Nearly 4 million people receiving Personal Independence Payment are being urged to share their views
Millions of benefit recipients are being encouraged to voice their opinions on the future of Personal Independence Payment (PIP), as ministers kick off a significant review with a strict deadline for responses.
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has confirmed that the initial phase of the Timms Review is now in progress, with a nationwide “call for evidence” open until May 28, 2026. In a post on X, the DWP said: “The Timms Review steering group wants to hear your views on the future of PIP. The first step in the group’s engagement – a Call for Evidence – is now open.”
Nearly 4 million claimants could be impacted
The review could have extensive implications, as PIP currently assists nearly 4 million individuals in England and Wales with additional disability-related costs. Ministers assert that the exercise aims to ensure the benefit remains “fair and fit for the future” as demand continues to escalate.
The call for evidence is open to a broad audience – including disabled individuals, carers, clinicians, charities and MPs – with the Government eager to collect as much feedback as possible before formulating recommendations.
What ministers are scrutinising
The review will investigate whether PIP is still functioning as intended over a decade after its introduction in 2013.
Key areas under consideration include:
- Whether PIP is fulfilling its primary objective
- If assessments offer fair access to support
- Variations in claimant experiences among groups
- How societal and workplace changes have influenced eligibility
These themes underpin the review, which is set to report back in the autumn.
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‘Vital’ to hear from claimants
Sir Stephen Timms, Minister for Social Security and Disability, called on people to participate, saying: “It is vital that as many people as possible have the chance to contribute.”
He further urged: “I encourage anyone with experience of the PIP system… to submit their views.”
Co-chair Dr Clenton Farquharson highlighted that the benefit has a “profound impact” on individuals’ daily lives, independence and dignity.
Review co-chair, Sharon Brennan, said: “It is essential for the success of this review that we hear frank and honest views from as many disabled people, carers, advocates and others as wish to participate. That’s why this Call for Evidence is just the start of our engagement plans, which will be wide and varied to ensure people can offer their views in a way that works for them.”
Deadline set for responses
The consultation concludes at 11.59pm on May 28, 2026, after which submissions will be scrutinised by the review’s steering group. Officials indicate this is merely the first phase, with additional opportunities to contribute anticipated as the work advances.
Why it matters
For millions of households, PIP payments serve as a crucial financial lifeline, assisting with extra costs associated with long-term health conditions.
As claimant numbers keep rising and the system faces mounting scrutiny, the review’s findings could determine the direction of disability benefits for years ahead.
