The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) estimates that proposed changes to the eligibility criteria for Personal Independence Payment (PIP) could result in 370,000 existing claimants losing their benefits when their awards are reviewed in 2029/30. The reforms are also expected to prevent 430,000 future claimants from qualifying, with an average loss of £4,500 each year. Minister for Social Security and Disability Sir Stephen Timms shared findings from a DWP analysis of claimants who scored fewer than four points in at least one daily living activity across 18 common disabling conditions.
These conditions make up the highest proportions of PIP caseloads. The analysis, conducted in January 2025, shows the impact on various health conditions:
– Psychiatric Disorders: 13,000 out of 279,000 claimants (6%) scored below four points. – Other Regional Musculoskeletal Diseases: 97,000 out of 136,000 claimants (71%) scored below four points.
Proposed PIP criteria changes outlined
– Chronic Pain Syndromes: 97,000 out of 173,000 claimants (71%) scored below four points. – Cardiovascular Diseases: 38,000 out of 61,000 claimants (62%) scored below four points.
– Respiratory Diseases: 45,000 out of 83,000 claimants (55%) scored below four points. To qualify for the daily living component of PIP, claimants must need help with tasks such as preparing food, washing and bathing, managing medication, dressing and undressing, and making decisions about money. The DWP assesses the difficulty of daily living and mobility tasks for each claimant, considering factors like safety, time taken, frequency of difficulty, and the need for assistance.
The proposed welfare reforms could significantly impact many PIP claimants, potentially leading to financial and lifestyle changes for those affected. Further updates and adjustments to these reforms may occur as they are reviewed by the DWP and government officials.