DWP major reforms will not affect more than 600,000 people says minister
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has confirmed that the upcoming changes to Personal Independence Payment (PIP) will not apply to a certain group of people
The DWP will carry out a number of changes to the system
(Image: Getty Images )
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is rolling out changes to the eligibility and assessments for Personal Independence Payment (PIP) starting from November 2026. The changes to welfare will affect both new applicants and those already receiving benefits.
But Minister for Social Security and Disability Sir Stephen Timms says people who are of State Pension age will remain unaffected by these updates. Current data from the DWP states that as of the end of April, approximately 608,346 individuals between the ages of 65 and 79 were in receipt of PIP, with those approaching the current State Pension age of 66 often granted a 10-year award of PIP, reports the Daily Record.
Sir Stephen gave more details of how these changes will affect pensioners in his written reply to Labour MP Paula Barker's enquiry about how people of State Pension age might be impacted by the proposed modifications in PIP regulations. Sir Stephen said: "Our intention is that the new eligibility requirement in Personal Independence Payment (PIP) in which people must score a minimum of four points in one daily living activity to be eligible for the daily living component, will apply to new claims and award reviews from November 2026, subject to parliamentary approval."
He continued: "In keeping with existing policy, people of State Pension Age are not routinely fully reviewed and will not be affected by the proposed changes." He remarked that "information on the impacts of the Pathways to Work Green Paper will be published in due course" and stated that some information had already been released with the Spring Statement in March."
He added: "A further programme of analysis to support development of the proposals in the Green Paper will be developed and undertaken in the coming months." In a separate written response to Independent MP Apsana Begum, the DWP minister confirmed that there will be no changes for those nearing end of life who apply for PIP through the current fast-track system.
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Talking to the MP for Poplar and Limehouse, Sir Stephen said: "We recognise that people nearing the end of their life are some of the most vulnerable people in society and need fast track and unqualified support at this difficult time."
For those claiming or receiving Personal Independence Payment (PIP) and facing their final 12 months, Sir Stephen said: "People who claim, or an in receipt of, Personal Independence Payment (PIP), and are nearing the end of their life with 12 months or less to live, will continue to be able to access the enhanced rate of the daily living component of PIP."
Moreover, Sir Stephen said: "We will also maintain the existing fast-track route under the Special Rules for End of Life and where claims are currently being cleared in two working days. This fast-track route will not be impacted by the new eligibility requirement for PIP."
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Alongside the publication of a Green paper in Parliament at the early stages of the Commons process, the DWP launched an online consultation on the new proposals. The consultation is open to everyone and will run until June 30, 2025 - full details can be found on GOV.UK here.
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