DWP New Rules on PIP 2025: The UK government’s proposed welfare reforms have sparked major concern, especially around changes to the Personal Independence Payment (PIP) system. While experts warn that these cuts could push many disabled people deeper into poverty, a new study shows that some disability groups may be less likely to be affected by the changes.
According to the Resolution Foundation, people with conditions such as learning difficulties, cerebral palsy, and autism are most likely to continue receiving support. These individuals tend to score 21 points or more in the Daily Living part of the PIP assessment, making them less likely to lose eligibility under the proposed stricter criteria.
Why Are PIP Cuts Causing Concern?
PIP is a key benefit designed to help people living with long-term disabilities or health conditions. It supports the extra costs involved in daily life and care needs. However, recent announcements about tightening the rules for PIP assessments have raised alarm among disability rights campaigners and MPs.
One major worry is that the new rules will make it much harder to qualify, especially for those who fall just short of the point-based system used during assessments. Claimants must score at least four points in each of ten categories to qualify.
What Do MPs and Campaigners Say?
Several MPs from the newly elected Labour government have expressed their concern over the changes.
Neil Duncan-Jordan, the new MP for Poole, warned:
“There is a genuine concern that tightening the eligibility criteria for PIP will plunge more disabled people into poverty. Benefits are already far from generous, so this is going to feel particularly cruel.”
Terry Jermy, who won his seat in South West Norfolk, added:
“I am disappointed that there are things in there that will make more difficulties for disabled people, particularly in relation to PIP.”
Jermy, who supported his father’s PIP claim for 10 years after a stroke, strongly disagreed with the idea that PIP is easy to claim.
Another Labour MP added anonymously:
“This will make a considerable number of my constituents a lot poorer. And that’s not what we came here to do.”
While some MPs see value in parts of the reform package, many refuse to support it due to its negative impact on vulnerable people.
Sir Keir Starmer Speaks Out
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer has also voiced strong concerns. In a powerful message, he said:
“Young people shut out of the labour market at a formative age. People with complex long-term conditions, written off by a single assessment. People who want to return to work, yet can’t access the support they need. All this is happening at scale and it is indefensible.”
He called the situation “an affront to Labour’s values and history.”
Diane Abbott Slams PM’s Justification
Former Shadow Home Secretary Diane Abbott directly challenged the Prime Minister, arguing:
“There is nothing moral about cutting benefits for what may be up to a million people… This is not about morality; this is about the Treasury’s wish to balance the country’s books on the backs of the most vulnerable.”
Her comments reflect a broader concern that economic savings are being prioritised over people’s wellbeing.
While the Resolution Foundation highlights that some people with conditions like autism or cerebral palsy may still qualify under the new PIP rules, the larger picture remains worrying. Many claimants may fall through the cracks due to tighter criteria, resulting in lost support and rising poverty levels.
As the government pushes ahead with these reforms, pressure is growing from MPs, campaigners, and charities to rethink the plan and ensure that the most vulnerable people are protected—not punished.
FAQ’s
Who is least likely to be affected by the new PIP cuts?
According to the Resolution Foundation, people with learning difficulties, cerebral palsy, and autism are more likely to score 21+ points in the Daily Living part of PIP, so they’re less likely to be impacted by cuts.
Why are the new PIP rules causing concern?
The new rules could make it harder for people to qualify for PIP. Many may not score the required four points in each of the 10 assessment categories, leading to loss of benefits.
What have MPs said about the PIP changes?
Several Labour MPs have spoken out, warning that the new rules could push more disabled people into poverty and that the reforms are unfair and harmful.
What did Keir Starmer say about the welfare reforms?
Keir Starmer said the system is failing people with long-term conditions and that it goes against Labour’s values. He criticised how single assessments are writing people off.
What did Diane Abbott say about the benefit cuts?
Diane Abbott said the cuts are not about morality but about saving money, and that it’s wrong to balance the budget by targeting society’s most vulnerable.
