Will you be affected by changes to personal independence payments?

Earlier this year, the government announced that eligibility criteria for personal independence payments (PIP) would be tightened.

Under the new system, from November 2026, people will have to score a minimum of four points in at least one activity to qualify for the daily living part of PIP.  

You might get the daily living part if you need help:

• making meals
• eating and drinking
• washing and using the toilet
• dressing and undressing
• managing medicines or treatments
• communicating
• reading
• socialising
• managing your money

So who would be most likely to lose out?

Let’s take a look…

Places most affected by PIP changes

According to an analysis of government data by Yahoo News, people in the north-west of England will be most likely to fall short of the new requirements.

That’s because over 208,000 people in the region currently receive PIP without scoring enough points under the new criteria.

London is next on the list, with more than 162,000 claimants potentially losing support.

And interestingly, 19 out of top 20 constituencies where claimants may miss out on PIP voted for Labour in the last general election. 

These are:

• Liverpool Walton - 20.3%
• Blaenau Gwent and Rhymney - 19.9%
• Blackpool South - 19.6%
• Aberafan Maesteg - 19.2%
• Easington - 19%
• Birkenhead - 18.8%
• Knowsley - 18.3%
• Rhondda and Ogmore - 18.3%
• Bootle - 18.2%
• Merthyr Tydfil and Aberdare - 18.1%
• Sheffield Brightside and Hillsborough - 17.1%
• Liverpool West Derby - 17.1%
• Hartlepool - 17%
• Clwyd North - 16.8%
• Wallasey - 16.6%
• Swansea West - 16.2%
• Clacton - 16.1%
• Llanelli - 16%
• Barnsley South - 15.9%
• Neath and Swansea East - 15.7%

Health conditions most affected by PIP changes

Yahoo News has also looked at which health conditions are most likely to be affected by the reforms.

Figures showed that 79% of people with back pain who get PIP would score less than four points under the new system.

This is followed by: 

• arthritis - 76%
• chronic pain syndromes - 74%
• other regional musculoskeletal diseases - 71%
• cardiovascular diseases - 59%
• respiratory diseases - 54%
• multiple sclerosis and neuropathic diseases - 50%
• all other conditions - 49%
• anxiety and depression - 48%
• other neurological diseases - 38%
• cerebrovascular disease - 35%
• epilepsy - 30%
• other psychiatric disorders - 27%
• cancer - 26%

In short, if your primary condition involves pain, mobility issues, or mental health struggles, you may be more likely to lose your current level of support unless you meet the updated criteria.

Most PIP claimants will still get support, says government

In response to the findings, the government has insisted that most people who rely on PIP will still get the help they need.

“The majority of people who are currently getting PIP will continue to receive it,” a spokesperson said.

“We will never compromise on protecting people who need our support.

“Our reforms will mean the social security system will always be there for those who will never be able to work and that their income is protected.”

The spokesperson added that the government has also announced a review of the PIP assessment and will be “working with disabled people and key organisations representing them to consider how best to do this”.

What you can do now

If you’re claiming PIP and worried about the planned changes, it’s worth remembering they’re not set to come into effect until late next year.

That means now is a good time to check your current PIP award letter and review how your daily living needs are scored.

If you have any questions, get in touch and we’ll be happy to help.

You can also read our guide to find out more about you can claim PIP and what the assessment process involves.