Hundreds of thousands of Personal Independence Payment (PIP) recipients could soon face significant financial hardship as Labour’s latest cuts and changes to the system come into effect.
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has confirmed that, starting in November 2026, a new set of stricter eligibility criteria will be implemented, raising concerns about the future of many claimants’ support.
Changes to the PIP Assessment System
The upcoming reforms to PIP will impact the way benefits are assessed, making it more difficult for claimants to qualify for support. The current system, which is based on a points-based evaluation, will become more stringent.
From November 2026 onwards, applicants will need to score at least four points in a single activity category to be eligible for the daily living component of the benefit.
These changes are expected to have a significant impact on the number of people who continue to receive PIP support. According to an investigation carried out by Benefits and Work using the Freedom of Information Act, this overhaul could result in a large number of current recipients losing their payments.
The Impact on Current PIP Claimants
The DWP’s estimates show that around 209,000 individuals who currently receive the higher tier of the daily living component could be affected by the new rules.
Additionally, approximately 1,116,000 claimants receiving the lower tier could see their payments reduced under the revised criteria.
In total, it is anticipated that up to 1,325,000 people could be at risk of losing their PIP benefits once the new assessment system is fully implemented.
| Category | Current PIP Recipients Affected |
|---|---|
| Higher Tier Recipients | 209,000 |
| Lower Tier Recipients | 1,116,000 |
| Total Affected | 1,325,000 |
Predictions by the Office for Budget Responsibility
While the Office for Budget Responsibility has acknowledged the possibility that up to 1.3 million people could fail to meet the new four-point threshold, their estimates suggest that the actual number may be lower.
The organization predicts that approximately 800,000 claimants will be unable to meet the new requirements, while 500,000 may retain their PIP through a more focused approach to applications and appeals.
Claimants’ Concerns About the Reforms
The impending changes have sparked widespread concern among current PIP recipients, many of whom are expressing their fears about being left without support. Some claimants have shared their worries about how the reforms will affect their ability to maintain employment and their quality of life.
One 45-year-old claimant shared their dependency on PIP, stating:
“I would have only been able to return to work with my PIP. If it’s reduced or anything like that, it puts me in the position of not being able to afford to go to work. And if I can’t afford to go to work, well, what do I do?”
This claimant continued, emphasizing the personal significance of their job:
“For me, having my job is more than just earning my wages at the end of the month. It’s my purpose. It’s my sanity, my identity. I add value to society, to the workforce. But you cut my benefit and I can’t do that any more.”
Another individual voiced concerns about the impact on their health:
“It would really impact my ability to pay for the therapies that keep me physically and mentally healthy, which in turn would impact my ability to remain in work. And that is obviously at odds with the government’s messaging.”
Additionally, some have criticized the reforms for being inconsistent with Labour’s promises:
“Labour promised to end austerity, but what we are seeing is clearly [that] an end to austerity doesn’t include disabled people.”
The upcoming changes to PIP eligibility are set to affect millions of vulnerable individuals, with many at risk of losing crucial financial support.
As the Labour government continues to implement these stricter criteria, claimants are left grappling with the possibility of losing their benefits, causing anxiety and uncertainty for those who rely on PIP for their livelihood.
The situation remains tense, with many advocating for a re-evaluation of the policies that could leave disabled individuals without the support they need.
FAQs
What are the new eligibility criteria for PIP under Labour’s reforms?
The new criteria require claimants to score at least four points in a single activity category to qualify for the daily living component of PIP, making it harder for people to qualify for benefits.
How many PIP recipients will be affected by the reforms?
According to the DWP, around 1.3 million individuals could lose or have their PIP support reduced due to the new criteria.
Will all PIP claimants lose their benefits under the new system?
No, the Office for Budget Responsibility estimates that only 800,000 claimants will fail to meet the new four-point threshold, while 500,000 may keep their benefits through appeals and focused applications.