DWP confirms if PIP is being axed in major benefits shake-up affecting millions

The DWP has been moving millions of people over to Universal Credit from older benefits, but PIP is not one of the benefits that will be phased out

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has set the process in motion to transition more than two million individuals from older benefits to Universal Credit; however, this raises questions concerning Personal Independence Payment (PIP) and whether or not it's included. PIP offers support to nearly 3.4 million UK residents who might require additional aid because of a physical or mental health condition or disability.

It's a fortnightly payment that can amount to as much as £737.20, depending on how your life is affected by a certain condition. According to the DWP, PIP is not included in the switch to Universal Credit. Instead, Universal Credit will be consolidating six other benefits, which are:.

• Working Tax Credit
• Child Tax Credit
• Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
• Income Support
• Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
• Housing Benefit

On the GOV.UK website, it's clarified that "Other benefits, such as Personal Independence Payment (PIP), will stay the same". Therefore, if you are currently receiving PIP, you will not have your benefit eliminated nor will you be moved onto Universal Credit through the ongoing "managed migration".

This gradual shift is anticipated to have reached out to everyone potentially impacted by December 2025, reports the Mirror.

How much is PIP worth?

PIP is typically paid on a four-weekly basis, but those with terminal illnesses can opt for weekly payments. PIP consists of two components - daily living and mobility - and claimants may be eligible for one or both parts depending on how their condition impacts their life.

The daily living rate is split into a lower and higher rate as follows:

Daily living

Lower rate: £72.65

Higher rate: £108.55

Mobility

Lower rate: £28.70

Higher rate: £75.75

Who is eligible for PIP?

Eligibility for PIP requires an assessment by a healthcare professional to determine how your condition affects your day-to-day life. You could qualify for the daily living component if you require assistance with tasks such as eating, drinking, preparing meals, personal hygiene, dressing, reading, communicating, managing medication or treatments, making financial decisions, or socialising.

The mobility component of PIP may be granted if you need help with navigating routes, physically moving around, or leaving your home. To claim PIP, you must be at least 16 years old.

If you're already receiving PIP when you reach state pension age, your claim will usually continue. However, most individuals cannot make a new PIP claim after reaching state pension age, unless they were eligible for PIP in the last 12 months.

PIP claims typically last for a certain duration before they're reassessed - this is usually between one to ten years. If you're terminally ill, you can apply for PIP under special rules. This means the DWP will expedite your application and you could receive your first payment within a fortnight.