The tightening of Personal Independence Payment (PIP) rules is estimated to cut 400,000 Brits from the scheme when they take effect in November next year
A former Personal Independence Payment (PIP) assessor has given hope to claimants with certain severe conditions amidst fears of sweeping cuts. Speaking to the Daily Star, the ex-assessor revealed that individuals suffering from “advanced MS (Multiple sclerosis), motor neurone disease, late-stage cancer, or severe physical disabilities” are expected to keep their PIP benefits despite the looming rule changes set to slash support for many.
The overhaul of the PIP system, which could see 400,000 Brits lose out when new criteria come into play in November next year, will make it tougher to qualify for the daily living component – currently worth between £72.65 and £108.55 per week. Aspiring recipients must pass an assessment on their ability to carry out 10 daily activities, with the threshold for points set to rise significantly.
Under the stringent rules kicking in from November 2026, applicants will have to rack up at least four points in a single activity and a minimum of eight points overall to secure the lower tier of payments. A total of 12 points will be necessary to access the higher payment bracket.
James Merrell, who previously worked as a PIP assessor, told the Daily Star that those with “clear, long-term, and medically diagnosed physical impairments” affecting mobility or personal care stand a better chance of maintaining their awards. He explained: “Based on what we know so far, claimants with clear, long-term, and medically diagnosed physical impairments that affect mobility, or personal care may be more likely to keep their awards. This includes conditions like advanced MS, motor neurone disease, late-stage cancer, or severe physical disabilities that are visually or medically apparent and require obvious support.
“This would be a massive step backwards in disability rights. PIP was originally designed to account for how a condition affects someone not just what the condition is. Moving away from that opens the door to unfair assumptions and gatekeeping.”, reports the Daily Star.
The leader of CWS Limited, a firm aiding applicants with their PIP claims, warned that if the DWP goes towards a more medical-based system, those with “fluctuating, invisible, or mental health conditions” could face cuts.
He expressed concern over the government’s potential changes to PIP, cautioning: The government’s proposed changes to PIP criteria particularly if they shift to a more medical-model-based approach risk sidelining people with fluctuating, invisible, or mental health conditions.
He highlighted the danger that “Those with mental health conditions, chronic fatigue syndromes, neurodivergent conditions (like ADHD or autism), or fluctuating illnesses (like fibromyalgia or long COVID) are likely to face more scrutiny under a ‘toughened’ framework which could require 4 points in one activity.”
