Big changes are coming to the UK’s Personal Independence Payment (PIP) system starting in 2026, and millions are worried about losing their benefits. The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) plans to tighten rules, which could cut or reduce payments for about 800,000 people. With the reforms set to save £6 billion by 2030, it’s vital to know how to protect your PIP money. This guide explains the changes, who’s affected, and simple steps to safeguard your payments, based on the latest DWP announcements as of June 2025.
What Are the DWP Reforms?
The DWP’s 2025 reform plan, led by Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall, aims to cut welfare costs and get more people into jobs. PIP, which helps over 3.6 million people with disabilities or health issues, is a major target. The new rules raise the bar for getting the daily living part of PIP, requiring a score of at least four on one activity, like preparing food or dressing. This could mean 370,000 current claimants lose their payments, and 430,000 new applicants get less, with an average loss of £4,500 a year. The changes start in November 2026, but you can act now to prepare.
Who’s at Risk of Losing PIP?
Not everyone will be affected, but many are at risk. If you score low on daily living activities, like needing help with eating or bathing, you could lose your PIP or get a smaller amount. People with mental health conditions, like anxiety, face tougher scrutiny, as the DWP wants to focus on “severe” cases. Those with terminal illnesses or severe disabilities, like complete vision loss, are safe from cuts and won’t face reassessments. If you’re on PIP now, your payments continue as normal until your next review, which could be in 2026 or later.
| Reform Details | Impact |
|---|---|
| New PIP Rule | Need score of 4+ on one daily living activity |
| Affected Claimants | 800,000 (370,000 lose PIP, 430,000 get less) |
| Average Loss | £4,500/year per person |
| Start Date | November 2026 |
| Protected Groups | Terminal illness, severe disability |
Steps to Protect Your Payments
You can take action now to keep your PIP safe. First, check your current PIP award letter to see your points for daily living and mobility activities. If you’re close to the new threshold, gather medical evidence, like doctor’s notes or therapy reports, to strengthen your case at your next review. The DWP offers a 13-week transition period for those losing PIP, so you won’t lose money right away. If you’re worried, contact a benefits advisor through Citizens Advice or Scope to prepare for reassessments.
- Keep detailed records of how your condition affects daily tasks.
- Request a copy of your PIP assessment report from the DWP.
- Apply for Pension Credit or other benefits if you lose PIP.
- Appeal any unfair decisions within one month of a DWP notice.
- Avoid sharing personal info with unofficial websites or callers.
Getting Help and Staying Informed
The DWP is rolling out support to ease the transition, including £1 billion for job programs to help disabled people work if they can. If you lose PIP, you might qualify for Universal Credit’s health top-up, though it’s dropping to £50 a week by 2026. Check GOV.UK for updates or call the PIP helpline at 0800 917 2222. Disability charities warn against scams promising to “save” your benefits—stick to trusted sources. Joining a local support group can also connect you with others facing the same changes.
Standing Up for Your Benefits
Pensioners like Sarah Brown, 62, from Leeds, rely on PIP for mobility aids. “These cuts scare me,” she said. Posts on X echo her fears, with many calling the reforms unfair. Despite pushback from 42 Labour MPs and groups like Disability Rights UK, the DWP says the changes balance support with savings. If you’re on PIP, don’t wait—check your status, gather evidence, and seek advice now. Acting early could keep your payments safe when the 2026 rules hit.
