Play all audios:
THE DEPARTMENT FOR WORK AND PENSIONS (DWP) HAS CONFIRMED THAT PENSIONERS WILL BE EXEMPT FROM THE UPCOMING PERSONAL INDEPENDENCE PAYMENT (PIP) REFORMS 13:25, 31 May 2025 The Department for
Work and Pensions (DWP) has confirmed that state pensioners will not be impacted by the forthcoming changes to Personal Independence Payments (PIP). PIP is a benefit designed to assist
individuals with long-term physical or mental health conditions or disabilities. It's currently claimed by approximately 3.7 million people in England, Wales and Northern Ireland and is
paid in two separate parts. One part is for daily living, assisting those who need help with everyday tasks like cooking, washing and dressing. The other part is for mobility, aiding those
who require assistance with getting around. Claimants may qualify for one or both, but each is paid at a different rate. If you receive the daily living part, the lower weekly rate is
£73.90, or £110.40 if you receive the higher rate. If you receive the mobility part, the lower weekly rate is £29.20, or £77.05 if you receive the higher rate, reports the Express. Earlier
this year, the government revealed plans to tighten the eligibility criteria for PIP as part of its strategy to get more working-age people currently on benefits back into employment. Under
these plans, PIP will be more focused on those with higher needs. From November 2026, claimants will need to score a minimum of four points on one daily living activity, in addition to
meeting the existing eligibility criteria. The government also intends to conduct more frequent assessments for people claiming PIP, with an increased number of these assessments being
carried out face-to-face. DWP statistics reveal that in January, 690,186 individuals aged between 65 and 79 were on PIP, yet the government has now confirmed that these pensioners will not
be subject to the forthcoming PIP reforms. Labour MP Paula Barker received a written reply from pensions minister Sir Stephen Timms, who clarified: "Our intention is that the new
eligibility requirement in PIP in which people must score a minimum of four points in one daily living activity to be eligible for the daily living component, will apply to new claims and
award reviews from November 2026, subject to parliamentary approval." He further stated, "In keeping with existing policy, people of state pension age are not routinely fully
reviewed and will not be affected by the proposed changes." Sir Stephen also reassured in writing that those receiving end-of-life care and are on PIP will maintain their entitlement to
the enhanced daily living component rate under the new system. His words were: "We recognise that people nearing the end of their life are some of the most vulnerable people in society
and need fast-track and unqualified support at this difficult time." Moreover, he added: "People who claim, or are in receipt of, PIP, and are nearing the end of their life with
12 months or less to live, will continue to be able to access the enhanced rate of the daily living component of PIP. "We will also maintain the existing fast-track route under the
special rules for end of life and where claims are currently being cleared in two working days. This fast-track route will not be impacted by the new eligibility requirement for PIP."
Article continues below If you haven't received PIP before, you must be under State Pension age to claim it, whereas those already over the current State Pension age of 66 can apply for
Attendance Allowance instead. However, if you have previously received PIP, you can put forward a new claim if you were eligible for it in the year before you hit State Pension age.