We will have to wait for the publication of the Green Paper later today for full details of changes to personal Independence payment (PIP) and Universal Credit (UC).

But here are some of the main points of the speech.

Personal Independence Payment (PIP)

  • No vouchers
  • No means-test
  • No freeze.

But, from November 2026, claimants will need to score at least 4 points from a single descriptor to qualify for the daily living component of PIP, as well as scoring a total of at least 8 points..

So, if you select 4 descriptors scoring two points each, that will be 8 points, but it will not qualify for an award. 

But if you select one descriptor scoring 4 points and two descriptors scoring 2 points, that will be 8 points and you will qualify for an award.

There will also be review of the PIP assessment system led by disability minister Stephen Timms.

PIP existing claimants

The DWP says it "will work with Department of Health and Social Care to ensure that existing people who claim PIP who may no longer be entitled to the benefit following an award review under new eligibility rules have their health and eligible care needs met. The government is consulting on how best to achieve this."

This suggests that existing claimants will be subject to the new rules when their award is reviewed, if the review takes place from November 2026 onwards..

 Work Capability Assessment (WCA)

The WCA is to be scrapped in 2028 and a new single assessment system introduced. Under the new system, any extra financial support for health conditions (including PIP, ESA or UC health) will be assessed via a new single assessment which will be based on the PIP assessment – considering on the impact of disability on daily living, not on capacity to work.

There will be an increase in  Face-to-Face Assessments for PIP and the WCA.

Reintroduce reassessments for incapacity benefits, with exceptions for those who will never work and those under special rules for end-of-life care. Reassessments have largely been switched off since 2021.

A "Right To Try Guarantee" will be introduced which will guarantee that attempting work will never lead to a benefits reassessment.

Universal Credit (UC)

From April 2026, Labour will hold the value of the universal credit health top-up fixed in cash terms for existing claimants, and reduce it for new claimants, with an additional premium for people with severe lifelong condition

The Standard Allowance will be raised above inflation by 2029/30, adding £775 annually in cash terms for a single person aged over 25.

Access to the health element of Universal Credit will be delayed until a claimant is aged 22.

Existing claimants.  The DWP say “Those currently in receipt of UC health will benefit from the increased standard allowance and will not be affected by plans to reduce UC health in future.”

Assessments

People with the most severe disabilities or with health conditions that will never improve will never be reassessed.

When

The DWP say they will bring forward primary legislation this session to enable delivery of the PIP additional eligibility requirement and UC rebalancing reforms from 26/27.

The Right to Work Guarantee will be delivered through separate primary legislation which will be introduced “in due course”. 

Savings

The DWP say the changes are expected to save over £5 billion in 2029 to 2030.

Links

The Pathways to Work:  Reforming Benefits and Support to Get Britain Working Green Paper.

 Liz Kendall speech

 You can try the proposed new PIP test here.

You can also:

keep up with what’s changing and when

find out what you can do if you are unhappy about Labour’s plans

follow the latest news about PIP and UC changes.

 

Comments

Write comments...
or post as a guest
Loading comment... The comment will be refreshed after 00:00.
  • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
    · 10 hours ago
    Please help esa support group
    Pip and mobility enhanced rate do existing claimants on esa have to go onto the new award or do they stay in the esa limited capability for work I'm in the support group 
    • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
      · 4 hours ago
      @Not known Existing claiments remain in the LCWRA group, it's only applicable to new claimemts from April 26.

      However, until 2028, when the WCA is scarpped and the PIP assessment is used to determine all awards, they are ramping up assessments. This gives them a 3 year period to try and reassess everybody currently in the LCWRA group. 


      You have to expect the worst and assume they will get to most people for a reassessment and try their hardest to take as many people out of the LCWRA group as possible.
  • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
    · 17 hours ago
    The Speech Liz Kendall Should Have Given....in poem form (asked for by another contributor) AI helped with this!

    I stand here today in these ancient halls,
    Where power speaks, yet justice stalls.
    But today, I pause—no laws to defend,
    For first, I must make my amends.

    We came here with plans for reform,
    But we know the script—you’ve heard it before.
    More tests, more rules, more forced decline,
    More struggling lives left on the line.

    So instead, I offer words long due,
    For all the harm that we once knew.
    I start not with policy, but with the truth—
    And with apologies, long overdue.

    We brought in a system built to deny,
    A model designed to cast claims aside.
    Tick-box tests, indifferent hands,
    Turned struggle and pain into cruel demands.

    We heard the warnings—United, clear,
    A 'human catastrophe' year upon year.
    But instead of listening, we turned away,
    Leaving lives in ruin, night and day.

