The success rate for Personal Independence Payment (PIP) claims, a key benefit administered by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), has fallen sharply, raising concerns among claimants. According to the latest statistics, as of 31 October 2025, there were 3.9 million individuals entitled to PIP in England and Wales, marking a slight 1% increase since July 2025.
Despite steady claimant numbers, the proportion of successful new claims has dropped significantly. Analysis from the disability support forum Benefits and Work reveals that only 38% of new claims received an award in the most recent quarter—down from 44% a year earlier. This decline highlights increasing difficulty in obtaining PIP approval.
DWP data for the quarter to October 2025 shows 210,000 new claim registrations were processed, alongside 170,000 claim clearances. Changes in claimant circumstances totaled 34,000 reports with 30,000 cleared during the same period. Additionally, 25,000 Disability Living Allowance (DLA) reassessment registrations and 20,000 clearances were recorded, while planned award reviews registered at 140,000 with 220,000 cleared. Mandatory reconsiderations (MRs) also saw high activity, with 65,000 registered and 67,000 cleared.
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The report also highlights that over six percent of awards were disallowed and five percent saw reductions in the quarter to October. Since PIP replaced DLA for many claimants on 8 April 2013, 1.9 million DLA reassessment claims have been cleared, with three-quarters of those claimants aged 16 to 64 at that time. Notably, 22% were “Rising 16s,” transitioning from child DLA claims upon reaching 16 years of age.
The DWP statistics provide a comprehensive overview of the PIP customer journey, including registrations, decisions, ongoing entitlement, review processes, mandatory reconsiderations, and appeals. The data also tracks median clearance times and outcomes at different stages, offering insight into the increasingly complex claims process.