The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has confirmed that eligibility for both the daily living and mobility components of Personal Independence Payment (PIP) will be reviewed as part of the UK Government's welfare reforms. The Timms Review, co-produced by Social Security and Disability Minister Sir Stephen Timms alongside disabled people, charities, and other organisations, is due to be completed by autumn 2026.
Timeline and Scope of the Review
The DWP stated that the review will be published before the end of 2026, with an interim progress update expected before Parliament breaks for its summer recess on July 16, 2026. The review covers the full PIP assessment process, including both the daily living and mobility components.
PIP claimants who receive the higher rate of the mobility component can transfer some or all of the payment to lease a new car, wheelchair-accessible vehicle, scooter, or powered wheelchair through the Motability Scheme. The latest figures from Motability Operations show there are now 815,000 customers across the UK, including around 80,000 living in Scotland.
Impact on Blue Badge Holders
There are currently around 3 million Blue Badge permit holders in England and Wales, plus over 235,700 in Scotland. Access to the Blue Badge Scheme is not limited to disability benefits, as eligibility relates to a person's mobility needs. However, an award for PIP mobility can help with proof of capability for entitlement.
DWP data shows just over 3 million PIP claimants receive either the standard or higher rate of the mobility component. This includes 1,961,029 claimants with the higher payment award, worth £80.00 per week, and 1,111,219 on the standard award rate of £30.30 per week.
Ministerial Statement on Mobility Allowances
In a written question to the DWP, former Labour and now Independent MP Rachel Maskell asked what steps the department is taking with the Chancellor of the Exchequer to co-produce policy changes to mobility allowances of PIP. In a written response, Minister for Social Security and Disability Sir Stephen Timms said: “The PIP mobility element is in scope of the Timms Review, which aims to ensure PIP is fair and fit for the future. We will co-produce the Review with disabled people, and their organisations to ensure lived experience is at the heart of its work. We will provide an update shortly. We will not make changes to PIP eligibility, including for the mobility element, until the Review has concluded.”
Motability Scheme Reforms
Motability Scheme reforms for users in England and Wales started on July 1, 2026. These include ending the VAT relief on top-up payments, a one-off voluntary payment required to lease more expensive vehicles on the Scheme, and the application of Insurance Premium Tax on leases. Tax changes will not impact vehicles substantially adapted for wheelchair users, or existing leases, and Motability will continue to provide vehicles at no additional cost to the value of eligible disability benefits.
PIP Overview and Eligibility
PIP can help people over the age of 16 and under State Pension age with the extra financial costs for more than 500 health issues or disabling conditions, which may be physical, sensory, mental, intellectual, or cognitive, or any combination of these. The latest figures from the DWP show more than 4 million people across England and Wales were receiving PIP at the end of April 2026. A successful claim for PIP is now worth between £30.30 and £194.60 a week to help with the additional costs of daily living and mobility needs.
An award for PIP may enable claimants to access means-tested benefits even if they have previously been told they are not eligible. This is because entitlement to PIP or Adult Disability Payment (ADP) in Scotland can act as a gateway or passport to other benefits, such as Carer's Allowance or Carer Support Payment in Scotland, and schemes sponsored by other departments, such as the Blue Badge.
Benefits Accessible with a PIP Award
While you may not qualify for any or all of these benefits, it is worthwhile checking to make sure you are not missing out on additional support. Benefits that could be accessed with a PIP award include: Access to Work, Blue Badge or the Accessible Vehicles and Equipment Scheme, Carer’s Allowance / Carer Support Payment, Carer’s Credit, Christmas Bonus, Council Tax Reduction, Employment and Support Allowance (only if you get the PIP daily living component), Housing Benefit, Income Support, Jobseeker’s Allowance, Pension Credit (only if you get the PIP daily living component), and Universal Credit.
Where to Find Help
Anyone who has already claimed PIP or has a general query about their award and what else they may be entitled to claim should call the Disability Service Centre. You can contact them for advice or information about a claim you have already made for PIP, Disability Living Allowance (DLA), or Attendance Allowance. Full contact details including phone numbers can be found on the GOV.UK website.