    A six-week wait, a policy choice,
    That silenced need with an empty voice.
    While homes were lost and hunger grew,
    We claimed reform, but we always knew.

    Assessments sold to profit’s call,
    Where truth was questioned, dignity small.
    Gaslit, broken, left in despair—
    We let this happen. We put you there.

    It should not be rocket science to see,
    That some are too sick to work—let them be.
    Others could try, but only if free,
    From punishment’s hand, from scrutiny.

    No more. No more. The tide must turn,
    A reckoning waits—our lessons to learn.
    An inquiry called, the records laid bare,
    No more denials, we must care.

    We fed the press a poisoned tale,
    To cast the weak as those who fail.
    For every headline, for every lie,
    Today, at last, I apologise.

    Support, not suspicion. Hope, not fear.
    A system that serves, not one to revere.
    Not just words, but change at last—
    Not just a future, but righting the past.

    The Green Paper waits—first, we hear.
    To listen, to learn, to make it clear.
    No more dictates from those on high,
    But hands outstretched—side by side.


  • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
    · 1 days ago
    The proposed changes will save nothing. We have a fiat economy, one where money is created into existence at the command of govt by the BoE (itself part of the Treasury) staff pressing on keyboards creating digital information which we can spend. Since there's no internal restriction on how much money can be created, ie civil servants can keep on pressing on those keyboards at the BoE as much as is needed, there are no need for 'savings'. It simply isn't in any way an appropriate term. Talk of 'black holes' or bankruptcy are similarly inappropriate. In brief, govt is the currency issuer as well as a user so it doesn't suffer the same restrictions as a household or an individual or a business, each of whom are simply currency users. The given reason for the exercise then, to save money, is clearly false. What might be the motive then? As I've said here and elsewhere, doing away with social security opens up a multi-£bn private insurance market, plenty of gravy for everyone involved, politicians, the media, everyone. That's all this is about. Greed.  
  • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
    · 1 days ago
    Just curious. I'm on enhanced  both criteria with two of my care descriptors both with four points. I got the award November 2016 ongoing for ten years. I assume November 2026 I'm due for a light touch assessment. I just read the new pip green paper changes will start in November 2016.and one of the changes are scrapping the reassessment for ongoing enhanced pip? So if i get a form i shouldn't fill out and wait a week or so for the legislation to become active thereby avoiding the present rules? 
  • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
    · 1 days ago
    Stephen Timms has stated that people with anxiety and other mental health issues will still be able to qualify for pip. I hope this is true 
    • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
      · 12 hours ago
      @axab43 This is a link, unless you want to listen to him saying this on Times Radio.

    • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
      · 12 hours ago
      @Michael
      My previous comment got posted deformed.

      We know PIP does not focus on the illness, but let's talk about the reality. The number of people with mental health issues who would score 4 points on PIP is virtually zero, unless one is in a care home in which case they're not entitled to get PIP. The case of Gabe L, below, is a case in point.

      According to Liz Kendall, PIP was never set up to assess people with mental heal issues. In fact, it was set up to assess mainly people with physical disabilities. Already many people with mental health issues fail on PIP compared to those with physical disabilities, and now that they want to legislate 4pts, no one with mental health needs would pass it.
    • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
      · 12 hours ago
      @Michael We know PIP does not focus on the illness, but let's talk about the reality. The number of people wit

      According to Liz Kendall, PIP was never set up to assess people with mental heal issues. In fact, it was set up to assess mainly people with physical disabilities. Already many people with mental health issues fail on PIP compared to those with physical disabilities, and now that they want to legislate 4pts, no one with mental health needs would pass it.
    • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
      · 15 hours ago
      @Scorpion And that's the same as now,. Or for any other condition. The condition doesn't 'qualify' you, the inability to do certain tasks, does.

      So yes, anxiety is still applicable as a diognosis, just as it is now.
    • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
      · 17 hours ago
      @Scott
      I have severe Bipolar. Sectioned a dozen times in 20 years.

      I only score a max of 2 points in any one descriptor. I have a total of 13.

      I can't see how this could possibly happen.

      Anyone with a psych condition to qualify for 4 points... would likely be in a care home. This in itself disqualifies you from PiP care.

      So he's full of it...
  • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
    · 1 days ago
    this will be planned as when you fill out your claim for pip the points awarded are from the people that mark your application and they will be brain washed into not giving the 4 points needed. Shocking 
  • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
    · 1 days ago
    My ongoing enhanced pip payments are due to end this year as its been ten years. I'm supposed to have what's known as a light touch? Now Liz Kendall has announced scrapping the reassessment for those not going to improve does that mean i won't have to do one? 
    • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
      · 12 hours ago
      @Neil Cook Reform will be far worse
    • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
      · 17 hours ago
      @Jim
      No-one knows yet. Let's hope so !

