The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is preparing for the next stage of its long-running disability benefit reforms, with plans to review remaining working-age Disability Living Allowance (DLA) claims before any future transfer to Personal Independence Payment (PIP).
The move has prompted concern from some disability organisations, which argue that additional safeguards will be needed to protect vulnerable claimants during the process. The DWP, however, says active transfers have not yet resumed and that it is first carrying out a pilot review to better understand the support people may need.
Background
Personal Independence Payment replaced Disability Living Allowance for most working-age adults in 2013. Since then, the majority of eligible DLA recipients have moved to PIP.
However, around 150,000 working-age people remain on DLA after the migration process was paused in 2020.
The government is now preparing for the next phase of the project, although no date has been announced for full-scale transfers.
Pilot
Rather than immediately restarting transfers, the DWP says it will review a random sample of 3,000 DLA cases.
According to the department, the pilot is expected to begin in September and is intended to identify what additional support and safeguarding measures may be required before active migration resumes.
A DWP spokesperson said the department is committed to ensuring vulnerable claimants receive appropriate support throughout any future transition.
DWP Statement
The department has stressed that working-age DLA claimants are not currently being required to transfer to PIP.
According to the DWP:
- Active transfers have not yet resumed.
- A reassessment currently occurs only if a claimant turns 16, reports a change in circumstances, or voluntarily claims PIP.
- The review of 3,000 cases will help determine future safeguarding arrangements.
The department has not confirmed when wider migration will restart.
Concerns
Several disability organisations have expressed concerns about the planned process.
Rick Burgess, spokesperson for the Greater Manchester Coalition of Disabled People, said many of the remaining DLA recipients are likely to have complex conditions and significant support needs.
He argued that requiring people to make new PIP claims could result in some individuals failing to complete the process, potentially leading to the loss of financial support.
The organisation has called on the DWP to consider transferring eligible claimants directly onto PIP rather than requiring a full reassessment.
Previous Cases
Concerns surrounding the migration process have been raised before.
Campaigners have referenced the case of Philippa Day, a disabled mother from Nottingham who died in 2019 after her DLA payments stopped during her attempted move to PIP.
According to previous reports, her DLA claim ended after the department said it had not received the required PIP2 questionnaire.
Following her death, the number of DLA claims ending because forms were not returned fell significantly.
| Period | Approximate DLA Disallowances |
|---|---|
| 2016-2019 | Around 20,000 per year |
| 2020 | Fewer than 9,000 |
| 2021 | Around 5,000 |
| Year to October 2022 | Around 4,000 |
These figures have been cited by campaigners calling for stronger safeguards during any future migration process.
Earlier Migration
The latest review follows the completion of another major DWP programme involving the movement of people receiving income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) onto Universal Credit.
During that process, nearly 23,000 claimants did not submit a Universal Credit claim after being contacted by the department, resulting in the closure of their existing benefit claims.
Some disability organisations have raised concerns that similar issues could arise during any future DLA to PIP migration if claimants do not complete the required application process.
PIP Reform
The review also comes as the government continues work on wider reforms to the PIP system.
The proposed changes are expected to follow the completion of the Timms Review, with further announcements anticipated later this year.
Although the government has not published final proposals, ministers are expected to outline future disability benefit reforms before any legislation is introduced.
Minister
The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government has confirmed that Sir Stephen Timms will continue overseeing the government’s disability portfolio.
Questions had been raised following a recent ministerial reshuffle, but officials have confirmed he will continue his work on disability policy while government website updates are completed.
Outlook
The DWP has emphasised that no immediate large-scale transfer of remaining working-age DLA claimants to PIP is taking place. Instead, the department says it will first assess a sample of cases to understand what additional support and safeguarding measures may be needed before wider migration resumes.
For the approximately 150,000 working-age adults who remain on DLA, there are currently no new requirements unless they experience a change in circumstances, reach the relevant age threshold, or choose to apply for PIP voluntarily. Any future migration plans are expected to be informed by the findings of the pilot review and forthcoming government decisions on disability benefit reform.
FAQs
Is the DWP restarting DLA to PIP transfers now?
No. The department is first reviewing 3,000 cases.
How many working-age people still receive DLA?
Around 150,000 claimants remain on DLA.
Why is the DWP carrying out a pilot?
To identify support and safeguarding needs.
Will everyone on DLA be reassessed immediately?
No. Active transfers have not yet resumed.
