Disabled people have been urged to share their views on the future of the Personal Independence Payment (Pip), Britain’s most-claimed health and disability benefit, as the review into the payment continues.
Chaired by disability minister Sir Stephen Timms, the review was announced last year after elements of the Government’s flagship welfare Bill –which proposed to restrict eligibility to Pip – were scrapped in the summer in the face of a major Commons rebellion.
Any changes to Pip have been postponed until after the review takes place, ministers have promised. The benefit is designed to help with extra costs incurred by living with an illness or disability.
The findings are anticipated to be presented to Work and Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden by autumn, with an interim update expected before then.
Charities have previously voiced concerns, cautioning that the review “cannot become about making cuts,” and urging Sir Stephen to ensure disabled people’s views are meaningfully taken on board.
On Thursday, a call for evidence was launched, with disability minister Sir Stephen Timms – who is leading the review – saying it is “vital that as many people as possible have the chance to contribute”.
He said: “I encourage anyone with experience of the Pip system, including young people, or with relevant expertise, to submit their views.
“This is just the first step in our wider programme of engagement. I look forward to announcing more ways to get involved as our work continues.”
The call for evidence has been welcomed several disabled peoples’ organisations and charities. Charles Gillies, policy co-chair of the Disability Benefits Consortium and senior policy officer at the MS Society, says: “For too long, PIP has been failing disabled people. For example, assessments often don't consider the fluctuating and invisible symptoms of conditions like MS.
“The Timms Review is an opportunity to finally address these issues, so we’re glad the call for evidence aims to hear from disabled people across the country. And we encourage everyone with experience of PIP to share their views. The steering group must also provide accessible ways to make sure even more people can take part, including in-person and online events."
The number of people in England and Wales claiming Pip reached 3.93 million in January 2026 according to data published on Tuesday by the Department for Work & Pensions (DWP).
This is up by 233,080 (6 per cent) from 3.69 million a year earlier – a new record high.
The number of claimants has almost doubled since comparable figures began seven years ago in January 2019, when the total stood at 2.05 million.
To inform their work, the review team is asking disabled people and those with long-term health conditions, organisations that represent them, carers, clinicians, experts and MPs to contribute to the call for evidence, which runs until May 28.
Review co-chairwoman, Sharon Brennan, said: “It is essential for the success of this review that we hear frank and honest views from as many disabled people, carers, advocates and others as wish to participate.
“That’s why this call for evidence is just the start of our engagement plans, which will be wide and varied to ensure people can offer their views in a way that works for them.”
Ms Brennan and fellow co-chairman Dr Clenton Farquharson both have lived experience of disability.
Dr Farquharson said: “This call for evidence is an important opportunity to listen directly to disabled people, carers, organisations and others with experience of the system. We want to hear honestly what is working, what is not and what a fairer and more human system should look like.”
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