Personal Independence Payment (PIP), a vital financial support for millions of people with long-term health conditions or disabilities, has been deemed 'no longer fit for purpose' by a landmark government review. The initial findings from the Timms report, published recently, reveal that claimants frequently experience an application process described as 'dehumanising', 'soul-destroying', and 'degrading'.
Claimant Numbers Surge Past 4 Million
Official statistics from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) show that the number of people in England and Wales claiming PIP reached 4.01 million in April 2026, a 7% increase year-on-year. This figure has nearly doubled since January 2019, when it stood at 2.05 million. The surge is driven largely by rises in claims for mental health conditions, with 39% of claimants recorded as having psychiatric disorders—the largest proportion of any disability category.
Press Association analysis reveals that the number of claimants with autistic spectrum disorders has more than doubled in six years. Similarly, claims for mixed anxiety and depressive disorders have doubled, while ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) claims have nearly quadrupled over the same period.
Review Findings: PIP 'Not Working'
The review, launched after the government faced a rebellion by Labour backbenchers over proposed reforms, was headed by disability minister Sir Stephen Timms. The review team, which includes Sharon Brennan and Dr Clenton Farquharson—both of whom have lived experience of disability—gathered feedback from nearly 40,000 individuals and organisations. More than 90% of respondents reported negative experiences when claiming PIP.
The review concluded: 'Our evidence so far tells us that while PIP is widely valued as a benefit, it is no longer fit for purpose.' The team stated that their recommendations will be 'bold in nature and bold in recognition of the wider environment in which disabled people in the UK are living.'
Government Response and Future Reforms
Work and Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden confirmed he has instructed the Timms review panel to consider 'whether the assessment process is today really fit for the range of conditions, and the rise in the reports of some conditions that have been reported compared to when it was conceived 13 years ago.' The final report, expected in autumn, will contain recommendations for reform. The government maintains that the review will ensure PIP is 'fit and fair for the future.'
Dr Farquharson said: 'As we move towards final recommendations, we need to be bold in our ambition, practical in our proposals, and focused on making PIP fair, trusted and fit for the future.' The report also highlighted that while PIP 'enables many people to stay in work' by covering additional costs, research 'demonstrates that some people on PIP are scared to participate, either in physical activities or employment, as this could be seen as evidence that their functional ability has improved.'