      Don't forget Jim, only 7 percent of PiP claimants are on 10 year reviews. It would have good optics... if they said:

      "...People on 10 year have been deemed time and time again, to have "severe" issues... so we will leave them alone..."

      But... will they ? Lol. Not lol.
    • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
      · 1 days ago
      @Jim I wish this current Labour government would 'go and do one'
  • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
    · 1 days ago
    Myself and a friend have PIP reviews likely in the next few months. This could obviously take some time before any decision is made. Could someone clarify we will be assessed on the current rules/descriptors and not the new 4 points criteria? 
    I know November 2026 has been stated as iwhen the new proposals come into effect but there's a lot of confusing information around with dates.
    • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
      · 4 hours ago
      @Sue Hi Sue. You are correct, the migration has nothing to do with the new UC changes, and it will not trigger reassessment. 

      The changes to UC LCWRAG only take effect in Apr 26 and only time new claiments.


      Please be aware, however, that until 2028, when PIP takes over as the only assessment to determine both PIP awards and the disability element in UC, It gives the DWP a 3 year period to try and reassess everybody in the LCWRA group on UC. It is my opinion they will try their level best to get as many off this group as possible before PIP takes over as the only assessment.
    • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
      · 7 hours ago
      @Fionn November or April that year though?
    • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
      · 8 hours ago
      @Michael Just trying to get my head around it all I'm migrating onto UC next month From ESA support group was told that I wouldn't have to go through re assessment if I've already had one. And it only affects new claims. My stress levels have gone through roof worrying about the change. I hope I don't get hassled and just left alone. Citizens advice are going to help me make a claim. Feel sorry for those on PIP what's coming. 
    • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
      · 1 days ago
      @Stephen M If it's imminent you'll be assessed under the current rules. They can't bring in these proposed changes without changing the law, which will take several months and probably won't kick in immediately anyway. They currently looking at 2026 for the introduction.
    • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
      · 1 days ago
      @Stephen M Yes, you will be assessed on the current (old rules)
  • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
    · 1 days ago
    It's clear that they have used a mathematical method to ensure that low rate PIP care element will be a thing of the past. They have a ideological view of what a disabled person is and it's clear it's very limited. 
  • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
    · 1 days ago
    Hello I am  72 in august and receive higher rate  motobility and care  are they keeping the light touch reviews for pensioners 
  • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
    · 1 days ago
    For many people claiming PIP will become difficult to say the least as getting four points is difficult 
  • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
    · 1 days ago
    I am on income based ESA and finally managed to get into the support group. I get PIP daily living basic. I should get more, but they lie too much on assesments. So if i lose my PIP, and then get migrated to UC and lose the SDP , do i then go down to something like £80 a week total?

    If so i may as well get into as much debt as i can, give everything to my children and either live on the streets or just leave this very poor existence i have.

    Coping with chronic pain every day since i was born pretty much (now 55), along with extreme fatigue and many many other problems, i was terminated from work in 2015 due to ill health then had to go to tribunals to even get any money , spent 3 months eating with a total spend of £2 a week as it was all i had.

    Its extremely confusing and really not worth coping with for much longer.
    • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
      · 17 hours ago
      @Jagang
      They intend to give people with a "severe" issue a new premium to replace Support Group premium.

      So let's hope...
    • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
      · 1 days ago
      @Jagang I know how u feel i am in chronic pain everyday plus other ailments, its no fun .
      What this government are proposing is barbaric ,inhumane & totally unacceptable, they should hang their heads in shame.
      Hopefully the courts stop it if it goes through. 
      You cant move the goalposts & say its to help us back into work ,when its to recoup the money they have blown .
      We are knackered broken in pain mentally & physically, some with life threatening conditions & are unable to cope with day to day living & cannot function  , never mind working .
      We are in this together,lets stay strong .
      Put your names down on scope petition or other disable Charities & make your voices heard .
      Weve got to fight for our existence & rights .
      This is Unlawful !!!!!
  • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
    · 1 days ago
    Pensioners who retired on DLA will still get everything and the Gov are saying that pensioners that lose PIP can claim Attendance Allowance is this so they save on paying Mobility another scam by the Gov.  
  • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
    · 1 days ago
    For new claims the rate of the UC health element will be reduced by £47pw (from £97pw in 2024/2025 to £50pw in 2026/2027).

