The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) will introduce new eligibility criteria and assessment procedures for Personal Independence Payment (PIP) from November 2026, affecting both new and existing claimants.
However, Sir Stephen Timms, Minister for Social Security and Disability, has assured that individuals of State Pension age will not be “routinely fully reviewed and will not be affected by these changes”.
This refers to the current PIP policy where those nearing State Pension age making a new claim for PIP, or existing claimants turning 66, typically undergo a ‘light-touch’ review of 10 years, reports the Daily Record.
Conservative MP Alicia Kearns questioned the DWP on whether “existing Personal Independence Payment claimants of pension age with a planned award review from November 2026 will be required to score at least four points in one daily living activity in order to maintain their award”.
In a written response last week, Sir Stephen explained how the ‘Pathways to Work Green Paper’ will introduce a new eligibility requirement to “ensure that only those who score a minimum of four points in at least one daily living activity will be eligible for the daily living component of PIP”, adding that this “requirement will need to be met in addition to the existing PIP eligibility criteria.”
He added: “In keeping with existing policy, people of State Pension age are not routinely fully reviewed and will not be affected by these changes.
“All claimants are required to notify the Department of any change to their circumstance, be that an improvement or deterioration in their needs. Upon notification of a change, a Case Manager will consider what further action might be required to ensure the claimant is receiving the correct level of support.”
In a follow-up written question, MP for Rutland and Stamford, Ms Kearns, probed whether PIP recipients of State Pension age requesting a change of circumstances review from November 2026 will need to score a minimum of four points in one daily living activity.
To this enquiry, Sir Stephen replied with a verbatim repetition of his previous response. The latest DWP statistics unveil that a staggering 3.7 million people across Britain currently receive PIP.
The data also highlights that 690,186 individuals over State Pension age are beneficiaries of this disability assistance, potentially boosting their monthly finances by up to £1,670.80. During the fiscal year 2025/26, a number of seniors across England, Scotland, and Wales will be aided with sums varying between £116.80 to £749.80 every four weeks.
Pensioners on PIP
Pensioners who are on Personal Independence Payment (PIP) may be blissfully unaware of a crucial change in the guidelines which took place back in 2019. For individuals over the age of 56 nearing State Pension age, this revision stated that “claimants whose review would have taken place when they were of State Pension age means that they are now generally awarded ongoing awards”.
The decisions regarding award types and subsequent review periods involve thorough consideration of each claimant’s unique needs against the potential for those needs to evolve. Assessments are made based on various factors, including upcoming treatments or therapies and the ability to adjust or learn new ways to manage their condition.
PIP awards
According to guidance from the DWP:
- An award of two years or less is considered short-term
- Review periods of less than nine months are set only in exceptional circumstances
- For fixed-length awards, the review period usually ranges from a minimum of nine months to a maximum 10 years
Combined incomes
Moreover, it’s essential for pensioners to understand their potential income from the State Pension and PIP combined. Presently, the full New State Pension stands at £230.25 per week (£921 every four weeks), with the Basic State Pension offering up to £176.45 weekly (£705.80 every four weeks).
The final amount received is contingent upon one’s National Insurance contributions history.
While payments for State Pension and PIP are issued separately, together they could yield a joint monthly income reaching a substantial £1,670.80. This figure assumes an individual is in receipt of both the full New State Pension and the highest rate of PIP for the components relating to daily living and mobility.
PIP payment rates for 2025/26
An evaluation is necessary to establish the level of financial aid you will receive, and your rate will be routinely reviewed to ensure you are receiving the suitable support. Payments are made every four weeks.
PIP is comprised of two elements: daily living and mobility. Whether you receive one or both of these and the amount you get depends on the severity of your condition.
The following weekly sums will be paid depending on your circumstances:.
While payments for State Pension and PIP are issued separately, together they could yield a joint monthly income reaching a substantial £1,670.80. This figure assumes an individual is in receipt of both the full New State Pension and the highest rate of PIP for the components relating to daily living and mobility.
PIP payment rates for 2025/26.
An evaluation is necessary to establish the level of financial aid you will receive, and your rate will be routinely reviewed to ensure you are receiving the suitable support. Payments are made every four weeks.
PIP is comprised of two elements: daily living and mobility. Whether you receive one or both of these and the amount you get depends on the severity of your condition.
The following weekly sums will be paid depending on your circumstances:
Daily living
- Standard rate: £73.90
- Enhanced rate: £110.40
Mobility
- Standard rate: £29.20
- Enhanced rate: £77.05
Enhanced rate: £77.05.
PIP and State Pension age
Upon reaching State Pension age, individuals are no longer able to make a new claim for Personal Independence Payment (PIP), Disability Living Allowance (DLA) or Attendance and Disability Payment (ADP).
However, if an individual is already receiving PIP or DLA when they reach State Pension age, they will continue to receive the benefit until the end of the award period, at which point it will be reviewed following the standard process.
Those who reach State Pension age and are no longer claiming any of the working age disability benefits may also be able to reclaim them – provided they are claiming for the same health conditions that they initially received the award for and their last claim ended less than 12 months before reaching State Pension age.
For those over State Pension age with a health condition, long-term illness or disability, they may be eligible for Attendance Allowance – this is worth either £73.90 or £110.40 every week from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).
If you have not yet reached State Pension age but are living with a health condition, disability or long-term illness, you may qualify for PIP.
Who is eligible for PIP?
To be eligible for PIP, you must have a health condition or disability where you:.
- have had difficulties with daily living or getting around (or both) for 3 months.
- expect these difficulties to continue for at least 9 months.
Typically, you need to have resided in the UK for at least two of the last three years and be in the country when you apply.
Besides what we’ve detailed above, if you require or receive assistance with any of the following due to your condition, you should contemplate applying for PIP:
- engaging and communicating with other people
- managing your medication
- dressing and undressing
- moving around
- making decisions about money
- reading and understanding written information
- washing, bathing or using the toilet
- planning a journey or following a route
- preparing, cooking or eating food
You can initiate a new claim by contacting the DWP; all the information you need to apply can be found on the GOV.UK website here.
