Share your views on disability benefit reforms

Disabled people and those with long-term health conditions are being invited to share their views on plans to reform the benefit system.

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

But the government has pointed 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, the process has never been fully reviewed, so the government wants to make sure it reflects the realities of life in 2026.

Your chance to shape the system

The government wants any with lived or learned experience of PIP, including disabled people, to share their opinions on the current system and what changes they’d like to see.

Among the key themes being explored are:

• how effectively PIP is delivering on its intended purpose
• if the PIP assessment offers fair access to the right support
• if the experience of claiming PIP varies for different groups
• the impact of changes in the workplace and wider society have since 2013

Social security and disability minister Sir Stephen Timms has urged anyone with experience of the PIP system, including young people, to submit their views.

“As we progress with our review of PIP, it is vital that as many people as possible have the chance to contribute,” he commented.

Anyone who wants to contribute can use the online form here.

The call for evidence closes on 28 May.

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

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.