The UK government is set to overhaul the Personal Independence Payment (PIP) system by 2026, introducing tighter rules and new payment structures. These changes could significantly impact both current and future claimants—especially those with invisible or fluctuating health conditions.
If you or someone you care about relies on PIP or receives health-related Universal Credit, it’s crucial to know what’s coming and how to prepare.
Overview
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is planning a complete shake-up of the disability benefits system, including stricter eligibility for PIP, reduced payments, and integration with Universal Credit.
While the government aims to reduce long-term dependency and encourage work, the new system could result in major financial losses for hundreds of thousands of people.
Breakdown
| Change | Details |
|---|---|
| PIP eligibility tightening | Must score 4+ points on one activity to qualify for daily living help |
| Potential loss of support | 370,000 current claimants and 430,000 future applicants could be cut |
| Universal Credit changes | Standard UC rises £7/week, but health top-up slashed for new claims |
| Work Capability Assessment ends | To be abolished by 2028; PIP will likely become the main health test |
| Poverty risk | Estimated 250,000 pushed into poverty, including 50,000 children |
Purpose
So, why the big change? According to the government, the reforms are meant to simplify the system, cut costs, and better support those with the most severe conditions. By 2030, the changes are expected to save around £6 billion annually.
But disability organisations warn this is a step backwards. Critics say the cuts will hurt people with mental health conditions, episodic illnesses, or disabilities that aren’t immediately visible. And the most worrying part? It may push more vulnerable people into poverty and worsen their health outcomes.
Key Changes
From November 2026, you’ll need to score at least 4 points on a single daily living task (like eating, washing, or preparing meals) to get any daily living payment. Currently, you can combine low scores across multiple tasks. That flexibility is being removed.
Example:
If you scored 2 points on preparing food and 2 on dressing, you’d get 4 in total. Today, that’s enough to get standard daily living. Under the new rule—no payment, because neither task hit 4 individually.
Universal Credit Restructure
- From April 2026, the base Universal Credit amount increases by £7/week.
- But the health element drops from £97 to £50/week for new applicants.
- This new £50 rate will be frozen until at least 2030.
- If you’re already claiming, your £97/week will stay (frozen) until around 2029/30.
End of the Work Capability Assessment
By 2028, the WCA disappears. Instead, PIP assessments will likely become the only test used to determine whether someone qualifies for extra help due to health conditions.
Impacts
- A significant number of people with less visible conditions may no longer meet the new criteria.
- The Resolution Foundation estimates some households could lose £4,200 to £6,300 per year.
- Up to a quarter of a million people, including thousands of children, may be pushed into poverty.
What You Can Do
Get familiar with your current PIP breakdown. Do you score 4+ points on any single activity? If not, you may need to prepare for reassessment or appeal.
Collect Medical Evidence
Ask your GP, therapist, or specialist for letters and reports now. The more detailed your medical documentation, the better your chances of keeping support.
Get Professional Advice
Charities like Citizens Advice, Scope, and Disability Rights UK can help you understand your situation and prepare appeals if needed.
Stay Updated
Keep an eye on official government announcements and welfare news so you’re not caught off guard when the new rules kick in.
Plan Financially
If you’re at risk of losing support, now’s the time to plan ahead. Budgeting, checking for other benefit entitlements, or seeking local council grants could help ease the transition.
This reform may sound distant, but its effects will be very real. Acting early can make all the difference between staying financially afloat or falling through the cracks. Keep records, stay alert, and get help when you need it.
FAQs
When do the new PIP rules start?
Most changes begin from November 2026 and will phase in by 2028.
What is the new 4-point rule?
You must score 4 points on one daily activity to qualify for PIP daily living.
Will I lose my PIP payments?
If you don’t meet the new criteria, yes, payments could stop or reduce.
Is the health element of UC changing?
Yes, new claims get £50/week instead of £97 starting April 2026.
Can I appeal if denied PIP?
Yes, you can appeal with support from welfare advisors or legal help.
