The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has introduced changes to Personal Independence Payment (PIP) awards for new claimants. From April 2026, most new claims from people aged 25 and over will have longer award periods. This update aims to make the assessment process more efficient and better use available resources.
PIP provides financial help to people with long-term health conditions or disabilities. It does not depend on income and supports extra costs related to daily living or mobility. Claimants usually go through a health assessment, and awards are checked periodically to confirm ongoing eligibility.
PIP Award Durations
Starting in April 2026, the rules for new PIP claims will shift for certain age groups. Currently, review periods can be as short as nine months, and many reviews result in no changes to the award.
Under the new policy:
- For new claimants aged 25 and over, the minimum award period will be three years.
- If the claimant still qualifies after the first review, the next award will extend to five years.
This applies to most new claims in this age group. For those under 25, the rules stay the same as now.
Here is a clear comparison:
| Age Group | Award Period (New Claim) | Next Review Period |
|---|---|---|
| 25 and over | Minimum 3 years | 5 years if eligible |
| Under 25 | No change announced | As per current rules |
These longer periods focus on cases where conditions are less likely to change quickly. This helps reduce reviews that often show no difference in needs.
Shift Toward More In-Person Assessments
The changes also support a move to more face-to-face evaluations. During the COVID-19 period, most assessments became remote. Now, the DWP plans to increase in-person ones.
Specific targets include:
- PIP in-person assessments rising from 6% in 2024 (about 57,000) to 30% of all assessments.
- Work Capability Assessments (WCA) increasing from 13% in 2024 (about 74,000) to 30%.
This reverses earlier contracts that required 80% virtual assessments. The goal is to improve assessment quality and align with pre-pandemic practices.
By extending PIP award lengths, health professionals can spend more time on new claims, complex cases, and clearing backlogs in other areas like WCA reviews.
Connection to Wider Welfare Updates
These PIP adjustments form part of larger efforts to manage the welfare system. From April 2026, Universal Credit rules will also change, reducing the difference in support between those unemployed and those unfit for work due to health issues.
The reforms support programs like Connect to Work, which helps people with disabilities enter or return to employment. Additionally, 1,000 work coaches will be redeployed to provide extra guidance for claimants seeking jobs.
The PIP changes are separate from the ongoing Timms Review. That independent review examines how PIP supports disabled people, its assessment process, and links to health and work outcomes.
Expected Financial and Operational Effects
Extending award durations and cutting unnecessary reviews should create savings. Officials project £1.9 billion in savings by the end of 2030/31.
These funds come from fewer routine reassessments and better use of assessment resources. The approach prioritizes support where it is most needed while addressing delays in the system.
Work and Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden stated that the government is reforming the welfare system to support those who need it most. He highlighted increasing face-to-face assessments and tackling backlogs in Work Capability Assessments.
Summary of the Policy Update
From April 2026, new PIP claimants aged 25 and over will generally receive a minimum three-year award, extending to five years after a successful first review if eligibility continues.
This matters as it reduces frequent reassessments for stable conditions, frees up professionals for in-person evaluations and backlog clearance, and contributes to long-term system efficiency.
Going forward, claimants should understand that longer awards provide more stability for unchanged needs, while resources shift to support new claims and employment pathways.