Personal Independence Payment (PIP), the UK’s key benefit designed to assist those with disabilities, has become the subject of significant changes in recent years. These changes, which include tightening eligibility criteria, have stirred concerns about the future of claimants. However, a former Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) assessor has now pointed out that individuals with four specific conditions are more likely to retain their benefits, even as the government looks to make further cuts to the PIP system.

Four Key Conditions that May Help Claimants Retain PIP Benefits

The DWP is currently undergoing a significant overhaul of its benefits system, with the aim of reducing costs and tightening eligibility. Starting in November 2026, claimants will be required to score at least 4 points in one daily living task to qualify for the daily living component of PIP. Despite these anticipated cuts, those with certain health conditions may still have a strong case to retain or even increase their PIP entitlement.

According to the former DWP assessor, four conditions in particular are likely to ensure that claimants will continue receiving their benefits under the new rules. These conditions include:

1. Visual Impairments People with visual impairments often face significant barriers in daily life, such as difficulty navigating their surroundings, reading, and performing other routine tasks. The DWP has long recognized the severe impact that visual impairments can have on a person’s ability to carry out essential daily activities, making it likely that claimants with these conditions will continue to qualify for PIP support.
2. Musculoskeletal Disorders Conditions that affect the bones, joints, and muscles, such as arthritis or chronic pain, can greatly impair mobility and the ability to perform everyday tasks. Whether it’s difficulty walking, standing, or even sitting for extended periods, those suffering from musculoskeletal disorders often face profound limitations in their daily lives. As such, these claimants are expected to remain eligible for PIP under the new rules.
3. Neurological Disorders Neurological conditions like epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, or Parkinson’s disease can result in a wide range of symptoms, from mobility issues to severe cognitive impairments. Given the complexity and severity of these conditions, the DWP typically awards higher PIP scores to individuals with neurological disorders. These claimants are likely to continue receiving benefits, as their conditions often lead to a significant loss of function.
4. Respiratory Diseases Chronic respiratory conditions, such as severe asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and other lung diseases, can severely affect a person’s ability to move around or carry out essential daily tasks. Those with respiratory conditions often find it difficult to leave their homes, perform physical activities, or even care for themselves. As a result, they are also expected to retain their PIP benefits under the anticipated changes.

These four conditions have a significant impact on daily living, and individuals suffering from them are often granted higher PIP scores due to the severe limitations they face.

What is PIP and Why Is It Changing?

PIP was introduced in 2013 to replace Disability Living Allowance (DLA) for people aged 16 to 64. It is designed to assist individuals with disabilities by helping them cover additional costs associated with their condition, such as needing help with daily tasks or additional transport expenses. PIP is awarded based on a person’s ability to perform specific daily living tasks, such as preparing food, dressing, or engaging in social activities.

The government has indicated that the PIP system will undergo major reforms, including further tightening of eligibility requirements. The changes are part of an effort to reduce government expenditure, with the aim of saving £5 billion annually by 2030. Under these reforms, the government plans to introduce stricter criteria for claiming PIP, especially for those with less severe disabilities.

Key Reforms Expected in 2026

The government’s proposed changes to PIP eligibility, which are set to take effect in November 2026, include:

• More Stringent Eligibility Requirements: Claimants will need to score at least 4 points in one of the daily living tasks to qualify for the daily living component of PIP. This change will likely make it harder for those with less severe conditions to qualify.
• Introduction of the “Right to Try” Work Policy: This new policy will allow people with disabilities to attempt work without the risk of having their PIP benefits reassessed. The initiative is designed to encourage disabled individuals to engage with the workforce while offering them the flexibility to try different work options without fear of losing their support.
• Ending Reassessments for Severely Disabled Claimants: Under the new rules, people with the most severe disabilities will no longer face periodic PIP reassessments. Instead, they will receive more stable support based on their initial PIP assessment.

You can visit the official UK government PIP page.

What Does This Mean for Claimants?

The upcoming changes will have significant implications for PIP claimants. While the former DWP assessor has highlighted that those with visual impairments, musculoskeletal disorders, neurological disorders, and respiratory diseases are more likely to retain or increase their benefits, claimants must ensure that their assessments accurately reflect the impact their conditions have on their daily lives.

As the government moves forward with these reforms, it is essential for claimants to stay informed about the eligibility criteria and to ensure that they provide all necessary evidence to support their claims. This may involve obtaining medical reports or undergoing additional assessments to confirm the severity of their condition.

Conclusion

The UK’s disability benefits system is undergoing a transformation that will affect thousands of people. However, individuals with visual impairments, musculoskeletal disorders, neurological disorders, and respiratory diseases may have a better chance of retaining their PIP benefits as the eligibility criteria are revised. As the government continues to streamline and cut costs, these claimants are expected to remain a priority group, provided they meet the criteria for higher PIP awards.