The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) will provide an update soon regarding the review of Personal Independence Payment (PIP). PIP is a benefit given to individuals requiring additional assistance due to health issues. Proposed alterations to the PIP, including revisions to the scoring system determining eligibility, were discarded by the Labour party following objections from MPs, disability advocacy groups, and activists.
The Government is currently reevaluating the PIP claim rules, with the final outcome anticipated in autumn 2026. Sir Stephen Timms, the Minister for Social Security and Disability, is spearheading the review, focusing on the comprehensive PIP assessment process.
Applicants for PIP are typically required to undergo a health assessment via phone, video call, or in-person before determining their eligibility. Sir Stephen recently updated on the Timms Review in response to inquiries in Parliament.
Bradley Thomas, Conservative MP for Bromsgrove, inquired about the timeline for reviewing the PIP assessment procedure and whether disabled individuals, caregivers, and the public would be involved in the evaluation.
In a recent written response, Sir Stephen Timms stated that the Timms Review aims to be co-created with disabled individuals, their representatives, healthcare professionals, caregivers, experts, MPs, and others to ensure diverse perspectives are considered. The leadership team of the review will predominantly consist of disabled individuals and will engage various stakeholders to gather a wide range of opinions.
Sir Stephen further mentioned ongoing consultations with disabled individuals, disability organizations, welfare charities, and experts to refine the co-production approach for the Timms Review. Updates on the progress are expected shortly.
The review is projected to be completed by Autumn 2026, with recommendations forwarded to the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions for potential legislative adjustments or other actions.