The Department for Work and Pensions has released figures that show how many and which payments are changed when Personal Independence Payment (PIP) claims are reviewed. People receiving PIP worry their benefits may be slashed - or even terminated completely - when their award undergoes reassessment, either at the conclusion of its fixed period or when they report a change to their health condition.

DWP statistics covering the period up to the end of April 2025 reveal that the vast majority of people whose claim undergoes review see their payments maintained at the same rate or boosted. Only a small proportion are informed their PIP is being reduced or halted.

More people receive a higher payment following a change in circumstances review, as this typically occurs when claimants report their health has deteriorated, which would mean they require additional financial support, reports Birmingham Live.

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Government guidance accompanying the statistics states: "From May 2020 to April 2025 (the last five years), 1.5 million (76%) of the 1.9 million planned award reviews resulted in an increase or no change to the level of award received by the claimant".

"450,000 (87%) of the 510,000 changes of circumstances resulted in an increase or no change to the level of award received by the claimant.

"The difference reflects the fact that many PIP claimants report a change of circumstances when their condition or disability deteriorates and their needs increase."

These are the figures for the past five years from May 2020 to April 2025.

Planned Award Review (at end of fixed term)

Award increased: 18 per cent

Award maintained: 58 per cent

Award decreased: 6 per cent

Award disallowed: 17 per cent

Withdrawn or voluntarily relinquished: not applicable

Change of Circumstances Review (when the claimant reports a change)

Award increased: 46 per cent

Award maintained: 42 per cent

Award decreased: 4 per cent

Award disallowed: 7 per cent

Withdrawn or voluntarily relinquished: 3 per cent

Who can claim PIP?

The guide sets out clear criteria for eligibility. You can apply for Personal Independence Payment if:

• You are aged 16 or over and have not reached State Pension age.
• You have a health condition or disability.
• You have had this health condition or disability for 3 months.
• You think it will last another 9 months.

What does PIP help with?

The guide explains that PIP is designed for people who need extra support with:

• Washing, bathing, or using the toilet
• Getting dressed or managing clothes
• Preparing and eating food
• Taking medicine or managing treatments
• Talking, listening and understanding
• Being with other people
• Managing money
• Planning a journey or moving around

How much is PIP worth?

PIP component Weekly rate Monthly equivalent

Daily Living – Standard £72.65 £290.60

Daily Living – Enhanced £108.55 £434.20

Mobility – Standard £28.70 £114.80

Mobility – Enhanced £75.75 £303.00

How to apply

Claimants should start by calling the PIP claims line. They can ask someone to help or speak on their behalf.

The number to call is: Telephone: 0800 917 2222; Textphone: 0800 917 7777

Lines are open Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm.

Help is also available through Citizens Advice and local support groups.

The DWP says: “If you find it hard to claim, someone can help you. This could be a friend, family member, carer or support worker. You can also ask a support organisation like Citizens Advice.”