The Department for Work and Pensions is set to announce significant changes to Personal Independence Payment (PIP) this Wednesday, confirming both an immediate payment increase and a fundamental long-term review of the disability benefit system.
PIP Payment Increase Confirmed
The DWP will confirm new PIP payment rates for the 2026/27 financial year as part of the Autumn Budget scheduled for November 26. Under the current Labour government's policy, disability benefits will continue to rise annually in line with the September inflation rate.
This means payments for over 3.8 million PIP claimants are set to increase by 3.8 per cent starting from Monday, April 6, 2026. This date marks the beginning of the new financial year when all benefits and the State Pension will see their annual uplift.
The increase translates to tangible financial improvements for recipients. Those receiving both the highest daily living and mobility components will see their weekly payment rise from £187.45 to £194.55. Over a full year, this represents an additional £364 for claimants on the highest award rate.
The Timms Review: A Fundamental Assessment
Alongside the payment announcement, the DWP has formally launched the Timms Review, a comprehensive examination of the PIP system that represents a significant shift from earlier government approaches to disability benefit reform.
The review will be led by Sir Stephen Timms MP, the Minister for Social Security and Disability, who will be joined by co-chairs Sharron Brennan and Dr. Clenton Farquharson. Crucially, the government has emphasised that no changes will be made to PIP before the review concludes in autumn 2026.
What makes this review particularly significant is its co-production approach. A steering group of 12 people, comprising disabled individuals, carers, and representatives from disability charities, will lead the process. This marks a departure from traditional government-led reviews by placing lived experience at the centre of the assessment.
What Happens Next?
The Timms Review will operate over the next year, with its final recommendations expected in autumn 2026. The steering group will examine how PIP can be reformed to better serve disabled people across the UK, with their findings forming the basis of official recommendations.
Once the review concludes, it will be up to the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions to decide which changes to implement. The government's commitment to maintaining current payment levels until the review's completion provides certainty for millions of claimants during this assessment period.
This dual approach - immediate financial support through increased payments coupled with a thorough, inclusive review - represents a balanced strategy for addressing both short-term needs and long-term reform of the disability benefits system.
