DWP confirms £5740.80 PIP Cuts: The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has confirmed that from November 2026, the criteria for claiming the Personal Independence Payment (PIP) will change across the UK. People in most regions will now need at least 4 points in the daily living component to qualify, potentially cutting support of up to £5,740.80 annually for many. While this could affect around 800,000 claimants, those in Scotland are exempt—thanks to the new Adult Disability Payment (ADP).
If you currently hold—or plan to apply for—PIP, it’s vital to know how these changes might impact you, depending on where you live. Here’s a detailed breakdown.
£5,740.80 PIP Cuts
The £5,740.80 PIP cuts stem from proposed new minimum eligibility requirements for the daily living component of the benefit. Anyone applying for PIP or undergoing a review after their fixed-term award will now need to score 4 points from the assessed activities. Previously, scoring 2 points was enough for this level of support, allowing multiple pathways to qualify. These tighter rules mean many may not meet the threshold, putting up to £5,740.80—the full yearly value of the daily living element—at risk.
Overview Table: Key Details of PIP Changes
| Aspect | Detail |
| New Minimum Threshold | 4 points in daily living component from Nov 2026 |
| Full Annual Amount at Risk | £5,740.80 |
| Estimated Affected Individuals | Up to 800,000 new or renewing claimants |
| Geographic Scope | Rest of UK (England, Wales, Northern Ireland) |
| Scotland Status | Exempt from changes; still uses ADP instead of PIP |
| Current ADP Claimants in Scotland | Approximately 35,404 (as of January 2025) |
| Policy Affected | Pathways to Work Green Paper reforms |
Key Changes to PIP Eligibility
Under the new eligibility criteria to come into effect in November 2026, anyone applying for PIP or facing a review at the end of a fixed-term award will need a minimum score of 4 points in daily living assessments. The implications include:
- A reduction in how tasks are measured, meaning those who earlier needed only 2 points may no longer qualify.
- A significant cut in financial support for people who don’t meet the new criteria, potentially losing £5,740.80 each year—the full daily living amount.
- The DWP estimates that around 800,000 claimants will face loss of support under these rules.
This reflects an ongoing drive to reduce the cost of disability benefits and align award levels with specific, higher-impact care needs.
Scotland’s Exemption from PIP Cuts
Scotland will not implement these PIP changes, as it has introduced its own benefit scheme called Adult Disability Payment (ADP). Unlike PIP, ADP does not require claimants to meet the 4-point threshold. Instead, it maintains a broader and more inclusive approach.
Key points include:
- ADP replaced PIP in Scotland, meaning no further PIP awards will be given after the full transition.
- As of January 2025, around 35,404 people in Scotland still held PIP, but this will reduce as they switch to ADP.
- ADP does not impose the stricter eligibility threshold, so Scottish claimants are protected from the proposed PIP cuts.
Scots who already receive ADP will continue to receive the full daily living support they are entitled to.
Challenges with Universal Credit and the Health Element in Scotland
While ADP provides protection, there are still unresolved issues, especially around the evolving health element within Universal Credit. Labour’s reform plans suggest replacing the current Work Capability Assessment (WCA) with a new health element, expected to debut between 2029 and 2030.
This raises various questions for Scottish claimants:
- How will those under ADP be treated in a system designed for PIP recipients?
- Will the replacement of WCA impact the benefits that Scottish claimants receive?
- The DWP has stated it will work with the Scottish Government to prevent disadvantage to ADP recipients.
Until these plans are fully refined and enacted, there remains uncertainty around how Universal Credit health support will align with Scotland’s separate disability system.
What This Means for You
If you’re under PIP or considering applying, here’s what to watch for:
- For PIP claimants in England, Wales, or Northern Ireland: Be aware that your support may be reviewed under stricter rules after November 2026. A score below 4 points in daily living activities could lead to loss of the £5,740.80 annual payment.
- For Scottish residents: Your ADP award will remain unaffected, and lower eligibility thresholds still apply. No need to worry about these PIP rule changes.
- For Universal Credit claimants: Understand how the future health element may link to your disability support, especially if you’re transitioning from PIP.
FAQs
1. Why won’t the PIP cuts affect people in Scotland?
Scotland uses Adult Disability Payment (ADP) instead of PIP, which does not adopt the new higher points threshold.
2. What exactly is ADP?
A benefit system designed by the Scottish Government to support daily living needs—distinct from the DWP’s PIP system.
3. When do the PIP changes take effect?
November 2026. All new applications or reviews after this will use the 4-point minimum.
4. How much money at risk?
Up to £5,740.80 a year for those who would no longer qualify under the new rules.
5. What about the health element in Universal Credit?
Plans propose replacing the Work Capability Assessment (WCA) with a health element by 2029/2030, but full details are still being worked out, especially those concerning Scottish claimants.
Final Thought
With the introduction of the £5,740.80 PIP cuts, tens of thousands in the UK may lose vital support. It’s crucial for anyone in Scotland to understand their exemption due to ADP, and for claimants elsewhere to prepare for the new eligibility requirements. Keeping informed, seeking advice, and starting plans early can help individuals navigate these changes. If this guide was useful, please share with others who might be affected, and check back for updates as final details unfold.
