The short version
i
Nothing about how PIP is assessed has changed yet
The Timms Review's final report is due to go to the government in autumn 2026. Any changes it leads to would need new rules, and would take time. If you're claiming now, you're assessed under the current 12 activities and points.
What the Timms Review is
The Timms Review is the first full review of PIP since it was introduced in 2013. It's led by Sir Stephen Timms, the Minister for Social Security and Disability, with co-chairs Sharon Brennan and Dr Clenton Farquharson CBE. The government says it's being co-produced with disabled people, their organisations and experts.
It's looking at whether PIP is fair and fit for the future, including the assessment itself. The government has said PIP will stay a non-means-tested benefit, available to people in and out of work.
The review followed plans announced in March 2025 to require at least 4 points in a single daily living activity to get the daily living component. Those plans were dropped in July 2025, and the government said future changes to PIP would wait for the review.
Timeline so far
| When | What happened |
|---|
| July 2025 | Plans for a stricter "4-point" rule dropped. The Timms Review announced. |
| October 2025 | Terms of reference published. |
| July 2026 | Interim report published. A call for evidence opened, and received around 38,000 responses. |
| September 2026 | Emerging recommendations published and tested in workshops across the country. |
| October 2026 | The co-chairs' final update said the evidence painted a clear picture: PIP is valued by many, but "not fit for purpose". |
| Autumn 2026 | Final report due to go to the Secretary of State, then be published on GOV.UK. |
The review's documents are published on GOV.UK under "The Timms Review". We'll update this page when the final report comes out.
What has changed in 2026
- PIP rates went up 3.8% in April 2026. The enhanced rate of both components is now £194.60 a week. See PIP rates 2026/27.
- Some administrative rules were updated in 2026, but not the activities, descriptors or points used to assess you.
What hasn't changed
- The 12 activities, the descriptors and their points. You still need 8 points for the standard rate and 12 for the enhanced rate. See PIP points explained.
- PIP is still not means-tested. Your income, savings and whether you work don't affect it.
- The "How your disability affects you" form and the assessment process.
If you're claiming now
Don't wait for the review to claim. PIP is normally only paid from the date you start your claim, so waiting could cost you money, and there's no date yet for any changes.
Your claim will be assessed under the current rules. Read our guides to the PIP form and the PIP assessment, and check your likely award with the points calculator.
If you already get PIP
Your award carries on as normal, including any reviews already planned. If your award is reviewed, it's assessed under the rules in force at the time. If you're unhappy with a decision, see our guide to PIP appeals.
Be wary of stories claiming that PIP is ending, or that there's a new "list of conditions" that qualify. PIP isn't awarded by condition. It's based on how your condition affects you.
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