On March 22, 2025, the Benefits and Work Forum unveiled a new online test designed to help people check their eligibility for Personal Independence Payment (PIP). The tool arrives as the Labour government, under Minister Liz Kendall, proposes major changes to how PIP is assessed, especially the scoring system for daily living support.
Why the Online Test Was Created
Many PIP applicants struggle to understand the rules, and the proposed changes have only added to the confusion. To address this, the Benefits and Work Forum created an online scoring simulator. According to the forum:
“We know a lot of people are unsure how Labour’s new PIP system works. This test lets you try it out for yourself.”
The test is free, can be used multiple times, and gives users the option to see their results on-screen or via email.
Understanding the Proposed Changes
The government’s proposed system does not alter the mobility part of PIP, but it does change how daily living support is calculated. Under the new plan:
- You need at least 8 points for the standard rate or 12 for the enhanced rate.
- One of the chosen descriptors must score 4 points or more.
- If you score 8 points but none of them are 4 or higher individually, you won’t qualify.
Importantly, the forum noted that these changes won’t take effect before November 2026.
Critics Raise Concerns About the Reforms
The changes haven’t gone unnoticed. In a recent editorial, The Guardian criticized the government’s approach, saying:
“These are the wrong choices… Scapegoating claimants does more harm than good.”
They also pointed out that while health-related claims have risen, overall spending on social security hasn’t surged as a share of national income. Activists are being urged to continue defending the rights of disabled people.
How Many People Are Receiving Long-Term PIP Support?
According to Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) data, as of January 2025:
- 1.5 million people (41% of all PIP claimants) have awards lasting five years or more.
- This includes individuals in England, Wales, and overseas.
- Notably, this doesn’t include around 35,000 Scottish claimants who are transitioning to the new Adult Disability Payment (ADP) system.
Some of the highest long-term support goes to:
- Over 58% of those with visual impairments, with monthly awards reaching up to £737.20.
- 50.8% of people with musculoskeletal conditions.
- Nearly half of those with neurological issues.
Payment Amounts and Reviews
PIP payments range from £28.70 to £184.30 per week, issued every four weeks, depending on the level of support needed. The length of awards can vary from 9 months to 10 years, but the DWP only categorizes them as “five years or more” for statistical purposes.
The DWP conducts regular reviews to ensure people are receiving the right level of help. If a claimant’s condition is expected to improve, they may receive a limited-term award of up to two years, with no review. On the other hand, “light touch” reviews are used for those with long-term, stable conditions.
Criticism Continues as Kendall Announces More Changes
On March 21, 2025, Liz Kendall announced additional modifications to PIP, which have sparked even more public concern. MP Stella Creasey strongly opposed the changes, stating that cutting benefits won’t create jobs and fails to address the real issues behind unemployment.
What New Claimants Should Know
If you’re thinking about applying for PIP, your eligibility depends on whether you’ve had daily living or mobility difficulties for at least 3 months, and those difficulties are expected to continue for 9 months or more.
You might qualify if you need help with tasks such as:
- Eating or preparing meals
- Bathing and personal hygiene
- Getting dressed
- Managing medications
- Navigating safely outside
Applications can be made by contacting the DWP, and detailed information is available on the GOV.UK website. Having your information ready beforehand will make the process smoother.
Scotland’s Move to the Adult Disability Payment (ADP)
While England and Wales continue under PIP, Scotland is transitioning to the ADP, which has its own rules. This shift marks a significant change in how disability benefits are handled across the UK.
I have claimed benefits because I have had a brain heammorage and now a brain bleed and a stroke and I find it hard to walk about and they(the government)expect us to forget about it when it has governed your life for years, and I have yet to meet someone who wanted this.
I think since we have paid our ni since we were 16 years old we are entitled to this, or are the government offering us a refund.
It’s disgraceful how they are treating the sick and disabled vulnerable people such as myself I didn’t ask to be the way I am and have to rely on my son and his wife to do everything for me if it wasn’t for them I would rather be dead most day’s I wish I was with the chronic pain I’m in constantly and my mental health is suffering terribly he needs to target the more.weathy one’s such as his self GET HIM OUT NOW before there’s more deaths and he will be responsible for it