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The Government has issued a call for evidence on Personal Independence Payments (PIP), inviting the public to share their experiences and knowledge to ensure it remains fair and suitable for the future.
PIP is a non-means-tested benefit that helps disabled people cover extra costs for independent living, whether they are in work or not. It supports nearly four million people in England and Wales.
Following the Universal Credit Act, PIP reform was postponed until at least 2026 to give disabled individuals and those with long-term health conditions the chance to share their views on how PIP should be reformed.
PIP and fair access to the right support
The Review is co-chaired by Sir Stephen Timms, Minister for Social Security and Disability, Sharron Brennan and Dr Clenton Farquharson CBE. They will oversee a steering group comprising 15 people who bring together lived experience and diverse perspectives across areas including welfare policy, accessibility, advocacy, co-production, governance, and leadership within Disabled People’s Organisations (DPOs).
The steering group have identified, with evidence sought on topics including, but not limited to:
- How effectively PIP is delivering on its intended purpose
- Whether the PIP assessment provides fair access to the right support
- Whether the experience of claiming PIP varies for different groups
- How have the changes in the workplace and wider society since 2013 impacted PIP?
Sir Stephen Timms, Minister for Social Security and Disability and co-chair of the Review, said: “As we progress with our Review of PIP it is vital that as many people as possible have the chance to contribute. 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.”
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Vital that disabled people’s voices are heard
The Call for Evidence runs until 28 May, and anyone can respond. Those with lived or learned experience of PIP, including disabled people, the organisations that represent them, carers, clinicians, experts, MPs, and other elected officials across the UK, are particularly encouraged to do so.
Dr Clenton Farquharson CBE, co-chair of the Review, said: “It is vital that disabled people’s voices are at the heart of this Review. PIP has a profound impact on people’s daily lives, independence, and sense of dignity, so any conversation about its future must begin with those who live with its realities every day.
“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.”
Sharon Brennan, co-chair of the Review, added: “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.”
Alternative formats can be requested via [email protected]. This includes web accessible PDF, large print, British Sign Language, audio, and easy read.
