Politics · United Kingdom · 3 hrs ago
Think tank says one in six PIP recipients may not need cash support
The Resolution Foundation says one in six surveyed PIP recipients reported no extra disability costs.
Personal Independence Payment, or PIP, is a UK benefit for people with long-term physical or mental health conditions that affect daily tasks or mobility.
The survey covered 2,611 people receiving the benefit, and the Foundation said younger recipients were more likely to report little limitation and no extra costs.
PIP claimants in England and Wales reached a record 4.1 million in July, while the benefit bill is forecast to reach £34.5 billion by 2030.
The Foundation says up to £4.4 billion a year could be saved by ending cash payments to around 670,000 people under its proposal.
It recommends asking claimants about extra costs, offering some eligible people lower ongoing payments and one-off help with home adaptations, and checking in more often.
A government review is expected after the October 28 Budget, and the Department for Work and Pensions says the review’s final recommendations will guide reform.
The Resolution Foundation says about one in six people receiving personal independence payments (PIP) may not need cash support.
Its survey of 2,611 recipients found 16 per cent reported no additional costs linked to their disability.
The think tank says restricting cash support could save up to £4.4 billion a year by removing payments from around 670,000 claimants.
It says PIP spending is rising unsustainably and is projected to reach £34.5 billion by 2030.
The Foundation recommends assessing claimants’ additional costs and conducting more frequent check-ins.
- Who
- The Resolution Foundation made the recommendations; its survey involved PIP recipients.
- What
- The think tank says about one in six recipients may not need cash support and proposes changes to assessments and payments.
- When
- The article text says it was published on 15 October 2026; its metadata gives 14 October 2026.
- Where
- England and Wales are cited for the record 4.1 million PIP claimants.
- Why
- The Foundation says PIP spending is rising unsustainably and that support should better reflect claimants’ needs and additional costs.
Resolution Foundation
Department for Work and Pensions
Assessment and support
Resolution Foundation
The Foundation says assessments should identify claimants without significant limitations or additional costs, who would no longer qualify for cash support.
Department for Work and Pensions
The DWP says PIP is awarded through a functional assessment of how a condition affects a person’s day-to-day needs.
Reform
Resolution Foundation
The Foundation proposes changes to make the system more attuned to people’s needs.
Department for Work and Pensions
The DWP says PIP is no longer fit for purpose and that the Timms Review’s final recommendations will underpin sustainable reform.
The Foundation published an interim report.
The number of PIP claimants in England and Wales reached a record 4.1 million.
The article reported the Foundation’s survey findings and recommendations.
Chancellor John Healey’s Budget was scheduled to be announced.
The final report of the Timms Review was expected to be published.
- Survey size
- 2,611 PIP recipients
- Recipients reporting no additional disability-related costs
- 16 per cent
- Young recipients reporting little limitation and no additional costs
- 21 per cent of 16 to 24-year-olds
- Potential annual savings
- Up to £4.4 billion
- Claimants whose cash payments could be removed
- Around 670,000, based on the 2029-30 caseload
- Forecast PIP bill
- £34.5 billion by 2030
What people are saying
The current system is failing on several fronts – claimants don't trust it, awards don't fully reflect the nature of disability today, and spending is rising unsustainably…
PIP is awarded based on a functional assessment that determines how a condition impacts a person's day-to-day needs.