People of state pension age will “not be affected by the proposed changes” to Personal Independence Payment (PIP), the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) says.
PIP is a benefit provided to individuals who need help with daily activities due to an illness, disability or mental health condition. It comprises two parts – the daily living rate and the mobility rate – and claimants can qualify for either or both of these components.
Eligibility for PIP is based on how your condition affects your life and your ability to perform daily tasks. A points system is used to assess claimants.
Currently, to be eligible for the standard rate of the daily living component of Personal Independence Payment (PIP), you need to score between eight and 11 points. If you score 12 points or more, you qualify for the higher daily living rate.
However, under changes being considered by Labour, from November 2026, you would also need a minimum of four points in at least one activity to receive the daily living part of PIP. The point system for the mobility component of PIP remains unchanged, reports the Mirror.
Sir Stephen Timms, Minister for Social Security and Disability, says that people of state pension age won’t be impacted by these changes. The latest data from the DWP shows that as of the end of January, approximately 690,186 people aged between 65 and 79 were receiving PIP.
Sir Stephen has penned a reply to Labour MP Paula Barker regarding the potential effects of the forthcoming PIP (Personal Independence Payment) reforms on individuals who have reached state pension age.
His response said: “Our intention is that the new eligibility requirement in Personal Independence Payment (PIP) in which people must score a minimum of four points in one daily living activity to be eligible for the daily living component, will apply to new claims and award reviews from November 2026, subject to parliamentary approval.”
Furthermore, Sir Stephen said that under current policies, state pension age individuals typically do not undergo comprehensive reviews and thus should remain unaffected by the proposed changes. He noted: “In keeping with existing policy, people of State Pension Age are not routinely fully reviewed and will not be affected by the proposed changes. Information on the impacts of the Pathways to Work Green Paper will be published in due course, and some information was published alongside the Spring Statement.”
Currently, unless there are special circumstances, PIP can only be claimed by those below state pension age. It’s possible to begin a new PIP claim after reaching state pension age only if you had a previous PIP or Disability Living Allowance (DLA) claim cease within the last year, or if DLA is still being received.
If you become of state pension age while already claiming PIP, your benefit will proceed as usual.
In other correspondence addressed to Independent MP Apsana Begum, the DWP minister said there will be no alterations to the existing process for those approaching the end of life and applying for PIP, which allows such applications to be expedited.
Sir Stephen told the Poplar and Limehouse MP: “We recognise that people nearing the end of their life are some of the most vulnerable people in society and need fast track and unqualified support at this difficult time.”
He went on to explain the provisions for those in need: “People who claim, or an in receipt of, Personal Independence Payment (PIP), and are nearing the end of their life with 12 months or less to live, will continue to be able to access the enhanced rate of the daily living component of PIP.”
Furthermore, Sir Stephen added: “We will also maintain the existing fast-track route under the Special Rules for End of Life and where claims are currently being cleared in two working days. This fast-track route will not be impacted by the new eligibility requirement for PIP.”