DWP PIP New Points changes for Payments of up to £434 – Check Eligibility Conditions

The UK Government has announced significant reforms to the Personal Independence Payment (PIP), Universal Credit, and incapacity benefits, set to take effect in November 2026, pending parliamentary approval. These changes, introduced by Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall, aim to tighten eligibility criteria and increase in-person assessments.

If you currently receive PIP or are planning to apply, these changes could impact your entitlement. Here’s everything you need to know about the new rules, eligibility updates, and payment increases.

Key Changes to PIP from 2026

More Face-to-Face Assessments

• Currently, most PIP assessments are done via phone, video call, or paper-based applications.
• From 2026, more claimants will be required to attend in-person assessments.

No Freeze on PIP Payments

• PIP will not be replaced with vouchers or alternative support.

Stricter Daily Living Component Criteria

• A new points threshold will be introduced for claimants applying for the daily living component of PIP.
• To qualify, claimants must score at least 4 points in at least one daily living activity.
• Those scoring below 4 points in all areas will no longer be eligible for PIP’s daily living component.

Eligibility for Lower and Higher Daily Living Awards

• Claimants must score at least 8 points in total to qualify for the lower daily living award.
• Claimants must score 12 points or more for the higher daily living award.
• Anyone who does not meet the minimum 4-point requirement in any of the 10 daily living activities will lose eligibility.

Mobility Component Unaffected

• These changes do not impact the mobility component of PIP.

How Will These Changes Affect Claimants?

• The Joseph Rowntree Foundation estimates that up to 1.2 million claimants could lose their PIP entitlement.
• The Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS) warns that the full impact is uncertain, as claimants may change how they present their conditions during assessments.
• The UK Government aims to focus support on people with higher needs, leading to stricter eligibility and potential payment reductions for lower-scoring applicants.

While the Government hopes these reforms will save over £5 billion by 2029/30, past similar reforms have saved less than expected due to appeals and reassessment requests.

PIP Payment Rates & Increases

PIP payments are reviewed annually. From April 2024, payment rates have increased as follows:

Daily Living Component (For help with daily activities like dressing, eating, and managing medication)

• Enhanced Rate: £108.55 → £110.40
• Standard Rate: £72.65 → £73.90

Mobility Component (For those with difficulty walking or moving around)

• Enhanced Rate: £75.75 → £77.05
• Standard Rate: £28.70 → £29.20

Since PIP is paid every four weeks, a successful claim can provide between £114.80 and £737.20 per month.

How to Prepare for the PIP Changes

Review Your Eligibility

• The PIP 2 evidence form contains 10 daily living activities used to assess eligibility.
• Review the Citizens Advice PIP scoring guide to see how your condition may be affected.

Seek Professional Advice

• Disability charities such as Scope, Turn2us, and Citizens Advice offer guidance on appeals and PIP reassessments.

Participate in the Government Consultation

• The UK Government is seeking public feedback on these changes. You can participate via the GOV.UK website.

Plan Financially

• If you rely on PIP or Universal Credit, consider budgeting strategies or alternative financial support options in case your entitlement changes.

The upcoming PIP reforms in 2026 are among the most significant changes to the UK’s disability benefits system in years. While the Government aims to ensure PIP targets those with higher needs, these stricter eligibility rules could mean many claimants lose access to financial support.

If you or a loved one receive PIP, now is the time to stay informed, review your eligibility, and seek advice to ensure you continue to receive the support you need.

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