The Department for Work and Pensions is preparing for a major overhaul of Personal Independence Payment, with reforms expected to be announced ahead of Chancellor Rachel Reeves’ Spring Statement on March 26, 2025. The proposed changes could have significant consequences for millions of claimants, particularly those with five common health conditions that represent the majority of PIP recipients.
As of October 2024, around 3.6 million people in the UK rely on PIP to help manage their daily lives. The benefit covers 21 disabling conditions and more than 530 individual health problems, yet five specific conditions account for 3.1 million of all claims. With these conditions now at the center of the upcoming review, many recipients are concerned about how the reforms could impact their eligibility and payments.
Which PIP Conditions Could Be Affected?
According to Leeds Live, the most frequently claimed conditions under PIP include:
- Psychiatric disorders – including depression, anxiety, PTSD, and other mental health conditions
- Musculoskeletal diseases (general) – covering widespread conditions like arthritis and fibromyalgia
- Musculoskeletal diseases (regional) – affecting specific areas such as the back, hips, and knees
- Neurological diseases – including epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, and Parkinson’s disease
- Respiratory diseases – such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
With the DWP now set to review how PIP is assessed, there is speculation that changes could be made to eligibility criteria, payment amounts, or the way conditions are classified. Claimants with these conditions may be at higher risk of being reassessed under stricter guidelines, potentially affecting the financial support they receive.
Who Is Eligible for PIP and What Might Change?
PIP is currently available to individuals aged 16 and over who have a long-term physical or mental health condition that significantly impacts their ability to carry out daily activities or move around. The condition must be expected to last at least 12 months from when symptoms first appeared. In Scotland, PIP has already been replaced by Adult Disability Payment, while pensioners may need to apply for Attendance Allowance instead.
The full details of the DWP’s proposed reforms have not yet been announced, but experts believe the changes could lead to more rigorous eligibility assessments. There is concern that payment rates may be adjusted, potentially reducing the amount awarded to those with certain conditions. Another possibility is a shift in how mobility and daily living components are assessed, which could mean that individuals with moderate disabilities may no longer qualify for the same level of financial support.
Some welfare advocates have warned that the government could move toward a more means-tested system, which would mark a significant departure from the way PIP is currently awarded. There is growing uncertainty about whether the DWP might integrate PIP into a broader welfare framework, fundamentally altering how disability benefits are structured in the UK.
