The number of people claiming Personal Independence Payment (Pip) reached a record 4.1 million in July, according to data released on Tuesday, September 15, 2026. This represents a 2% increase from the 4.01 million claimants recorded in May. The rise occurs as the government prepares to receive a final report from Social Security Minister Stephen Timms regarding potential reforms to the benefit system.
The review of Pip was initiated last year after the government withdrew earlier proposals to adjust assessment criteria. Those initial plans aimed to reduce welfare spending by approximately £5 billion but faced opposition from more than 100 Labour MPs. Interim findings from the review, released earlier this year, stated that the current Pip system is "not fit for purpose."
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) also reported that claims for the health-related element of Universal Credit (UC) rose to 3.6 million in June, a 23% annual increase. The DWP attributed 66% of this rise to the transition of claimants from older "legacy" benefits to the UC system. While the government withdrew planned changes to Pip in July, it proceeded with changes to UC health that halved the payment rate for new claimants, though existing claimants and those with the most severe conditions retained the previous rate.
For claimants, the proposed reforms could lead to a shift in how they receive assistance. Early recommendations published this month suggest the government may replace current lump-sum cash payments with vouchers for specific costs. Additionally, face-to-face assessments for Pip have risen from 7% in June 2024 to 15% in July 2026. Shadow Work and Pensions Secretary Helen Whately characterized the current system as "broken," arguing it is too slow to assist people in finding employment.
The outcome of these record claimant numbers and the subsequent review will set the precedent for how the UK government balances fiscal reduction with social support. A spokesperson for the DWP stated that the recommendations from the Timms Review will serve as the foundation for "sustainable reform." The final report from Minister Stephen Timms is scheduled to be presented to the government in the autumn of 2026.