New regulations that came into force in June give the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) the power to extend existing Personal Independence Payment (PIP) award periods. The Universal Credit, Personal Independence Payment, Jobseeker’s Allowance and Employment and Support Allowance (Decisions and Appeals) (Amendment) Regulations 2026, effective from June 2, allow the Secretary of State to lengthen fixed-term PIP awards where necessary to safeguard the efficient administration of the benefit.
The change affects around 3.9 million PIP claimants in England and Wales. For new claims, a minimum review period of three years has been set, rising to five years at the next review if entitlement continues. For existing claimants, the DWP can now extend the current award rather than conducting a reassessment when it was originally due. Claimants do not need to take any action; if their award is extended, they will receive written confirmation from the DWP.
The regulations aim to reduce the volume of reassessments, cut administration costs, and ease stress for claimants with stable, long-term conditions. However, the power is discretionary, meaning extensions will only be applied where the DWP considers it appropriate for efficient administration.
Separately, the Timms Review—a comprehensive independent review of the PIP system launched in late 2025—is expected to report back this autumn. Led by Minister for Social Security and Disability Sir Stephen Timms, the review is considering several changes, including a rise in face-to-face assessments from 6% to 30% of PIP applicants, longer gaps between assessments, recording assessments, and sharing medical evidence directly from the NHS.
