PIP changes: Claimants asked to help shape future benefit reforms

Millions of disable people and those with long-term health benefits claim Personal Independence Payment (PIP) but the way the benefit work is set for a major shake-up.

The government's ongoing Timms Review was launched in October 2025 and in an Interim Report last month said the system is no longer fit for purpose.

Now, the review is asking for feedback from those who currently claim PIP on potential recommendations before its final report is submitted to the government later this autumn.

Have your say on PIP reforms

Fifteen workshops will take place across the UK during September and October 2026, giving disabled people and those with long-term health conditions the opportunity to discuss, test and refine the review's emerging recommendations.

Sessions will be held both online and in person, making it easier for people from different parts of the country to participate.

No previous experience of engaging with government consultations or reviews is required.

The workshops are designed to hear directly from people with lived experience of applying for or receiving PIP.

Carers, family members of disabled people and support workers are also eligible to register their interest.

How to apply for PIP workshops

Registration for the workshops is now open and you can put yourself forward until Friday 21 August 2026 at 5pm when applications will close.

Participants will be selected at random. However, final groups will reflect a broad range of backgrounds, experiences and characteristics.

Successful applicants will be notified by 4 September 2026.

Those interested will need to complete and submit the ‘about you’ form.

Why is PIP being reviewed?

The Timms Review was launched to examine whether PIP is effectively supporting people with disabilities and long-term health conditions in today's society.

As part of the review process, more than 38,000 responses were received through a national call for evidence, alongside workshops and engagement with disabled people, charities, experts and representative organisations.

The interim report highlighted significant concerns about the current system. Many respondents described the assessment and decision-making process as "stressful" and "dehumanising", while others said the benefit itself can create additional barriers to participation and independence rather than removing them.

The conclusion was that changes are needed to make the system work better for those who rely on it

When will PIP reforms come into force?

No changes to PIP eligibility or assessments have yet been announced, but it is expected that the final Timms Review will play a significant role in shaping future reforms to the benefit system.

The review team says it wants to ensure that any recommendations are grounded in the real-life experiences of the people who use PIP every day.

The final Timms Report is set to be published in the autumn of 2026 and the government will then consider its findings before making any changes.

In the mean time, claimants' entitlement and eligibility rules remain unchanged for now.