Sami
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has published updated statistics highlighting the outcomes of Personal Independence Payment (PIP) reviews.
This fresh data, covering the period from May 2020 to April 2025, confirms that the vast majority of individuals who undergo a PIP review either see no change or an increase in their benefits.
Only a minor percentage of claimants experience a reduction or termination of their PIP awards.
Key Figures from the DWP Report
According to the newly released figures:
- Out of 1.9 million planned award reviews, 1.5 million (76%) resulted in either no change or an increase in the level of support.
- For 510,000 reviews triggered by a reported change in circumstances, 450,000 (87%) saw the payment either remain stable or go up.
The DWP noted this distinction, explaining that claimants often notify the department about deteriorations in their health or condition, which typically leads to increased support.
Breakdown of PIP Review Outcomes
1. Planned Award Reviews (At the End of a Fixed-Term Award)
These occur when a claimant’s PIP reaches the end of its scheduled term.
| Outcome | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Award Increased | 18% |
| Award Maintained | 58% |
| Award Decreased | 6% |
| Award Disallowed | 17% |
| Withdrawn/Relinquished | N/A |
2. Change of Circumstances Reviews
Initiated when a claimant reports a change, typically due to health deterioration.
| Outcome | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Award Increased | 46% |
| Award Maintained | 42% |
| Award Decreased | 4% |
| Award Disallowed | 7% |
| Withdrawn/Relinquished | 3% |
Why Are So Few Awards Reduced or Stopped?
The data clearly illustrates that most reviews result in continued or increased payments, especially in cases where a claimant’s condition worsens.
The DWP emphasizes that claimants who report changes are often doing so because their disability or health issue has become more severe, justifying an increased level of support.
This trend helps build confidence among claimants, reassuring them that the review process is not designed to strip away support without due cause.
The latest five-year data from the Department for Work and Pensions provides a transparent look into the outcomes of PIP award reviews.
It’s evident that most claimants undergoing both planned reviews and change of circumstance reviews continue to receive either the same or increased financial support.
Only a small fraction see reductions or terminations, underscoring the system’s responsiveness to the needs of individuals with changing or worsening conditions.
FAQs
What is a Planned Award Review for PIP?
A Planned Award Review happens at the end of a fixed-term PIP period to reassess whether the claimant should continue receiving benefits and at what level.
What triggers a Change of Circumstances Review?
This type of review occurs when a claimant notifies the DWP about a change in their condition, often due to a decline in health or increased care needs.
Are most PIP claims reduced or stopped after review?
No, the data shows the majority of PIP reviews—both planned and due to changes in circumstances—lead to maintained or increased awards, not reductions.