DWP to Hold Brief Phone Calls for PIP Claimants Facing No Cash Awards

Personal Independence Payment (PIP) claimants have recently shared their perspectives during workshops forming part of the Timms Review, a government initiative aimed at ensuring PIP is both fair and fit for the future. The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has invited claimants to participate in these workshops to gather feedback on emerging recommendations.

During one such session, a participant was informed by a panel member that a short preliminary phone call, described as a triage call, will be used to determine whether a claimant receives a PIP2 claim form or is directed to an alternative assessment process that concludes without a cash award.

The workshop structure breaks down 24 specific recommendations into four groups, with participants allotted to separate sessions, allowing them to discuss and evaluate each set of proposed changes.

Attendees in person receive a token to express their opinions on each recommendation using a communal sheet divided into three coloured bands: green indicates “Great principle, I am in favour”; orange signifies “Broadly happy but some concerns”; and red denotes “Causes real concern”.

The DWP acknowledged that while the workshops have not been co-produced, they serve as a valuable means to hear directly from those interacting with PIP. They emphasised that claimant input is crucial and will influence subsequent stages of the Review’s co-production process.

The Timms Review is co-chaired by Sir Stephen Timms, Minister for Social Security and Disability, alongside Sharon Brennan and Dr Clenton Farquharson CBE. Together with a steering group of 12 members who bring diverse lived experiences and expertise, the team collectively leads the co-production of the Review.

This steering group is currently developing recommendations and will continue to host workshops throughout September and October 2026, engaging disabled people and those with long-term health conditions to help shape the future of PIP.