For millions of disabled people across the UK, Personal Independence Payment (PIP) is a vital lifeline. Now, the way this crucial benefit works is under a major spotlight, and the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is actively seeking your input.
The DWP has launched a 10-week 'Call for Evidence' as part of the comprehensive Timms Review. This wide-ranging examination aims to scrutinise how PIP operates, from who qualifies to how decisions are made, and critically, what it's truly like to go through the claims process.
Why This Review Matters to You
This isn't just another government consultation. The Timms Review is specifically designed to be guided by real-world experiences. Its co-chairs have stressed the profound importance of 'lived experience' in shaping any future reforms to PIP. This means your personal stories and insights are not just welcome, but essential.
The review will delve into four key areas, all of which directly impact disabled people receiving or applying for PIP:
- The Purpose and Aims of PIP: Is the benefit truly meeting its original goals of supporting independent living and participation in society?
- The PIP Assessment Process and Criteria: Are the assessments fair, accurate, and reflective of the challenges disabled people face? Do the criteria adequately identify those who need support?
- The Effectiveness of PIP: How well does PIP actually support independent living and help people manage the extra costs associated with their disability or health condition?
- The Claimant Experience: This covers the entire journey – from making an initial application, undergoing assessments, receiving decisions, and navigating any appeals.
Everything from the questions asked in assessments to the ease of navigating the application forms could come under scrutiny. Your voice can help highlight what works and, more importantly, what desperately needs to change.
Your Opportunity to Make a Difference
The DWP and the Timms Review team are particularly urging disabled people, their carers, disability charities, and professionals with direct experience of the system to come forward. They've explicitly stated, "We have heard clearly how important it is that disabled people have a genuine opportunity to shape this Review, and we agree."
This is your chance to share the challenges you've faced, the difficulties in proving your needs, or the impact of decisions on your daily life. Your input will directly help inform the recommendations made by the review, which are expected to influence future disability benefit policy across the UK.
Submissions can be made anonymously if you prefer, ensuring you can share your honest experiences without concern.
How to Submit Your Evidence
The Call for Evidence runs until 28 May 2026. There are several ways to respond:
- Online: Visit the official DWP website to find the online submission portal.
- Email: Send your detailed response to timmsreview.callforevidence@dwp.gov.uk.
- Post: Write to:
The Timms Review
Disability and Health Strategy Directorate
Department for Work and Pensions
Floor Two
Caxton House
London
SW1H 9NA
The more diverse range of views the review hears, the stronger its foundations will be. This is a significant moment for the disabled community to collectively shape a benefit that directly impacts millions of lives. Don't miss this opportunity to make your voice heard.
While no final decisions on changes to PIP have been made yet, the findings of this review will be crucial in influencing future disability benefit policy for years to come.