PIP changes could see claimants choose practical support instead of cash payments

People claiming Personal Independence Payment (PIP) could be able to choose support or specialist equipment instead of cash payments under looming reforms.

Recommendations of how PIP should change are starting to come out as the support is reviewed by a government-appointed committee of advisers, known as the Timms Review.

It's now thought the review, due in the coming weeks, will suggest that some claimants should be able to swap part of their PIP cash award for practical support designed around their needs, according to a report in the Guardian.

It's thought the recommendations will be tested with disabled people before the review's final proposals are presented this Autumn.

It comes as claimants are asked to give their views on PIP reforms.

What could change with PIP under latest news

The process of claiming PIP is set for a shake-up as more people claim the cash benefit to help with disabilities and long-term health issues.

The independent Timms Review is currently examining how the benefit and assessment works and what changes could be needed.

An Interim Report has already said the current system is no longer fit for purpose.

Now it's reported that changes being considered would be to give some claimants more choice over how they receive support.

Instead of receiving only cash, a claimant could potentially choose instead opt for specialist equipment,

services or skills and training.

Cash is still expected to remain the foundation of PIP, meaning the support would simply replace part of the payment.

The idea is thought to give claimants more choice and help them to live independently.

Will PIP claimants have to give up their cash?

Changes to PIP have not been confirmed and it's also thought to be unlikely that claimants would have to give up their cash payments.

Instead, the current proposal is about giving some people a choice about what is best for their particular situation.

Existing PIP claimants do not currently need to change anything.

Other PIP changes being considered

The practical-support proposal is just one part of the recommendations being considered.

According to reports, the committee has also suggested that there should be fewer reassessments for some claimants.

This could reduce unnecessary stress for people whose condition is unlikely to improve.

And the could also be faster claims for people with terminal illnesses as part of a fast-track process.

There could also be a review on rules that can result in a PIP award being automatically suspended after someone has spent more than 28 consecutive days in hospital.

And also changes to the way PIP assesses fluctuating conditions, including mental illness, as people's condition changes over time.

How much is PIP worth?

The amount of PIP you receive depends on how your disability or long-term health condition affects your daily living and mobility.

There are two components: the daily living part and the mobility.

You can receive on component or both.

For the 2026/27 benefit year, the weekly rates are:

Daily Living

£76.70 (standard rate) or £114.60 under the enhanced rate

Mobility

£30.30 (standard rate) or £80.00 under the enhanced rate

If someone is entitled to both components at the enhanced rate could receive up to £194.60 a week, equivalent to around £778.40 every four weeks.

PIP is not means tested which means it does not change depending on your income or savings.

You can still work and claim PIP.