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UK to Extend PIP Awards and Restore More In-Person Disability Assessments From April 2026

The overhaul aims to free clinicians to clear Work Capability Assessment backlogs.

Overview

  • For most new claimants aged 25 and over, PIP review intervals will move to a minimum of three years, rising to five years at the next review if eligibility continues.
  • The DWP is targeting roughly 30% of assessments to be conducted face to face for both PIP and WCAs, up from about 6% and 13% respectively in 2024.
  • Officials say the rebalancing will allow additional WCA reassessments to address delays in the system.
  • The government forecasts about £1.9 billion in savings by 2030/31, alongside Universal Credit adjustments and employment support including Connect to Work and around 1,000 work coaches.
  • The operational changes are separate from the Timms Review of PIP, and recent data indicate face-to-face assessments have produced lower award rates than virtual assessments.