    Am I right in thinking this only applies to those making new claims from April 2026 and not anyone who was to make a claim now ? ( taken from the governments green paper) 
    • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
      · 1 days ago
      @Anon Every assessment is classed as a 'new claim'

      Thw actual migration from Esa to UC is entirely different and has no bearing on the proposed changes.
    • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
      · 1 days ago
      @Gary Correct.
    • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
      · 1 days ago
      @Gary I hope so, I haven't got my migration notice yet. I don't want to be caught out by the new rules and classed as a new claim
  • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
    · 1 days ago
    I noticed Kendall said one would need 4 points in the daily living component of PIP, i read an article online earlier, and there was no mention of using AIDS  at all?

    As we are all aware hundreds of thousand's of claimants have to rely on the use of an aid and even multiple aids.
    • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
      · 1 days ago
      @MrFibro The PIP assessment is being reviewed so needing an aid may not count. Will have to wait for that.
  • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
    · 1 days ago
    If you are in UC/lcwra could you lise your rent assistance aswell coz if so I've had it I'll be finished 
    • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
      · 1 days ago
      @Neil Cook Please don't worry, the housing element is part of UC. If you lose LCWRA, you will still receive assistance with your rent.
  • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
    · 1 days ago
    These so-called reforms, not only are they taking away cash from some of the poorest and most vulnerable of the society, but also they're inflicting them daily stress, distress, hopelessness, helplessness, sleeplessness, and even suicidal thoughts. 
    • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
      · 18 hours ago
      @Scorpion They really are but they are being shown to be now. A lot of the media are turning against them.
    • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
      · 1 days ago
      @axab43 What a "moral case"!

      Cutting benefits to some of the most needy people in the country to balance bloody books!

      Starmer, Reeves, and Kendall are not only selfish but also cruel beyond belief.
    • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
      · 1 days ago
      @Scorpion Exactly and Keir Starmer makes it worse by keep repeating they are deteremined there is a "moral case" for making the cuts.  They have really shown themselves up now when the condemnation for all this is everywhere.
    • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
      · 1 days ago
      @Scorpion That lot are either sociopaths or psychopaths - they don't care.
  • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
    · 1 days ago
    When Liz Kendall was appointed as Shadow Secretary for the DWP and she said that she had always dreamed to become secretary of state for the DWP one day, and that Labour won the last general elections, it was clear to me that this evil changes were on their way. And I warned about this on this forum several times.

    "Supporting disabled and sick people get good, decent, and well paid jobs" was all a smokescreen brouhaha.
  • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
    · 1 days ago
    Does anyone know what will happen to those that are on income related ESA & are still waiting to be transferred over to Universal Credit & also on DLA & waiting to transfer over to PIP? I have depression & anxiety & im worried that I'll lose all my benefits, thus leaving me with nothing to pay my bills etc..... I live alone & have no one else to ask. It's very confusing & im scared.
  • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
    · 1 days ago
    A young person whom I helped, with advice from this site, to claim PIP last autumn re the impact of the bundle of disabling effects of their severe bi-polar is concerned how these reforms will impact her. Will she continue to receive PIP (Living and Mobility) as awarded until her next re-assessment as set out at the outset, or will existing claimants be subject to re-assessment brought forward? I've not been able to find clarification in the media. 
    • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
      · 17 hours ago
      @DJMH15
      And of course, they are 5 years behind with everyone.

      People who had a 12 month award 5 years ago... have still not been reviewed !

      So it will take time... and a LOT can happen in 5 years.
    • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
      · 17 hours ago
      @Anon
      I am in similar position.

      I think given they are 5 years behind with reviews, that she will have at least 4 or 5 years before being re-reviewed... IF they don't make 10-year reviews exempt.

      A lot can happen in 5 years..  like a new Government... 

      Tell her not to panic. 8-)
    • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
      · 1 days ago
      @bornagain I was wondering this as well. I receive daily living standard rate but was given a 10 year award on 2022. I only scored 2 across a number of descriptors. I doubt I will be left alone until 2032, as I would have been and expect to be written to soon stating I no longer qualify under the new rules.
    • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
      · 1 days ago
      @bornagain I thought she said that all new claims once the new system starts would be under that new PIP rules while anyone already on PIP would only start these rules when their re assessment was due to be done I took that to mean that it would not be brought forward But I could be wrong
    • Thank you for your comment. Comments are moderated before being published.
      · 1 days ago
      @bornagain Changes coming nov 2026. Their pip will not change until assessment that is due, it will not be brought forward. Torsten Bell on Newscast pod

Free PIP, ESA & UC Updates!

Delivered Fortnightly

Over 110,000 claimants and professionals subscribe to the UK's leading source of benefits news.

 
iContact