Some have called for people which have ‘lifelong’ conditions to be exempted in some cases from having to regularly apply for PIPs
05:46, 12 Nov 2025
Sir Stephen Timms provided a response to a question about PIP applications(Image: Parliament TV)
The government has provided an update following inquiries about possible modifications to personal independence payments (PIPs) for claimants. PIP (Personal Independence Payment) grants are issued for fixed durations, with review timing dependent on individual circumstances, ranging from “light touch” evaluations for those with stable conditions through to comprehensive reassessments for others.
Beneficiaries receive contact from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) to refresh their entitlement when their payment term expires, which can span anywhere from 9 months to 10 years, with the DWP dispatching correspondence to initiate proceedings.
Nevertheless, some have advocated for individuals with ‘lifelong’ conditions to receive exemptions in certain circumstances from routine reapplication requirements.
During recent parliamentary questioning of the Department for Work and Pensions, Conservative MP Suella Braverman enquired of Secretary of State for Work and Pensions Pat McFadden whether: “His Department has considered exemptions or streamlined processes for PIP claimants with (a) Type 1 diabetes and (b) other lifelong and progressively complex conditions.”
In a supplementary question, Mrs Braverman asked: “What steps his Department is taking to help reduce the potential impact of PIP reassessments for chronic conditions on the mental health of families affected.”
She additionally questioned the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions regarding whether “his Department plans to reform the Personal Independence Payment reassessment process for people with (a) Type 1 diabetes and (b) other lifelong conditions.”
Sir Stephen Timms, Minister of State for Social Security and Disability, clarified that barring those with terminal conditions, the rules would remain unchanged: “Other than for claims made under the special rules for people nearing the end of their life, all claims to PIP are treated in the same way. Entitlement to PIP is assessed on the basis of the needs arising from a health condition or disability, rather than the health condition or disability itself. Individuals can be affected in different ways by the same condition and so the outcome of a PIP claim depends very much on individual circumstances, including age and the ability to manage a condition without supervision or assistance.”
He further announced the launch of the Timms Review, stating: “I have launched the Timms Review with the aim of ensuring we have a system that supports disabled people to achieve better health, higher living standards and greater independence, including through employment. The Review will be co-produced with disabled people, the organisations that represent them, and other experts. This means the Government will share ownership and responsibility for how the Review runs and what it recommends.”
He concluded by outlining the timeline for the review: “The Timms Review will report to my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions by autumn 2026, with an interim update expected ahead of that.”
PIP claimants have been assured by the social security minister, Sir Stephen Timms, that there will be no changes to their eligibility this year. During a discussion about the Motability scheme, which allows PIP recipients on the higher mobility rate to lease a new vehicle, Sir Stephen stated that any alterations to the PIP eligibility criteria would be postponed until after his review of the payments is complete.
It’s speculated that Chancellor Rachel Reeves may introduce reforms to parts of the Motability scheme in an effort to make savings in next month’s Budget.
South Shields MP and Labour backbencher Emma Lewell voiced her concerns in the Commons last month, stating: “Motability is a lifeline for people with disabilities for getting to health appointments, studying, maintaining employment and so much more.
“Cuts to the scheme risk increased health needs and increased unemployment likely to cost much more than any short-term savings.
“Does (Sir Stephen) agree that before any proposed cuts, a proper impact assessment is absolutely vital?”.
In response, Sir Stephen said: “I can assure (Ms Lewell) that there will be no changes to the eligibility conditions for the Pip mobility component or indeed the other aspects of Pip until the conclusion of the review, which I will be leading and co-producing with disabled people. And that’s expected to report in the autumn of next year.”
Earlier this month, The Times reported that luxury car brands such as BMWs and Mercedes could be excluded from the Motability scheme. Ms Reeves is also contemplating alterations to how Motability drivers are taxed, potentially saving around £1 billion, according to the newspaper.
Conservative MP for New Forest East, Sir Julian Lewis, commented: “When severe mental illness strikes, it can be devastating and totally debilitating. But the problem from his department’s point of view is that its symptoms are invisible.
“There have been reports about people faking mental illness in order to gain benefits. Is he satisfied that his department has appropriate checks in place?”.
In response, Sir Stephen stated: “Yes, I think appropriate checks are in place, but as I’ve just mentioned, we are undertaking this review of the Pip assessment and we will need to look carefully – and we’ll be doing this together with disabled people – look carefully at the way these decisions and judgments are made.”
