PIP changes in 2026: the Timms review
The Timms review is the government's review of how PIP is assessed, run with disabled people. Its interim report, published on 9 July 2026, found PIP no longer fit for purpose. Final recommendations are due in autumn 2026. As of 27 September 2026, the rules for claiming PIP have not changed because of it.
A government review of PIP. An interim report came out in July 2026. Claim rules haven't changed yet.
In this guide
In short
- The review looks at how PIP is assessed.
- An interim report was published on 9 July 2026.
- Final recommendations are due in autumn 2026.
- Nothing about claiming PIP has changed because of it yet.
Claims are decided under today's rules. The helper works through the current PIP2 form, activity by activity.
What the Timms review is
The Timms review is a review of the PIP assessment, named after Sir Stephen Timms, who launched it as minister for social security and disability. It's being produced together with disabled people and the organisations that represent them.
In October 2025, Dr Clenton Farquharson CBE and Sharon Brennan were appointed as its co-chairs. A steering group was set up in January 2026.
What the interim report said
The interim report was published on 9 July 2026. It drew on more than 38,000 responses to the review's call for evidence.
It found that PIP is 'no longer fit for purpose' and is not keeping pace with how disability, health and work have changed over the past decade. It is an interim report: it doesn't change any rules by itself.
What happens next
The review's final recommendations are due to go to the government in autumn 2026. The government will then decide what, if anything, to change, and when. Some changes could need new laws.
This page will be updated when there's news. We won't guess at what the recommendations will say.
What it means for a claim today
As of 27 September 2026:
- You claim PIP the same way as before. See how to claim PIP.
- Claims and reviews are decided under the current rules and descriptors. See the PIP descriptors guide.
- The weekly rates are the 2026 to 2027 rates. See PIP rates.
There's no reason to delay a claim while the review goes on. PIP is usually paid from the date your claim starts, not earlier.
Earlier proposals
In 2025 the government proposed tighter PIP eligibility rules for daily living. Those PIP changes were removed from the Universal Credit and Personal Independence Payment Bill in July 2025, and the government said it would wait for the Timms review instead.
Common questions
Is PIP changing in 2026?
Not yet. A government review of PIP published an interim report in July 2026, with final recommendations due in autumn 2026. As of 27 September 2026, the rules for claiming haven't changed because of it.
What is the Timms review?
A review of the PIP assessment, named after Sir Stephen Timms, who launched it as minister for social security and disability. It's being produced together with disabled people and their organisations.
Will my PIP be affected by the Timms review?
Nothing has changed for existing awards because of it so far. Any change would be announced by the government first.
Should I wait to claim PIP until the review finishes?
There's no need to. Claims are decided under today's rules, and PIP isn't paid for time before your claim starts.
Claiming is free
You can apply to DWP directly, and Citizens Advice can help at no cost. We're here if you'd rather do it yourself, at your own pace, any time, with no appointment to wait for.
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Sources
- The Timms review - GOV.UK - checked 27 September 2026
- The Timms review of PIP: interim report - GOV.UK - checked 27 September 2026
- Disability experts appointed to lead first ever full review of PIP - GOV.UK - checked 27 September 2026
- First comprehensive review into PIP finds it is not fit for purpose - GOV.UK - checked 27 September 2026