The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) faces increasing pressure to stop mandatory Personal Independence Payment (PIP) reassessments for individuals with lifelong health conditions, such as multiple sclerosis (MS). Advocates argue that repeated evaluations are unnecessary, costly, and risk unfairly stripping vital support from disabled people.
Ross Barrett of the MS Society told the Big Issue, “Once diagnosed, MS stays with you for life. Since it does not improve over time, reassessing individuals with MS is expensive and places them at risk of losing essential benefits.”
Lisa, 43, who lives with progressive MS, shared her anxiety about the reassessment process: “There is always a fear that everything could be taken away at any time. Just one wrong word could mean losing everything.”
READ MORE: Father Left Scarred After Brutal Knife Attack During Mobile Phone Robbery in Perry Barr
READ MORE: DWP Announces New Defined Benefit Pension Rules Starting April 2027
Barrett also emphasized the financial and administrative benefits of ending mandatory reassessments, stating it would save the DWP both time and money.
This issue ties into the Timms Review, launched last autumn and co-produced with disabled people. The review aims to ensure PIP is fairer and more accurately reflects the realities faced by individuals with disabilities and chronic conditions in today’s world. Citizens Advice notes that while the review is ongoing, no changes have yet been made, and the rules may be updated when the review concludes in autumn 2026.
Sir Stephen Timms, Minister for Social Security and Disability, underscored the importance of involving disabled people in the process: “Hearing from disabled people across the UK is vitally important to inform the Review. We are co-producing this review every step of the way to make sure that PIP is truly fair and fit for the future.”
To facilitate this engagement, new downloadable resources are available to help organisations host workshops and gather input from disabled individuals, carers, advisors, and others familiar with PIP.