DWP announced £416 Extra per Month: The UK’s benefit system is going through a massive transformation. Under Labour’s new reforms, people claiming Personal Independence Payment (PIP) and Universal Credit due to health conditions will soon face a completely updated assessment system.
These reforms are aimed at modernising the system, making it fairer, and helping more people return to work without the fear of losing their support. But they also include new rules and stricter eligibility, which may affect many claimants.
Here are the 10 key assessment changes you need to know about.
1. Work Capability Assessments (WCA) for Universal Credit Restarting
The Work Capability Assessments, which were paused during the Covid pandemic, are now being gradually restarted. These assessments determine if a person qualifies for the LCWRA group, which provides £416 extra per month on top of Universal Credit.
2. More Face-to-Face Assessments for PIP and Universal Credit
Face-to-face assessments for both PIP and Universal Credit WCA are being brought back. These were stopped during the pandemic and replaced by phone assessments. The aim is to improve fairness and understanding in the assessment process.
3. New PIP Rule: Claimants Must Score at Least One ‘Four’
To qualify for the daily living part of PIP, claimants must now score at least four points in one of the assessment activities. This rule is being added directly into legislation and will apply to all new claims and reviews. It targets help towards people with higher support needs.
4. Scrapping of Work Capability Assessments in 2028/2029
From 2028/2029, Labour plans to completely remove the Work Capability Assessment. Instead, the PIP assessment will be the only way to access health support through benefits.
A new Universal Credit health element will replace LCWRA, and only those who qualify for PIP will be eligible for this support.
5. PIP Becomes the Only Route to Health Support from Benefits
Once the WCA is scrapped, PIP assessments will decide whether someone can get extra health-related benefits. This puts more pressure on the PIP system and makes it even more important for claimants.
6. Audio Recordings of All Assessments May Become Standard
Labour is considering making audio recordings of all PIP and Universal Credit assessments a standard practice. Currently, they are optional. This change was recommended by the Work and Pensions Select Committee and aims to improve accuracy and trust.
7. Reduced PIP Assessments for People with Severe Disabilities
People with very severe disabilities who have already been through intensive NHS medical assessments may not need to go through a full PIP assessment again. This aims to reduce unnecessary stress and bureaucracy.
8. Better Communication for People with Lifelong or Progressive Conditions
People with lifelong or progressive conditions currently go through ‘light touch’ PIP reviews every 10 years. The government says it will improve communication to ensure these people are not worried about facing unnecessary full reassessments.
9. New Law: Claimants Can Try Working Without Losing Benefits
To support people who want to try working, Labour will introduce new legislation allowing them to test a job without losing their benefits. This change is designed to reduce fear around reassessments or cuts in support when trying to rejoin the workforce.
10. Full Redesign and Modernisation of the PIP Assessment Process
Labour plans to fully modernise the PIP assessment system, but this will only happen after the current reforms are complete. The redesign aims to make the system clearer, fairer, and more efficient for everyone.
Labour’s 10 benefit reforms represent a major shift in how the UK supports people with health conditions. While some changes aim to reduce stress and improve trust, others — like the stricter PIP rules — may result in fewer people qualifying.
If you’re receiving PIP or Universal Credit, it’s important to stay informed, prepare for changes, and seek advice if needed. These reforms are being rolled out over time, with some taking effect now and others planned for 2028/2029.
FAQ’s
What are the new DWP changes to PIP and Universal Credit assessments?
There are 10 major changes, including stricter PIP eligibility, face-to-face assessments, audio recordings, and the end of Work Capability Assessments by 2028/2029.
What is the new PIP scoring rule?
To qualify for the daily living part of PIP, you must now score at least four points in one of the daily activity categories.
When will the Work Capability Assessment be removed?
The WCA will be scrapped by 2028/2029 and replaced by a Universal Credit health element. PIP will be the only way to qualify.
Will I have to go through a face-to-face assessment again?
Yes, face-to-face assessments for PIP and Universal Credit are being restarted to improve fairness and clarity.
Can I try a job without losing my benefits under the new rules?
Yes. A new law will let claimants try working without triggering a review or losing their PIP or Universal Credit benefits.
Well let’s hope that they have enough in their budget cuts to provide legal support for the appeals process and I believe this will happen. Also reduce the pension age as I believe this is why there are so many claims because people are not fit to do their jobs any longer.due to health conditions. Also stop money for illegal immigration the have broke the law and should be arrested and deported this will save billions.
You are absolutely right and how much money was allocated for Ukrainians and illegal Muslims… The retirement age is extremely high, you are forced with concomitant diseases, taking painkillers or limping with a cane to go to work and do 20% of it.
I agree with You, and I’ve at least 15 health issues I’m in pain every day some days are worse than others, I’ve at least 15 health issues, and dwp want me to go on a course to do telecommunications, what I can’t do, it’s not nice how they are treating people with health issues, so bad that can’t work because health problems,
It should not be possible to receive more on benefits than min wage even after tax
If you have qualifications and no jobs to suit then any job will do better than benefits
And you have your pride
But for those who are in receipt of PIP need that money for extra help, i agree that people that are able to work should be paid minimum wage of a full time job but don’t penalise those who literally physically cannot work for something that is beyond their control.
Employers therefore must be forced to take on staff. I remember years ago (just after uni) and I applied for literally any job. They wouldn’t get back to me. I finally got a response after chasing and they said they didn’t want to invest in people who will move to a better job as soon as one comes along
So technically someone could be claiming universal credits, working and claiming PIP AND get the work capabilities assessment payment too…which is i believe higher than PIP…but surely if your in receipt of PIP then you shouldn’t get the work capabilities payment too.