Conservative MP Joy Morrissey has urged the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) to consider introducing means-testing for Personal Independence Payment (PIP) as part of the Timms Review of disability benefits. During DWP oral questions in the House of Commons on Monday, Morrissey questioned whether eligibility for the benefit should take a claimant's income into account, citing rising costs and a doubling of high-earning claimants.
PIP costs and claimant demographics
PIP is a non-means-tested benefit, meaning entitlement is based on how a long-term health condition or disability affects daily living and mobility, not on income, savings or employment status. Successful claims are worth between £30.30 and £194.60 per week, paid every four weeks, resulting in awards of £121.20 to £778.40. The Beaconsfield MP noted that increased PIP costs are expected to add an extra £5 billion to the welfare budget this year. She highlighted TaxPayers' Alliance data showing the number of households earning over £100,000 and receiving PIP has doubled to 200,000 claimants.
Government response and review details
Disability and Social Security Minister Sir Stephen Timms responded that the government has no plans to change the long-standing principle that PIP should not be based on financial circumstances. He stated: "Together with disabled people, we are co-producing a review of PIP to ensure that it is fair and fit for the future. The review's terms of reference reflect the view of successive Governments that PIP should be a non-means-tested cash benefit for people both in and out of work, because anybody can incur additional costs as a result of long-term ill health or disability."
Timms Review timeline and scope
The independent review of PIP was announced earlier this year after the government abandoned planned reforms to tighten eligibility. The review is being conducted with disabled people, charities and other stakeholders, focusing on how the benefit can better meet claimants' needs while remaining sustainable. An interim report is due before Parliament's summer recess on July 16, with the full review expected by autumn. PIP currently supports over 4 million people in England and Wales; Adult Disability Payment has replaced it in Scotland.
Key features of PIP
PIP helps working-age adults with long-term physical or mental health conditions or disabilities with additional costs. Unlike income-related benefits such as Universal Credit or Pension Credit, PIP is not affected by earnings, savings or other financial circumstances. Awards are based on how a person's condition affects their ability to carry out everyday activities and get around.
