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Personal Independence Payment: Medical Examinations

Asked by Mr Clive BettsLabourDepartment for Work and PensionsTabled Answered 23 June 2025UIN 59292

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, whether she plans to introduce reforms to the eligibility criteria for Personal Independence Payments before the conclusion of her Department's review of the Personal Independence Payment assessment process.

Answered by Sir Stephen Timms

Subject to Parliamentary approval, the proposed reforms will take effect only at the point of a claimant’s next scheduled award review after November 2026.

In parallel, we have launched a comprehensive review of the PIP assessment process, which I shall lead. The review aims to ensure the assessment remains fit for the future and continues to support those with the greatest needs. We are currently in the first phase of this work, engaging with disabled people, representative organisations, and other stakeholders to shape the scope, timings, and approach of the review. The Terms of Reference will be published once this initial engagement is complete.

We envisage the Review as the vehicle for any changes to be made to the assessment.

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