Personal Independence Payment (PIP) claimants are being advised to act now to secure their current benefits ahead of significant reforms due in November 2026, as announced by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).
The reforms, first outlined in March by Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall, are expected to revise the criteria used to assess eligibility for the daily living component of PIP.
While these changes will not affect current recipients until their next scheduled review, claimants are being urged to verify their individual review dates and, if necessary, request copies of their original PIP award documents to understand how the upcoming rules might impact them.
Changes to Daily Living Eligibility and Timeline
The DWP has confirmed that nearly 3.7 million people receiving PIP across the UK will be impacted by a new assessment framework set to begin from November 2026. According to the Daily Record, this includes a revision of the points-based system used to determine entitlement to the daily living component.
Under the proposed model, claimants must score at least four points in one of ten daily living activities to qualify — a shift that could affect many currently eligible individuals.
Those who undergo a review before November 2026 may be assessed under the current framework. This offers some a potential safeguard, but only if the DWP clears the existing backlog of reviews in time.
The department advises checking the original award letter, not the annual uprating notice, to confirm when the review is due. If the review is conducted early and the claim is successful, the new award may extend beyond the reform implementation date.
How to Prepare for Upcoming Assessment Reforms
To determine whether they are likely to remain eligible under the new system, claimants are encouraged to review the points they were awarded for daily living and mobility components. The DWP can supply a copy of the original PIP 2 evidence form on request via the PIP enquiry line (0800 121 4433).
This document details the descriptors selected and the points awarded during the initial claim process.
Maintaining a health diary is also being recommended as a practical step. Recording daily difficulties, such as struggles with personal care, medication management or mobility, may help provide evidence for future assessments. Claimants are also advised to attend all medical appointments and keep documentation up to date.
Additionally, charities specialising in specific conditions may offer tailored advice and help claimants understand how the changes might affect their entitlements. Participating in the public consultation available on GOV.UK is another route for claimants to voice concerns or contribute feedback on the proposed reforms.
