Disabled people ‘will be at the heart of PIP review’

Disabled people will play a key role in an upcoming review of personal independence payment (PIP), the government has said.

This week, the government confirmed that Dr Clenton Farquharson CBE and Sharon Brennan, two respected disability advocates, have been appointed as co-chairs alongside social security and disability minister Sir Stephen Timms.

In addition, a recruitment process for its steering group, which will include representatives from disability organisations, has begun.

“We’re ensuring disabled people and those with long-term health conditions can access the same opportunities, choices, and chances as everyone else,” Sir Stephen said.

“That’s why we’re putting them at the heart of the first ever full review of PIP - making sure it is fair and fit for the future.”

What is PIP?

PIP is a benefit that helps people with long-term health conditions or disabilities cover extra living costs. 

However, the application process is often seen as complex and stressful.

Why is PIP being reviewed?

A review into PIP was announced in mid-2025, following a backlash over controversial elements of a government welfare reform bill aimed at saving £5bn. 

The bill proposed cuts to the health element of universal credit for new claimants and stricter eligibility rules for PIP’s daily living component.

Facing pressure from campaigners and MPs, ministers agreed to:

• exempt current PIP recipients from the new rules
• protect incomes of those on the health element of universal credit who meet the ‘severe conditions’ threshold

PIP has never been reviewed despite shifting trends

The government points out that since PIP was introduced more than a decade ago, there have been “shifting trends” in long-term health conditions and disability.

For example, there are now almost 10m working-age disabled people in the UK.

That’s nearly 3 million more than in 2013/14.

And at the same time, there’s been an increase in mental health issues and more young people living with disabilities.

Nevertheless, PIP has never been fully reviewed, so the government wants to make sure the system “reflects the reality of the impact of people’s conditions in the modern world”.

When will the review be completed?

The review is expected to conclude in autumn 2026. 

No current PIP recipients will be affected during this period. 

The new rules will only apply to new claims from November 2026.