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New Data Highlights PIP Reform Risks for Neurodivergent Claimants

The DWP confirms exemptions for pensioners and terminally ill claimants, as concerns grow over the impact on 21,600 neurodivergent individuals under revised eligibility rules.

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Overview

  • From November 2026, PIP applicants must score at least four points in one daily living activity to qualify for the daily living component.
  • New data reveals 21,600 neurodivergent claimants, including 8,200 with autism, currently fall below the proposed threshold, raising concerns about their future eligibility.
  • Nearly 700,000 state pension age claimants and those nearing the end of life will remain exempt from the revised eligibility criteria.
  • The reforms introduce long-term awards with 'light touch' reviews for individuals with stable or worsening conditions, providing greater stability.
  • An online petition, led by Emma O'Hara, calls for trauma-informed assessments and better support for neurodivergent claimants, gaining momentum during the consultation period.