The UK government has announced major changes to the Personal Independence Payment (PIP), a benefit designed to support people with disabilities and long-term illnesses. These changes will tighten eligibility requirements, leading to an estimated 1 million people losing their PIP benefits entirely, according to the Resolution Foundation.
Let’s explore what these changes mean and how they will impact claimants across the country.
PIP Claimants See a Massive Rise Over Five Years
The number of people receiving PIP in England and Wales has increased significantly in recent years.
- January 2025: 3.66 million people were receiving PIP.
- Five years ago: 2.14 million people were entitled to PIP.
- Increase: A 71% rise in PIP claimants in just five years.
PIP helps cover additional costs for individuals dealing with long-term disabilities or illnesses, regardless of their employment status. However, the government believes too many people are now relying on PIP and is making changes to focus the benefit on those with “higher needs”.
New Eligibility Criteria: What’s Changing?
Under the new reforms:
- Higher Qualification Requirements: Claimants must score at least four points in daily living activities to be eligible.
- More Face-to-Face Assessments: The government is increasing in-person assessments for both PIP and the Work Capability Assessment to ensure benefits go to the “right people.”
- Tighter Qualification Rules: The focus will shift to individuals with more severe conditions, which means many current claimants may no longer qualify.
How Many People Will Lose PIP?
Ruth Curtice, Chief Executive of the Resolution Foundation, estimates that around 1 million people will completely lose their PIP entitlement. She criticized the government for not providing a clear number of affected individuals, stating:
“The Government hasn’t given us a number for how many will be affected. But based on what they’ve told us, we estimate around 1 million people will lose their PIP benefits entirely.”
The financial impact is also significant. The government aims to save £5 billion from these changes, with most savings coming from stricter qualification rules rather than reducing existing payments.
Why Is the Government Making These Cuts?
The government argues that these changes are necessary because:
- PIP costs are rising too fast, making the system unsustainable.
- More people are claiming PIP than ever before, putting pressure on public spending.
- The focus should be on those with the greatest need, rather than allowing widespread access.
However, critics argue that these changes will lead to:
- Increased financial hardship for disabled and sick individuals.
- More stress and uncertainty for current claimants facing stricter reassessments.
- Longer waiting times due to more face-to-face assessments.
The tightened eligibility rules for PIP will have a major impact on millions of people in the UK. If you or someone you know currently receives PIP, it’s important to stay informed about these changes and prepare for possible reassessments.
With 1 million people expected to lose benefits, these cuts could bring significant financial challenges for many. Those affected may need to explore alternative support options or appeal decisions if their benefits are withdrawn.
FAQ’s
How many people will lose their PIP benefits under the new changes?
The Resolution Foundation estimates that around 1 million people will lose their PIP benefits completely due to the new eligibility rules.
What are the new eligibility criteria for PIP?
Claimants must now score at least four points for daily living activities to qualify for PIP. The focus is shifting to those with higher needs.
Why is the UK government making cuts to PIP?
The government says PIP costs have risen too fast, and they want to focus benefits on individuals with the most severe disabilities or illnesses.
Will PIP claimants have to go through more assessments?
Yes, the government plans to increase face-to-face assessments for both PIP and the Work Capability Assessment to ensure benefits are awarded correctly.
How much money will the government save from these PIP cuts?
The government aims to save £5 billion from these changes, mostly by tightening eligibility and reducing the number of people who qualify for PIP.
