The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has launched a formal review into the Personal Independence Payment (PIP), with a focus on ensuring the benefit remains fair and effective for both new and existing claimants. The review – officially titled the Timms Review – will assess how well PIP supports people living with long-term health conditions and disabilities in a changing society.
The review is set to conclude by Autumn 2026 and could result in changes to both the eligibility criteria and the assessment process for millions of claimants.
Steering Group
The review will be led by Sir Stephen Timms, Minister for Social Security and Disability, alongside co-chairs Sharron Brennan and Dr Clenton Farquharson CBE. Together, they will guide a 12-member steering group made up of experts and stakeholders from across the disability and welfare landscape.
The group will hold its first meeting later this week, with Sir Stephen stating in Parliament:
“I cannot pre-empt the choice of priorities and recommendations, but the review will draw on the full range of voices to build a system that is fair to everybody.”
PIP Now
PIP currently supports over 3.8 million people across England and Wales and is worth between £116.80 and £749.80 every four weeks, depending on a claimant’s level of need.
Payments are non-means-tested, and can be awarded whether someone is in or out of work. The benefit is split into two components:
- Daily Living – for help with everyday tasks
- Mobility – for support with getting around
As of early 2026, the number of working-age adults receiving PIP has increased significantly – from around 2 million pre-pandemic to over 3 million today – and is expected to exceed 4 million by 2030.
Review Scope
The Timms Review will cover both key components of PIP and examine the benefit’s role, structure, and future. Specifically, the review will assess:
- Whether PIP effectively enables people to live independently and participate fully in society
- If the assessment criteria, such as activities and point descriptors, accurately reflect modern experiences of disability
- The inclusion of additional forms of evidence beyond functional assessments, like personal and environmental factors
- How to ensure fair access to the right support across the entire benefits system
- The role of PIP in supporting higher living standards and greater independence through linked services
Principles
The UK Government has laid out a number of principles to guide the review. These include:
- Fairness: Making sure PIP continues to reflect the realities of living with disability or chronic illness today
- Future-proofing: Updating the system in line with social, medical, and workplace changes since PIP was first introduced
- Inclusivity: Ensuring the voices of people with lived experience shape the recommendations
- Continuity: PIP will remain non-means-tested and available to both employed and unemployed individuals
- Applicability: Any future recommendations will apply to both new and existing claimants, including how reassessments are handled
What To Expect
The government has confirmed that any changes resulting from the review could include:
- Amendments to primary or secondary legislation
- Policy updates
- Non-legislative reforms, such as procedural changes or new guidance for assessors
The DWP has committed to reporting review findings to the Secretary of State, currently Pat McFadden, who will consider how and when to implement any recommendations.
In the meantime, the DWP assures claimants that PIP will continue to operate as normal throughout the review process.
As PIP claimant numbers rise and the nature of disability evolves, the Timms Review aims to build a system that is modern, inclusive, and sustainable. While no immediate changes have been made, both new applicants and existing recipients should stay informed as the review progresses, particularly with decisions expected by Autumn 2026.
FAQs
When will the PIP review be completed?
By Autumn 2026, with results reported to the DWP Secretary.
Who is leading the PIP review?
Sir Stephen Timms with co-chairs Sharron Brennan and Dr Clenton Farquharson.
Will current PIP claimants be affected?
Yes, any changes may apply to existing and new claimants.
What is the current PIP payment range?
Between £116.80 and £749.80 every four weeks.
