Kim
The UK government has unveiled major changes to the Personal Independence Payment (PIP) system, set to take effect from November 2026. These reforms will significantly impact the eligibility criteria and assessment process for new and existing PIP claimants.
However, a key announcement from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has confirmed that people of State Pension age—a group of nearly 700,000 individuals—will not be affected by these new rules.
This article covers the full scope of the changes, outlines who will be impacted, and explains why State Pension-age PIP recipients are exempt.
What Is Changing in PIP From 2026?
Starting from November 2026, new measures will be introduced to tighten PIP eligibility. The reforms aim to ensure that support reaches those most in need while aligning assessments more closely with actual care and mobility needs.
The main changes include:
- Stricter point requirements: Claimants must score a minimum of four points in a single daily living activity to qualify for the daily living component.
- Updated review processes: Reviews will be focused on new claims and scheduled award reviews, not on all current claimants.
- Policy continuation for terminal illness: The existing fast-track process for terminally ill claimants will remain unchanged.
Why State Pension Age Claimants Are Exempt
The most important clarification from the DWP is that those who are of State Pension age will not be impacted by these proposed changes.
This decision reflects the government’s policy of limiting full reassessments for individuals over pension age to avoid unnecessary hardship and stress for elderly claimants.
As of January 2025, around 690,186 people aged between 65 and 79 were receiving PIP. These individuals will either continue receiving support under current rules or transition to other appropriate support systems without facing the new assessment standards.
How the Reforms Will Work
The new eligibility rule will apply only to:
- New PIP claims submitted from November 2026
- Scheduled award reviews for claimants under State Pension age
Those exempt from the changes include:
- People who have reached State Pension age before their next review
- Claimants who have long-term or indefinite awards
- Individuals transferring to devolved systems such as Adult Disability Payment (ADP)
Overview of PIP Reform Changes
| Policy Component | Current System | From November 2026 | Exempt Group |
|---|---|---|---|
| Daily Living Component | Points accumulated across multiple activities | Must score 4+ points in a single activity | State Pension age claimants |
| Reassessment Frequency | Periodic full reviews | Targeted only at new claims and award reviews | No full reviews for pensioners |
| Terminal Illness Claims | Fast-tracked, resolved within two working days | No change, remains fast-tracked | Not applicable |
| Transition Age Policy | DLA to PIP at age 16 | Consideration to raise transition age to 18 | Not yet confirmed |
How Claimants Should Prepare
If you’re below State Pension age and currently receiving PIP, it’s important to be aware that any review scheduled after November 2026 may be subject to the new criteria. Make sure to:
- Stay updated on your next award review date
- Understand the activity-based scoring system
- Gather medical and functional evidence in advance
Claimants aged 65 and above can be reassured that their current benefits will remain unchanged, unless their circumstances change significantly.
Fast-Track Support for the Terminally Ill
There are no changes to the provisions for people with a terminal illness. The DWP has emphasized that those with a life expectancy of 12 months or less will continue to benefit from the Special Rules for End of Life (SREL).
These claims are prioritized and resolved within two working days, offering quick access to the enhanced daily living component.
The DWP’s confirmation that nearly 700,000 PIP recipients of State Pension age will remain exempt from upcoming reforms brings significant relief to older adults relying on disability support.
As the new rules roll out from November 2026, working-age claimants must prepare for stricter assessments, but pensioners can rest assured that their benefits will remain protected.
FAQs
Will pensioners be asked to undergo new PIP assessments after 2026?
No. If you are of State Pension age, the new rules do not apply. Routine full reviews will not be conducted for this group.
What if someone reaches pension age before their PIP review?
If you reach State Pension age before your scheduled award review, you will not be subject to the updated eligibility rules.
Are both daily living and mobility components affected by the reform?
The reforms currently focus on the daily living component only. The mobility component remains unchanged under the proposed 2026 reforms.