Personal Independence Payment assessments are becoming increasingly difficult to pass, with the success rate for new claims falling to 44 per cent in the quarter ending April 2026, according to Department for Work and Pensions figures. This marks a decline from 50 per cent in the same period last year.
Overall, the success rate for all new PIP claims stands at 37 per cent, down from 43 per cent in April 2025. The DWP recorded 250,000 registrations but only 240,000 clearances for new claims during the quarter.
Warning for Millions of Claimants
The data, analysed by the disability forum Benefits and Work, warns that the DWP's tests are getting harder to navigate. With PIP currently claimed by 4 million people, millions are at risk of losing or being denied support.
Benefits and Work highlighted that 38,000 changes of circumstance were reported but only 31,000 were cleared. For Disability Living Allowance reassessments, there were 24,000 registrations but only 23,000 clearances. Additionally, 130,000 planned award reviews were registered but only 120,000 were completed.
Mandatory Reconsiderations on the Rise
The number of mandatory reconsiderations has reached 74,000, a 10 per cent increase. DWP case officers cleared 91,000 reconsiderations in the latest quarter, up 42 per cent. The average time to make a decision is now 43 days, a decrease of 36 days compared to the previous year.
According to the DWP, 26 per cent of mandatory reconsiderations resulted in a change to the award.
How to Claim PIP
To claim PIP, individuals must call the ‘PIP new claims’ phone line and provide basic information about their disability or condition. They then complete a form detailing how the condition affects them, either online or by post. An assessment may be required if more information is needed.
To claim by post, write a letter stating the intent to start a PIP claim, including name and address, and send it to Freepost DWP PIP 1. No postcode or stamp is needed. The DWP will send a form for basic information, followed by a second form about how the disability or condition affects daily life.
