As the government moves forward with plans to reform Personal Independence Payment (PIP), fears have grown among disabled people and those with long-term illnesses about potentially losing vital financial support. But according to the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), one group will remain fully protected: those who are terminally ill, as reported by Birmingham Mail.
More than 3.6 million people currently receive PIP to help cover the extra costs of living with a disability or health condition. Proposed changes, set to take effect from November 2026, would introduce stricter eligibility for the Daily Living Component, requiring claimants to score at least four points in a single category. The Mobility Component will remain unchanged.
Terminally Ill Exempt from Stricter Rules
Concerns about the impact of these reforms were raised in Parliament by Conservative MP Danny Kruger, who asked whether the new criteria would affect terminally ill individuals. In response, Sir Stephen Timms, Minister of State for Social Security and Disability, gave a clear reassurance:
“Claimants of Personal Independence Payment (PIP) who are nearing the end of their life will be unaffected by the reforms to the PIP assessment criteria.”
He confirmed that those applying under the Special Rules for End of Life (SREL) will continue to receive the enhanced rate of the Daily Living Component automatically, without needing to undergo an assessment or meet the qualifying period. Most are also awarded the Mobility Component without further review.
“PIP Is a Lifeline” – Real Stories from Those Affected
While the exemption provides some relief, many within the disabled community remain anxious. Caroline Coleman, who is terminally ill with stage 4 cancer, described the financial and emotional toll of the situation:
“I am terminally ill. I was medically retired at 47 and lost more than two-thirds of my income overnight. My PIP, the pittance it is, contributes to petrol costs for hospital appointments, reflexology, and our heating bills because I’m always cold now.”
She added:
“I’m angry I’m being portrayed as some kind of workshy scrounger. We didn’t ask for this. I paid my taxes for almost 30 years, and now my family is just getting by. I don’t need the stress this has caused.”
Warnings from Advocacy Groups
Georgina Colman, founder of disability support platform Purpl, warned that the reforms could increase pressure on the NHS if disabled people are forced to abandon private therapies due to cost:
“It has been proven that it is more expensive to live as a disabled person. Purpl can help with discounts, but we need good government policies so disabled people don’t have to struggle.”
Purpl’s social media survey found that fears of losing PIP are widespread, even among those who are not yet directly affected. Advocacy groups are calling for more clarity and support for all disabled people as the new eligibility thresholds approach.
