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The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has put proposed changes to Personal Independence Payment (PIP) on hold until a review of the eligibility and assessment process is finished. The Minister for Social Security and Disability, Sir Stephen Timms, will work alongside disabled groups and charities to conduct the review, which is anticipated to be completed by next Autumn, reports Express.co.uk . The DWP has previously stated that over 1,000 new PIP awards are being issued daily, with the latest statistics revealing that there are now over 3.8 million claimants in England and Wales receiving between £29.20 and £187.45 each week. READ MORE: DWP confirms date to come forward for £300 cost-of-living payment Get breaking news on BirminghamLive WhatsApp , click the link to join The data also indicates that more than 1.5 million (39%) of all 3.8 million PIP claimants have been issued an award of five years or longer. More than 58 per cent of households claiming PIP for a visual disease receive a monthly award of up to £749 for five years or more. More than half of all claimants with general musculoskeletal conditions (50.8%), such as arthritis, muscle or joint pain, have been given a longer award, along with 49.5 per cent of people with a neurological condition like epilepsy, multiple sclerosis and muscular dystrophy. For those considering submitting a new claim for PIP it's crucial to understand that award durations vary and can span from nine months to as long as 10 years, though DWP records only document awards categorised as 'five years or longer'. The latest PIP Handbook states the decision maker will determine a PIP award based upon how the claimant's health condition or disability affects their everyday life and capacity to live independently. It notes: "The length of award will be based upon each claimant's individual circumstances." It's vital to note the DWP guidance also indicates most claimants will have their award periodically reviewed, "regardless of the length of the award" to ensure "everyone continues to receive the most appropriate level of support". Certain claimants will receive a limited term award for a set period of up to two years - the DWP confirms these awards will not be reviewed. Limited awards without a review date are provided where the claimant's health condition may be reasonably expected to improve. A 'light touch' review is commonly awarded to claimants who have: The DWP guidance explains: "These claimants would not usually be expected to have a face-to-face assessment at review." PIP payments now range from £29.20 to £187.45 per week, equating to approximately £116.80 or £749.80 every four weeks. Over the financial year, those on the highest awards will receive an additional £9,747 in cash assistance. It's crucial to note that the maximum amount of £749.80 is based on someone receiving the highest award for both the daily living and mobility components. It's important to understand that people with varying health conditions can be awarded PIP for up to five years or more. The award is determined by how the condition impacts the claimant. The conditions listed below have the highest percentage rate of five-year or longer awards given to claimants at the end of July 2025. To be eligible for PIP, you must have a health condition or disability where you: You usually need to have lived in the UK for at least two of the last three years and be in the country when you apply. In addition to what we have outlined above if you get or need help with any of the following because of your condition, you should consider applying for PIP. DWP will assess how difficult you find daily living and mobility tasks. PIP is usually paid every four weeks unless you are terminally ill, in which case it is paid weekly. It will be paid directly into your bank, building society or credit union account. You will need an assessment to work out the level of financial help you will receive and your rate will be regularly reviewed to make sure you are getting the right support. Payments are made every four weeks. PIP is made up of two components: Whether you get one or both of these and how much depends on how severely your condition affects you. You will be paid the following amounts per week depending on your circumstances: You will be assessed by an independent healthcare professional to help the DWP determine the level of financial support, if any, you need, for PIP. Face-to-face consultations for health-related benefits are offered alongside video calls, telephone and paper-based assessments - it's important to be aware the health professional and DWP determine which type of assessment is best suited for each claimant. You can make a new claim by contacting the DWP,.
