The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has confirmed that Personal Independence Payment (PIP) claims will remain in payment for 300,000 people currently awaiting reassessment. The update came in response to a parliamentary question from Jim Shannon, the Democratic Unionist Party MP for Strangford, who asked how many claimants were awaiting reassessment for PIP.
Backlog Reaches 300,000
Sir Stephen Timms, the Labour cabinet member leading the Timms Review into PIP, revealed the figure in the House of Commons. He stated that the total number of cases outstanding at all stages of the PIP Award Review process stood at 300,000 at the end of May 2026. This data, derived from unpublished management information, represents England and Wales only and has been rounded to the nearest 10,000 cases.
Timms emphasised that all claims remain in payment while award reviews are in progress. Any award increases identified during a planned review will be backdated as appropriate. For customers who report a change of circumstance and trigger an unplanned review, their claim will be prioritised alongside new claims.
Commitment to Timely Support
The DWP has reiterated its commitment to ensuring people can access financial support through PIP in a timely manner. Timms stated: "Reducing customer journey times for our claimants is a priority for the Department and we are working constantly to make improvements to our service."
He also highlighted the broader context of the Timms Review, which was launched to improve PIP. The review is being co-produced with disabled people and their organisations to ensure the benefit is fair and fit for the future. Timms added: "We know PIP can be improved, which is why we launched the Timms Review, which is being co-produced with disabled people and their organisations to ensure the benefit is fair and fit for the future."
Timms Review to Report in Autumn
The review aims to report to the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions in Autumn 2026, with outcomes to be presented to Parliament. This announcement provides clarity for the 300,000 claimants currently in the reassessment process, confirming that their payments will continue uninterrupted until their cases are resolved.
