DWP Confirms Pensioners Exempt from PIP Eligibility Changes from 2026

The UK Labour government plans to tighten eligibility for Personal Independence Payments (PIP) by raising the qualifying threshold for the daily living component, aiming to save £4.5 billion annually by 2030. New rules from November 2026 will require applicants to score at least four points in one daily living activity, potentially excluding some who need help with basic tasks, with an estimated 10% of current claimants expected to lose support. However, pensioners of state pension age (66 and above, born after 1958) will be exempt from these changes, as confirmed by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) and pensions minister Sir Stephen Timms. The government emphasized that no immediate losses will occur and that claimants will be reassessed by healthcare professionals before any benefit is withdrawn. Additionally, vulnerable groups such as those nearing end-of-life will continue to receive fast-tracked and enhanced support. Meanwhile, other benefits like HMRC Child Benefit and Disability Living Allowance remain unaffected by the two-child limit, which remains under review due to concerns over its impact on child poverty.