Personal Independence Payment (PIP) reassessments for people living with multiple sclerosis (MS) should be brought to an end, according to campaigners who argue that the current system places unnecessary strain on claimants and public resources.
The call comes as the government continues the Timms Review of PIP, a process intended to examine whether the disability benefit remains fit for purpose and reflects the realities of living with long-term health conditions.
People with MS have long raised concerns about the way PIP assessments are conducted. The condition affects more than 150,000 people in the UK and can create significant additional costs linked to mobility, care and everyday living. Campaigners say the review presents an opportunity to address long-standing issues within the system.
According to the MS Society, reform should focus on improving fairness, reducing unnecessary assessments and ensuring that fluctuating symptoms are better understood within the benefits process.
Campaigners Call for Reassessment Exemption for Lifelong Conditions
Ross Barrett, from the MS Society, has urged the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) to stop compulsory PIP reassessments for people with long-term conditions such as MS.
Speaking to the Big Issue, Barrett said: “Once diagnosed, MS stays with you for life. And given that it does not get better over time, reassessing people with the condition is costly, unnecessary, and risks people unfairly losing the support they need.” The organisation argues that ending routine reassessments would reduce anxiety for claimants while also saving time and money for the DWP.
For many people living with MS, the prospect of reassessment remains a source of uncertainty. Lisa, 43, who has progressive MS, told the Big Issue: “There is always a fear that everything could be taken away at any time. All I’d need to do is just word something incorrectly, and I could lose everything.”
Timms Review Seeks Views From Disabled People Across the UK
The debate comes as the government continues its review of PIP. Launched last autumn, the Timms Review is being co-produced with disabled people and aims to ensure the benefit remains fair and suitable for future needs.
According to Citizens Advice, no immediate changes are being made to PIP eligibility. The organisation stated: “The government are reviewing the rules for claiming PIP. We expect the review to end in autumn 2026. Nothing is changing now.”
Citizens Advice also noted that the rules governing who can receive PIP could change after the review has concluded. This week, Minister for Social Security and Disability Sir Stephen Timms stressed the importance of gathering evidence directly from disabled people. He said: “Hearing from disabled people across the UK is vitally important to inform the Review.”
Timms added that the review is being developed alongside disabled people “every step of the way” to help ensure PIP is “truly fair and fit for the future”.
New engagement materials have also been made available to organisations across the UK. According to government information, these resources are designed to support workshops and discussions involving disabled people, individuals with long-term health conditions, carers, advisers and others with relevant experience of the PIP system.
