Thousands of Personal Independence Payment (PIP) claimants in Solihull are facing the threat of losing vital financial support following proposed Labour reforms.
As part of new legislative measures set to take effect in November 2026, individuals must now score at least one four-point mark in daily living activities during reassessments to retain eligibility for the daily living element of PIP.
This change is expected to have a major impact on 7,600 residents in the Solihull area who currently do not meet this threshold.
While the mobility component remains unaffected, many rely on the daily living element to cope with the rising cost of living associated with disabilities and chronic conditions.
What Is Changing in the PIP Rules?
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) announced that the current structure of PIP is becoming financially unsustainable.
With over 70,000 new applications submitted monthly, the system faces increasing pressure. Under the proposed changes, to qualify for the daily living component—worth up to £5,740.80 annually—claimants must score at least four points in one of the daily living activity categories.
Why It Matters
- 3.7 million people are currently receiving Personal Independence Payment.
- 370,000 claimants across England and Wales are projected to lose the daily living component.
- 430,000 new applicants will likely be ineligible under the updated criteria.
Impact in Solihull: Area-Wise Breakdown
The Solihull region has been particularly affected, with updated statistics revealing that 18,536 individuals receive the daily living element of Personal Independence Payment. Of these, 7,600 scored less than four points, placing them at direct risk of losing this essential support.
Here’s a detailed breakdown:
| Area | Total PIP Claimants | Working Age Claimants | Scored < 4 (At Risk) | Working Age % |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Solihull West and Shirley | 4,117 | 3,426 | 1,240 | 6.1% |
| Meriden and Solihull East | 6,337 | 5,452 | 2,150 | 9.3% |
| Birmingham Hodge Hill and Solihull North | 11,309 | 9,820 | 4,210 | 12.9% |
This data reflects a significant vulnerability among residents, particularly in Birmingham Hodge Hill and Solihull North, where Personal Independence Payment claims exceed both the West Midlands average of 8.9% and the England and Wales average of 8.3%.
Why Solihull’s Situation Is Unique
Despite being considered a more affluent area of the Midlands, Solihull is home to thousands who depend on Personal Independence Payment due to disabilities, mental health challenges, and long-term physical illnesses. For many, these payments help cover the costs of essential daily support and care.
The boundary changes in 2023 led to the formation of three new parliamentary constituencies in Solihull, each showing a significant number of vulnerable residents at risk.
Daily Living Element vs. Mobility Element
It is essential to note that the mobility component of Personal Independence Payment is not affected by the new rules. Most individuals who qualify for the daily living element also receive mobility payments, but under the planned reforms, the focus is squarely on the daily living scores.
Additionally, future changes suggest that access to Universal Credit’s sickness benefit will be tied to being awarded the daily living component of PIP, further amplifying the risk for those who might lose eligibility.
What Should Claimants Do Now?
Anyone currently receiving Personal Independence Payment should:
- Prepare for reassessment reviews well before November 2026.
- Seek advice or professional support if their score is currently below four in any daily living activity.
- Document health conditions and the impact on daily living thoroughly, to support their claim.
The upcoming Personal Independence Payment changes are set to affect thousands in Solihull, particularly the 7,600 residents who fall below the scoring threshold. As the reforms approach, ensuring eligibility through proper documentation and awareness is more crucial than ever.
FAQs
What is the new scoring requirement for PIP daily living?
To qualify for the daily living element, claimants must score at least one four-point mark in the assessment criteria from November 2026.
Will the mobility element of PIP also be affected by the rule changes?
No, the mobility element remains unchanged. The changes focus solely on the daily living component of PIP.
Can you still access Universal Credit if your Personal Independence Payment daily living is stopped?
Under proposed changes, only those receiving the daily living component of PIP will be eligible for the Universal Credit sickness payment.