New DWP PIP plans will include changes for 'light touch' awards

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) are reforming the rules for Personal Independence Payment (PIP), including changes to "light touch" awards, which currently are reviewed every ten years. Sir Stephen Timms, the Minister for Social Security and Disability, has been vocal about the new Green Paper's vision to "plans to consider changes to improve the experience for people who receive these ongoing awards in PIP".

He added that this would include improving the information DWP provides when issuing an ongoing PIP award, support available to claimants between reviews, and “reviewing the length of time between ‘light touch’ reviews”.

The Minister's comments came after enquiries from Liberal Democrat MP Ian Roome who recently asked about adjustments DWP is considering for "PIP reassessments for claimants suffering from longer-term degenerative conditions".

In a , Sir Stephen said: "Award reviews are an important feature of Personal Independence Payment to ensure people receive the correct level of benefit, both for those whose needs will increase and those whose needs may decrease."

“People who receive the highest level of PIP and whose needs will not improve, receive a PIP award for a continuous period with a light touch review at the 10-year point.

“In the published on 18 March we outline plans to consider changes to improve the experience for people who receive these ongoing awards in PIP.

“These include improving the information we provide when we write to people about ongoing PIP award decisions, what support is offered between ‘light touch’ reviews and reviewing the length of time between ‘light touch’ reviews.”

The planned welfare reforms are due to come into effect in November 2026 for new claimants. Existing claimants would not see any changes until their current award is due for review - the date of this can be found on your award letter.

As it stands, DWP figures from January show some 3.7 million people across Great Britain receiving PIP, which now amounts to as much as £749.80 every four weeks after the annual increase this April. Of these, 1.5 million claimants have secured an ongoing PIP award for at least five years due to disabilities or chronic health issues.

A significant 58% of PIP recipients with visual impairments are granted up to £749.80 monthly for a duration of five years or more. Over half of the individuals with general musculoskeletal conditions (50.8%) like arthritis, muscle or joint pain have received extended PIP awards, and so have 49.5% of those with neurological issues such as epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, and muscular dystrophy.

According to the latest , the decision maker will determine PIP awards based on how the claimant's health condition or disability affects their everyday life and independence. The handbook notes: "The length of award will be based upon each claimant's individual circumstances."

It's crucial to note that DWP guidance also mentions that most awards will be subject to regular reviews "regardless of the length of the award" to ensure "everyone continues to receive the most appropriate level of support".

Some individuals may receive a fixed-term award for up to two years - these are not reviewed by the DWP. These non-reviewable limited term awards are given when it's expected that the claimant's health might reasonably improve.

Ongoing awards come with a 'light touch' review process

A 'light touch' review is generally granted to claimants who have:

• very stable needs which are unlikely to change over time
• high level needs which will either stay the same or get worse
• a planned award review date due on or at State Pension age
• a special rules for end of life claim due when of State Pension age

DWP guidance clarifies: "These claimants would not usually be expected to have a face-to-face assessment at review."

The annual increase of 1.7 per cent will see individuals on disability benefits pocket between £29.20 and £187.45 weekly, equating to roughly £116.80 or £749.80 every four weeks. Over the fiscal year, those on the highest awards can expect an additional £9,747 in financial aid.

The maximum sum of £749.80 is calculated for someone receiving the top award for both daily living and mobility components.

Six conditions with PIP award of five years or longer

People with varying health conditions can be granted PIP for up to five years or more. The award is determined by how the condition impacts the claimant.

The conditions listed below have the highest percentage rate of five-year or longer awards given to claimants as of the end of January 2025:

Visual disease

Total number 58,685

5 year PIP award 34,692

Percentage 59%

Musculoskeletal disease (general)

Total number 682,391

5 year PIP award 341,434

Percentage 50.8%

Neurological disease

Total number 468,113

5 year PIP award 230,412

Percentage 49%

Respiratory disease

Total number 138,376

5 year PIP award 64,835

Percentage 47%

Autoimmune disease (connective tissue disorders)

Total number 19,542

5 year PIP award 8,697

Percentage 45%

Musculoskeletal disease (regional)

Total number 426,038

5 year PIP award 185,916

Percentage 43.6%

PIP payment rates

You will be paid the following amounts per week (paid every four weeks in arrears) - depending on your award:

Daily living

• Standard: £73.90
• Enhanced: £110.40

Mobility

• Standard: £29.20
• Enhanced: £77.05