Eligibility standards for PIP is being tightened to be focused at these with “greater wants”.
The DWP has introduced plans to tighten the eligibility standards for PIP in 2026 (Picture: Getty)
The Division for Work and Pensions (DWP) has issued an replace to state pensioners forward of upcoming reforms to Private Independence Funds (PIP).
PIP is a profit that gives help to these with long-term bodily or psychological well being situations or disabilities and is claimed by round 3.8 million folks in England, Wales and Northern Eire. It’s paid in two completely different components – a each day dwelling half if you happen to need assistance with on a regular basis duties, resembling cooking, washing and dressing, and a mobility half if you happen to need assistance with getting round. Claimants could also be eligible for one or each however every is paid at a unique fee. At present, if you happen to get the each day dwelling half, the decrease weekly fee is value £73.90 or £110.40 if you happen to get the upper fee. For those who get the mobility half, the decrease weekly fee is value £29.20 or £77.05 if you happen to get the upper fee.
From November 2026, claimants might want to rating a minimal of 4 factors on one each day dwelling exercise, along with the present eligibility standards.
The federal government additionally plans to hold out extra frequent assessments for folks claiming PIP, with extra of those assessments to be accomplished face-to-face.
The deliberate modifications imply it will likely be tougher for folks to qualify for PIP, notably new claimants or these dealing with reassessment, and so fewer folks will get the profit consequently, whereas present claimants may see their funds stopped or lowered.
In an replace on the modifications, the DWP mentioned that 9 out of 10 folks presently getting PIP are anticipated to be unaffected by the brand new guidelines. Which means 10% of these presently claiming can anticipate to be impacted by the modifications, which may embody dropping their eligibility for the profit, or having funds lowered.
DWP figures from the tip of October 2025 present roughly 753,206 folks aged 65 to 79 had been claiming PIP throughout England, Scotland and Wales, however the authorities has confirmed that pensioners will likely be exempt from the upcoming PIP reforms.
In a written response to Labour MP Paula Barker final yr, pensions minister Sir Stephen Timms mentioned: “Our intention is that the brand new eligibility requirement in PIP by which folks should rating a minimal of 4 factors in a single each day dwelling exercise to be eligible for the each day dwelling element, will apply to new claims and award evaluations from November 2026, topic to parliamentary approval.
“In step with present coverage, folks of State Pension age will not be routinely totally reviewed and won’t be affected by the proposed modifications.”
Present PIP eligibility guidelines state that you just have to be beneath State Pension age to assert it if you happen to haven’t acquired PIP earlier than. So if you’re already over State Pension age, which is presently 66, you’ll be able to apply for Attendance Allowance as a substitute.
However if in case you have acquired PIP earlier than, you’ll be able to nonetheless make a brand new declare if you happen to had been eligible for it within the yr earlier than you reached State Pension age.
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