Thousands of people across the UK may soon face a big drop in their income due to planned changes to Personal Independence Payment (PIP). The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is proposing stricter rules, and many people could lose this important benefit—along with other support linked to it.
Let’s break down what these changes mean, how much money people could lose, and what the government and MPs are saying about it.
What is PIP and Who Gets It?
Personal Independence Payment (PIP) is a benefit for people with long-term health conditions or disabilities. It helps cover extra costs related to mobility or personal care. There are two parts: daily living and mobility, each with standard and enhanced rates.
The higher rate for daily living is currently £110.40 a week (£5,740.80 a year), and the lower rate is £73.90 a week.
What Changes Are Being Proposed?
Right now, to get the daily living part of PIP, you need to score at least 8 points across 10 activities like preparing food, managing treatment, washing, and dressing. For the higher rate, you need 12 points or more.
But under the new rules, claimants must score at least one ‘four’ on any activity to qualify for the daily living component at all. This change is expected to start from November 2026, after next year’s benefit increase.
Who Could Lose Out?
According to DWP, around 800,000 people could lose their daily living payment if the new rules are enforced. That means losing £4,500 on average, with many potentially losing much more.
Liberal Democrat MP Steve Darling raised concern in Parliament, warning that some households could lose up to £12,000 a year. This would happen if they also lost Carer’s Allowance, which is linked to PIP.
Carer’s Allowance Also at Risk
Carer’s Allowance pays £83.30 a week, or £4,331.60 a year, to people who care for someone at least 35 hours a week. But the person receiving care must be getting a benefit like PIP. So, if PIP is taken away, the carer could lose their benefit too.
This means a household could lose:
- £5,740.80 from PIP
- £4,331.60 from Carer’s Allowance
Total: £10,072.40 a year, or even more with inflation and future changes.
Universal Credit Cuts Add to the Problem
The Joseph Rowntree Foundation says households could lose even more money if other benefits are affected. The health element of Universal Credit, currently £97 a month, is set to drop to £50 for new claimants. If someone loses both PIP and this element, they could lose £1,000 a month, or £12,000 a year.
MPs Voice Concerns
Many MPs, including from Labour and the Liberal Democrats, strongly opposed the changes during a recent debate. Nadia Whittome, MP for Nottingham East, said these cuts could push people into poverty and suffering.
She shared the story of a young person who was terrified of losing PIP:
“I am terrified they will take my PIP away, that I will end up homeless, and my only option will be suicide.”
Government’s Response
DWP Minister Sir Stephen Timms responded by saying:
“The daily living part of PIP will not be means-tested, taxed or frozen. It will continue to rise with inflation.”
He added that most people currently receiving PIP will continue to get it, especially the most vulnerable. The government also plans to improve employment support for those who can and want to work.
The proposed PIP changes could have a serious impact on hundreds of thousands of UK households. Losing PIP could also mean losing Carer’s Allowance and other linked benefits, leading to an income loss of up to £12,000 a year. While the government says it will protect the most vulnerable, many people are worried about how these changes will affect their lives.
FAQs
What is PIP and who can get it?
Personal Independence Payment (PIP) is a UK benefit for people with long-term illnesses or disabilities. It helps cover extra daily living or mobility costs and is available to individuals aged 16 or over who face challenges with daily tasks or moving around.
What are the proposed changes to PIP in 2026?
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) plans to change the qualifying criteria for the daily living part of PIP. From 2026, claimants must score at least one ‘four’ in any of the 10 activities instead of getting 8 points across all to qualify for the lower rate.
How much money could people lose if they lose PIP and other linked benefits?
Some claimants could lose up to £12,000 a year if they lose both PIP and related benefits like Carer’s Allowance and the health element of Universal Credit.
Will Carer’s Allowance be affected by the PIP changes?
Yes, Carer’s Allowance depends on the person you care for receiving a qualifying benefit like PIP. If they lose PIP, you could lose Carer’s Allowance, which is worth £83.30 a week.
When will the new PIP rules come into effect?
The changes are expected to start in November 2026, following the next annual increase in benefits.