DWP Issues Two-Month Deadline for PIP Claimants in Timms Review Evidence Call
The Department for Work and Pensions has announced a strict deadline for all Personal Independence Payment claimants to submit evidence as part of the newly launched Timms Review. This nationwide call for evidence is now open and will close on May 28, 2026, giving individuals exactly two months or nine weeks to participate and have their voices heard.
Timms Review Aims to Overhaul Welfare System
Chaired by Labour Party minister Sir Stephen Timms, the Timms Review represents a significant initiative focused on PIP and the broader need to reform the welfare system. The review's first stage involves this extensive evidence-gathering process, which is designed to collect insights from a wide range of stakeholders to inform future policy decisions.
In a recent post on social media platform X, the DWP stated, "The Timms Review steering group wants to hear your views on the future of PIP. The first step in the group's engagement – a Call for Evidence – is now open." This call targets both organizations and individuals who possess relevant information, emphasizing the importance of diverse perspectives in shaping the review's outcomes.
Comprehensive Engagement with Stakeholders
The DWP has clarified that this evidence collection is being administered on behalf of the Timms Review steering group, which is committed to engaging with disabled people, their representative organizations, carers, clinicians, experts, MPs, and other key stakeholders. The goal is to ensure that a broad spectrum of views and experiences are considered, fostering a more equitable and effective welfare system.
The purpose of this initiative is to gather evidence from all interested parties to thoroughly inform the Review. The Review welcomes submissions from individuals and organizations with lived or learned experience, as well as those with specialized knowledge and expertise. Evidence can take various forms, including written submissions, existing data, or unpublished analysis and reports.
Submission Guidelines and Future Steps
This Call for Evidence, which opened on March 19, 2026, will remain active until 11:59 PM on May 28, 2026. All evidence submitted will be made available to the steering group for review. Additionally, the DWP will create a summary response to help the group consolidate and analyze the received evidence efficiently.
While participants are free to submit any evidence related to the role and purpose of PIP, the Timms Review specifically encourages focus on several key areas:
- Personal experiences with claiming PIP
- Issues related to eligibility criteria
- Concerns about fairness and equity in PIP awards
- The overall role and purpose of the benefit in the welfare system
This evidence collection is just the beginning of a wider engagement program with stakeholders, with further activities to be determined by the steering group based on the initial findings. The DWP urges all PIP claimants and relevant parties to act promptly to ensure their contributions are included in this critical review process.
