoring smaller amounts in several areas may lose eligibility
Example Case
Let’s look at a real-life style example.
Emily, 28, has ADHD and anxiety. Under current rules, she scores:
- 2 points for needing prompts to cook
- 2 points for help managing medication
- 2 points for needing supervision to socialise
- 2 points for prompting to dress
That’s 8 points total — enough for PIP today. But under the new rules, since no single activity scores 4 points, Emily might lose her PIP award completely.
Who’s Most Affected?
The groups most likely to be impacted include:
- People with mental health conditions like depression, anxiety, or PTSD
- Individuals with neurodivergent conditions such as ADHD or autism
- Claimants with mild to moderate challenges spread across multiple activities
Over 1.2 million people could be affected, particularly those currently receiving the standard daily living rate.
Financial Impact
The financial hit could be serious. If claimants lose their PIP award entirely, they could see their annual income drop by:
- £4,200 to £6,300 per year
- That’s nearly £500 a month less for some
During a time when inflation and living costs are high, this could push vulnerable people into financial crisis.
Government Justification
The DWP argues that the new rules are part of a wider “Back to Work” agenda. They want to:
- Streamline support
- Push more people into employment
- Reduce reliance on welfare benefits
Other planned changes include stricter Universal Credit rules, revised Work Capability Assessments, and more localised job centre services.
Advocacy Response
Charities and experts are sounding the alarm.
Scope, Mind, and Disability Rights UK have all warned that these reforms could be disastrous.
“This isn’t a minor tweak — this is a major cut to lifeline support,” said Scope’s James Taylor.
Economists at the Institute for Fiscal Studies also warn that cutting PIP now may cause higher costs elsewhere, such as in the NHS or housing benefits.
How to Prepare
If you receive or plan to apply for PIP, here are some steps to protect yourself ahead of the changes:
- Know the New Criteria
Read through the DWP’s Green Paper. Start looking at how your condition might be scored under the new model. - Collect Strong Medical Evidence
Get letters from your GP, specialists, or therapists explaining how your condition affects you in real terms. - Talk to a Welfare Advisor
Organisations like Citizens Advice, Scope, and Turn2Us offer free one-on-one help. - Check Your Reassessment Date
These changes won’t apply until your next PIP reassessment after November 2026, so use the time to prepare.
Change is coming, but that doesn’t mean you’re powerless. The earlier you know how the reforms might affect you, the better your chances of navigating them successfully.
FAQs
When will the PIP reforms start?
The changes take effect from November 2026.
Who is most likely to lose PIP?
People with low scores across multiple activities.
Will mobility rules change?
No, mobility rules remain the same for now.
How much could claimants lose yearly?
Between £4,200 and £6,300 per year.
Can I still qualify with multiple 2-point scores?
No, you need 4 points in a single activity under new rules.
