Sam
In a landmark decision, the UK Government has committed to protecting existing Personal Independence Payment (PIP) recipients from the anticipated DWP cuts, ensuring their benefits remain unaffected. This announcement comes after intense discussions and widespread concerns raised by MPs.
Protection for Current PIP Recipients
In a letter addressed to members of Parliament, Work and Pensions Secretary, Liz Kendall, confirmed that existing PIP claimants would not be impacted by the upcoming changes. Additionally, she mentioned that these protections would also extend to adjustments in Universal Credit.
This assurance follows negotiations with over 120 backbench MPs, who had supported an amendment aimed at derailing the bill. The significant development is seen as a direct response to these concerns, promising that the Government will not make cuts to those already receiving vital support.
Sir Keir Starmer’s Universal Credit Bill
The Universal Credit and PIP bill, championed by Sir Keir Starmer, is scheduled for its second reading on Tuesday.
A Downing Street spokesperson emphasized that the Government had listened to MPs’ concerns about reform, ensuring that changes would not disrupt current recipients.
The spokesperson stated, “We have listened to MPs who support the principle of reform but are worried about the pace of change for those already supported by the system.”
The reforms are aimed at making the social security system more sustainable, providing dignity to those unable to work, supporting those who can, and reducing anxiety for those already receiving support.
What Is PIP?
PIP assists individuals with long-term health conditions or disabilities, offering support to those who have difficulty with daily tasks or mobility. The benefit is divided into two components:
- Daily living component – for assistance with everyday tasks.
- Mobility component – for support with travel and mobility.
The level of PIP awarded depends on the challenges faced by individuals in their daily lives and when traveling.
Changes to the PIP System
Initially, the Government planned to tighten PIP eligibility and reduce the sickness component within Universal Credit, providing current recipients a 13-week transition period to adjust financially. This plan was widely seen as an attempt to soften the impact of these changes and minimize backlash.
However, acknowledging public concerns, Secretary Kendall reassured claimants that PIP recipients would remain within the current system, with new eligibility requirements only applying to new claims from November 2026. She also stated, “We recognise the proposed changes have been a source of uncertainty and anxiety.”
Universal Credit Adjustments
Further changes will involve the Universal Credit payment rates. These adjustments are designed to ensure that all current Universal Credit health element recipients, as well as any new claimants meeting severe condition criteria, will have their incomes fully protected in real terms.
Kendall emphasized that a ministerial review would take place to ensure the benefits system is fair, sustainable, and future-proof. This review will be a collaborative effort involving disabled individuals, advocacy organizations, and MPs.
The Impact on PIP Beneficiaries
The Government aims to safeguard around 370,000 existing PIP recipients who were at risk of losing support due to reassessments.
Kendall concluded that the changes, rooted in Labour values, would ensure that the system is designed with the involvement of disabled people and their advocates, making it a fair and fit system for the future.
Next Steps in the Legislative Process
After its second reading on Tuesday, the bill will undergo scrutiny by MPs the following week. This process will bypass the usual committee examination stage, which is typically a more extensive review.
However, Dame Meg Hillier, chairwoman of the Treasury Select Committee, has put forward a “reasoned amendment,” expressing concerns that the involvement of disabled individuals in the reform process has been insufficient.
She stated, “This is a good deal. It ensures the most vulnerable people are protected and, crucially, involves disabled people themselves in designing future benefit changes.”
In a bid to balance reform with protection for the most vulnerable, the UK Government has promised that PIP recipients will be shielded from the upcoming changes.
The reforms are designed to improve the social security system while ensuring dignity and support for those who rely on it.
The introduction of new eligibility criteria will only apply to new claims from 2026, providing current recipients with much-needed stability.
FAQs
Will current PIP recipients be affected by the new changes?
No, existing PIP recipients will not be affected by the new eligibility requirements. The changes will only apply to new claims from November 2026.
What will happen to Universal Credit recipients?
Existing Universal Credit recipients will have their incomes fully protected in real terms, and the new adjustments will only affect new claimants who meet the severe condition criteria.
When will the PIP and Universal Credit bill be reviewed by MPs?
The bill will be scrutinized by MPs following its second reading on Tuesday, and the review will take place the following week.