Prior to today's Spring Statement many announcements on reducing government spending have surfaced, one of which is a broader welfare reform package aimed at reducing the benefits bill by £5 billion annually by 2030.
A major overhaul of the PIP system is proposed, with the most significant change being a new requirement that claimants must score at least 4 points on at least one daily living activity to qualify for the daily living component. Previously, claimants could qualify by accumulating lower scores across multiple activities.
This change, set to be implemented from November 2026, aims to target PIP at those with "higher needs" according to the government. The mobility component of PIP remains unchanged.
The Resolution Foundation estimates between 800,000 and 1.2 million people in England and Wales could lose support worth between £4,200 and £6,300 per year by the end of the decade.
Those most likely to be affected include:
- People with multiple mild to moderate conditions who don't score highly on any single activity.
- Claimants who currently qualify with combined scores but don't have any single activity scoring 4+ points.
- New applicants who would have qualified under the old system.
The government has confirmed that existing claimants will only be affected when their award comes up for review, with no immediate changes to current payments.
Our quick PIP Calculator allows you to:
- Input your specific needs across all assessment criteria.
- See how your eligibility might change under the new rules.
- Calculate the potential financial impact on your weekly and annual payments.
- Understand which specific activities might affect your eligibility.
Just select the appropriate score for each activity based on your needs, and the calculator will show you both your current entitlement and what you might receive under proposed new system.
If you're concerned about how these changes might affect you, consider:
- Checking when your PIP award is due for review (found on your award letter).
- Gathering evidence about how your condition affects specific daily living activities.
- Speaking with a welfare rights advisor about your situation.
- Exploring other available support if your PIP entitlement might change.
The government argues these reforms are necessary to ensure the system remains sustainable, while many contend they will disproportionately impact vulnerable people.