A BBC expert has explained that people claiming Personal Independence Payments could face four key changes as part of the Timms Review – with results set to be announced this Autumn
A BBC specialist has informed individuals claiming Personal Independence Payments that they are set to face 4 key alterations as part of a review – with the outcomes due to be revealed this Autumn. The Timms Review is a thorough, independent UK government examination of the Personal Independence Payment (PIP) system, initiated in late 2025.
Headed by Minister for Social Security and Disability Sir Stephen Timms, it will result in a series of modifications for approximately 4 million people who receive the benefit.
PIP is a government allowance intended to assist with the additional costs of living for those with a long-term health condition or disability. It is not means-tested, so income does not affect this benefit, irrespective of employment status.
Finance expert Laura Pomfret clarified to BBC Morning Live viewers: “It’s got two components. There’s the daily living component for help with everyday tasks, and then there’s the mobility component, so help getting around, and as I said, you can receive it while in work. From April 6 earlier this year, PIP rates increased 3.8% in line with the consumer price index, which is consumer price index inflation.
“This happened automatically. So existing claimants of PIP did not need to do anything to get this new amount and will have been receiving this new amount already, given we’re now in May, and because PIP is non- means tested, this increase applies regardless of whether you are employed, self-employed or not working, you will get that increase. And as of 31st of January this year, 3.9 million people are claiming PIP in England and Wales alone.”
She revealed the Timms review could deliver some significant alterations, including a dramatic increase in face-to-face assessments, potentially extended periods between assessments, deteriorating conditions, and whether medical evidence could be shared directly from the NHS.
She explained: “The government is doing a full review of PIP. It’s called the Timms review, and it’s looking at reviewing everything from how it works to how relevant it is in today’s society, and they’re hoping to have done that and report back by autumn later this year.”
Face-to-face assessments
The dramatic surge in online video assessments, which accelerated during COVID, has faced criticism for resulting in a significantly higher proportion of people receiving benefits. The Department for Work and Pensions is planning to substantially boost the number of individuals who are assessed face-to-face. Ms Pomfret explained: “Firstly, they’re looking to increase face-to-face assessments for PIP and for the work capability assessment, as well, which is something separate outside of PIP. So, face-to-face assessments are expected to rise from 6% to 30%, which is quite a jump, and for the work capability assessment, it’s looking to increase face-to-face assessments from 13% to again 30% of applicants.
“They will still be offering home visits and alternative formats for those people who can’t attend in person, but that’s something that is being looked at as part of this review.”
Duration between PIP reviews
Ms Pomfret revealed this could be altered from three to five years and is expected to be implemented this summer: “They’re also looking at longer gaps between PIP reviews extending the PIP review period. So the first one is for three years, the second assessment is thereafter every five years. And that does look like it’s actually going ahead and so people will be told about that in the summer of this year.
“So longer periods between assessments. The next one they’re looking at is recording assessments as standards. So actually recording them, collecting data on these assessments, which may make some people feel uneasy. I think what the idea behind this is to build trust to gather evidence for those people wanting to appeal to accurately record what happened in that assessment. So you know, it might be reassuring to some people, you can opt out if you would prefer not to be recorded. That’s in the review as well.”
‘Four-point rule’
As of July 2025, the UK government scrapped the proposed “four-point rule” for Personal Independence Payment (PIP), which would have demanded claimants achieve at least 4 points in a single daily living activity to qualify. This tougher criterion was planned for 2026 to direct support towards those with the most severe needs.
Ms Pomfret said: “For those people wondering about the four-point re rule, this has been scrapped. This was quite controversial. A lot of people had a lot to say on it. It was the plan to make people score at least four points in one daily living activity to qualify for PIP. This idea has been scrapped completely. So, it will not form part of review. It’s not going ahead.
“But any future changes to the criteria, which still could come out of the review, will be communicated in Autumn.”
Long-term and worsening conditions
Disability organisations have questioned whether individuals should undergo regular assessments if they have serious conditions which are virtually certain not to improve. Ms Pomfret said: “Another thing being looked at is for people with um long-term or worsening conditions. So, the government’s looking at whether the 10-year review cycle needs to be updated, whether better support between the reviews should be put in place for people as well. And crucially also exploring whether evidence from other services could mean that people with very severe conditions won’t need a full PIP assessment at all. They can kind of gather wider data and look at that. “
Obtaining medical evidence directly from NHS
Ms Pomfret said: “They’re exploring better use of medical evidence. So, can they digitally share medical evidence from the NHS to the DWP with consent, which can help people provide the right health evidence, which again some people may feel unsure about. Some people may think that’s actually going to help me in my application to help use medical evidence to demonstrate that I should be entitled to PIP. That one’s looking at 2027/2028, so not straight away. But all of these are going to form part of the review and we’re going to hear more about it in autumn later this year.”