The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has confirmed new intentions to expand the use of face-to-face assessments for those applying for or renewing Personal Independence Payment (PIP).
This policy direction appears in the official Pathways to Work: Reforming Benefits and Support to Get Britain Working Green Paper. While the government sets out a framework for reform, it ultimately reveals few operational details about how these changes will unfold.
According to DevonLive, the initiative marks a shift in emphasis toward in-person evaluations, though telephone and video options remain in place. The anticipated changes are set for implementation from November 2026.
Shift Towards In-Person Evaluations
Under the new framework, more individuals applying for a new PIP award or undergoing a review of an existing one will be invited to attend in-person consultations. This is part of a wider strategy to enhance the accuracy and reliability of the PIP process.
While telephone and video assessments will remain available, the DWP emphasizes an increased use of in-person evaluations.
Sir Stephen Timms, Minister for Social Security and Disability, stated that the department remains “committed to enabling a multi-channel assessment approach,” adding: “The feasibility of a paper-based assessment will always be considered in the first instance for all cases,” and, “where a paper-based review is not possible, the claimant will be invited to an assessment.”
Emphasis on Tailored Assessment Formats
In a written response to Liberal Democrat MP Chris Coghlan, Sir Stephen clarified:
“Consideration will be given to claimants who need a specific assessment channel due to their health condition or circumstances.”
before any appointment is scheduled. He further noted:
“Other claimants who can undertake any assessment type will be allocated to the next available appointment; however, this can be changed if the claimant informs us that a reasonable adjustment is appropriate in their circumstances.”
Professional Standards for Assessment Staff
In a separate reply to Conservative MP Gregory Stafford, Sir Stephen outlined the rigorous standards set by the DWP for health professionals conducting PIP assessments. He confirmed that the department has “set clear requirements on the professions, skills, experience, and training of health professionals (HPs) that assessment suppliers use to carry out assessments.”
According to the Personal Independence Payment Assessment Guide (PIPAG), all health professionals (HPs) involved in PIP evaluations must meet specific standards.
They must be registered as an occupational therapist, nurse, physiotherapist, paramedic, doctor, pharmacist, or, in exceptional cases, another registered healthcare professional, provided that prior written approval has been granted by the DWP.
Full registration with the appropriate licensing body is required. HPs must not have any sanctions on their registration, except where the sanction relates to a disability or, in the case of doctors, where an Approved Practice Setting (APS) requirement is in place.
They must also have at least one year of post-registration experience—though in some cases, this requirement may be waived by written agreement with the DWP.
Additionally, all professionals must have passed a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check at the appropriate level. Certain criteria may be waived by the DWP on a case-by-case basis, subject to formal approval.
