New DWP PIP Test Helps Claimants Assess Eligibility Under Proposed Points Threshold

Individuals receiving Personal Independence Payments (PIP) can now use a new online tool to see if they meet the proposed eligibility criteria under upcoming Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) reforms.

Labour Party cabinet minister Sir Stephen Timms is spearheading a comprehensive review of PIP assessments and eligibility standards. This review aims to address the increasing welfare and benefits expenditure by potentially reshaping how claimants qualify for support.

Under the current proposal, to secure the daily living component of PIP at the standard rate, claimants—whether new or existing—must score at least four points in one of the 10 specified activity questions, plus an additional four points from the remaining sections, totaling eight points. This marks a change in the way points are allocated and could affect eligibility outcomes.

To assist claimants in navigating these changes, Benefits and Work has developed an online ‘PIP test’ that simulates the new scoring system. According to Benefits and Work, users can take the test multiple times, either anonymously or by registering their email to receive results directly.

The mobility component of PIP remains unchanged under the proposal. However, scoring nuances differ: selecting four descriptors worth two points each adds up to eight points but does not meet the qualification threshold. Conversely, selecting one descriptor scoring four points alongside two descriptors scoring two points (totaling eight points) would meet the qualifying criteria.

These changes, if enacted, would not take effect before November 2026. Users are advised that the online test is newly created and may contain glitches. Additionally, it remains a proposal subject to parliamentary approval and may not become law.

For the daily living component, the standard rate continues to require 8 points, while the enhanced rate requires 12 points.