700,000 pensioners will avoid the UK government’s controversial disability benefit reforms starting November 2026.
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) confirmed that individuals over state pension age (currently 66) are exempt from new Personal Independence Payment (PIP) eligibility rules that could cut benefits for thousands of disabled people. The reforms introduce a stricter 4-point minimum rule that tightens access to the daily living component.
Sir Stephen Timms, Minister for Social Security and Disability, announced the exemption to prevent unnecessary reassessments for older claimants.
The Key Numbers
- People exempt: Approximately 700,000 pensioners aged 65+
- Implementation date: November 2026
- New rule: Minimum 4 points in ONE daily living activity
- Old rule: 8 points total across multiple activities
- Current PIP claimants: 3.6 million people in UK
- Average loss for affected: £4,500 per year
- State pension age: Currently 66 years old
- Terminal illness fast-track: Remains unchanged (2 working days)
Who’s Protected From the Changes
The 700,000 exemption covers anyone over state pension age receiving PIP. They won’t face the new 4-point minimum rule or undergo full reassessments under the reformed system.
Sir Stephen Timms explained: “Our intention is that the new eligibility requirement in Personal Independence Payment (PIP) in which people must score a minimum of four points in one daily living activity to be eligible for the daily living component, will apply to new claims and award reviews from November 2026, subject to parliamentary approval”.
This aligns with existing policy where state pension age claimants are not routinely fully reviewed. Pensioners typically face reviews only every 10 years or if significant changes occur in their condition.
The New 4-Point Rule Explained
Starting November 2026, PIP claimants must score at least 4 points in a single daily living activity in addition to the existing 8-point total requirement.
Previously, people could qualify by accumulating 8 points across multiple moderate difficulties. The new rule shifts focus toward significant limitations in at least one specific area.
This change could particularly affect people whose conditions are impactful but distributed across multiple activities rather than severely limiting one specific task.
Who Gets Hit by the Reforms
The changes apply to new claimants and anyone undergoing PIP reviews after November 2026. Existing claimants not due for review will continue under current rules.
Citizens Advice warns that those affected by the eligibility changes will lose their entire daily living component—an average of £4,500 per year.
The reforms don’t affect the mobility component of PIP, which remains assessed separately.
Terminal Illness Protection Remains
People with 12 months or less to live will continue accessing the enhanced rate of the daily living component under Special Rules for End of Life.
Timms emphasized: “We will also maintain the existing fast-track route under the Special Rules for End of Life and where claims are currently being cleared in two working days”.
This fast-track route won’t be impacted by the new eligibility requirement.
What Pensioners Need to Know
The DWP has clarified that individuals over state pension age won’t be subject to the new assessment criteria. This exemption applies to both current recipients and new claimants within this age group.
The intention is to avoid unnecessary reassessments for older individuals, recognizing the challenges they may face.
Why This Matters
The reforms aim to tighten PIP eligibility to focus support on individuals with the most severe functional limitations. The government cites both cost savings and system improvement as goals.
However, disability rights advocates warn the changes will push vulnerable people into poverty. The 4-point minimum rule could disqualify thousands who currently receive support for multiple moderate impairments.
The 700,000 pensioner exemption prevents older disabled people from losing established support they’ve relied on for years. Without this protection, elderly claimants would face stressful reassessments and potential benefit cuts.
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