The Department for Work and Pensions has published the interim Timms Review, co-chaired by Sir Stephen Timms, after more than 38,000 responses found the Personal Independence Payment (PIP) system is no longer fit for purpose.
The interim report was published on Thursday 9 July 2026 and forms part of the first comprehensive review of PIP since the benefit was introduced in 2013. It sets out evidence gathered so far before final recommendations are due this autumn.
The Timms Review examined how Personal Independence Payment (PIP) supports disability-related costs, independent living, employment, social participation and public trust. Evidence was gathered from disabled people, Disabled People’s Organisations, charities, experts and other organisations across the UK.
Timms Review Finds PIP No Longer Fit for Purpose
The Department for Work and Pensions said the Timms Review found that Personal Independence Payment (PIP) remains widely valued but is no longer working as intended. The Timms Review found that the current Personal Independence Payment assessment no longer reflects modern patterns of disability, long-term health conditions and employment.
According to the Department for Work and Pensions, the assessment framework was designed more than a decade ago and has not kept pace with changes in how disability affects everyday life.
- Benefit purpose: PIP supports extra disability costs and independent living.
- Review status: Interim findings have been published before autumn recommendations.
- Evidence base: The review used responses, workshops and expert engagement.
Evidence Shows Claimants Value Support But Distrust Process
The Timms Review found that disabled people consistently described Personal Independence Payment (PIP) as a lifeline supporting independence, mobility and participation in everyday life.
However, responses about the claiming process were overwhelmingly negative. The review found that 90% of respondents described negative experiences of the process, while only 5% of responses about the process were positive.
PIP Review Evidence
| Indicator | Recent Movement | Context |
|---|---|---|
| Responses | Over 38,000 | Call for Evidence submissions |
| Negative process views | 90% | Reported by respondents |
| Positive process views | 5% | Reported in process responses |
PIP Review Highlights Changing Disability and Work Patterns
The Timms Review identified particular problems for people living with fluctuating conditions, mental health conditions, less visible disabilities and multiple long-term conditions.
The Review noted that around 10 million working-age people now report living with a disability, equivalent to 24% of the working-age population. This compares with under 17% in 2013/14, with particularly large increases among younger people and those experiencing mental health conditions.
- Fluctuating conditions: Respondents said assessments often miss changing daily impacts.
- Less visible conditions: The report noted concern about how evidence is used.
- Multiple conditions: Claimants described difficulty explaining combined effects.
Disability And Review Context
| Area | Figure | Context |
|---|---|---|
| Working-age disability | About 10 million | People reporting disability |
| Current share | 24% | Working-age population |
| 2013/14 share | Under 17% | Earlier comparison point |
PIP Review Moves Toward Final Recommendations
The Timms Review of Personal Independence Payment (PIP) launched in October 2025 with the aim of making the disability benefit fairer and better suited to modern needs. The steering group will continue evidence sessions, workshops and testing before publishing final recommendations in autumn 2026.
The Department for Work and Pensions said co-production is central to the review. Disabled people, Disabled People’s Organisations and experts are helping shape the work from inside the process rather than only being consulted externally. The review is the first full government examination of Personal Independence Payment since the benefit replaced Disability Living Allowance for working-age adults.
Reaction to the Timms Review
The interim Timms Review includes comments from ministers, review co-chairs and disability organisations on claimant trust, assessment design, lived experience and future reform of Personal Independence Payment.
Ministerial Comments
Sharon Brennan, Co-Chair of the Review said;
“Improving trust in the system – both from the public and those going through the system – is vital if PIP is to be fit and fair for the future. Of those that responded to the steering group’s Call for Evidence, over 90% described negative experiences of the process of claiming PIP, with concerns raised around all aspects of the process from application through to assessment and appeals.”
Dr Clenton Farquharson CBE, Co-Chair of the Review said;
“PIP should contribute to disabled people meeting the extra costs of disability and participate in everyday life. What we have heard through this Review is that, while PIP is a lifeline for many people, the system too often fails to understand the reality of people’s lives.”
Sir Stephen Timms, Minister for Social Security and Disability and Co-Chair of the Review said;
“This interim report delivers a clear message: while PIP is widely valued as a benefit, it is not working as intended and needs fundamental change.”
Stakeholder Comments
Charlotte Gill, Head of Campaigns at the MS Society said;
“Today’s interim report confirms what disabled people have been saying for many years – that the current PIP system is stressful and exhausting.”
Sarah Hughes, CEO of Mind said;
“The report echoes what we hear every day: that the PIP system is dehumanising, stressful and damages trust.”
Jon Sparkes, OBE, Chief Executive of learning disability Mencap said;
“It’s groundbreaking to see proper co-production in action. Disabled people are shaping the way that PIP works, and their lived experience is essential to making the right decisions on its future.”
James Taylor, Director of Strategy at Scope said;
“Co-producing with disabled people is the right thing to do. We’re pleased lived experience is at the centre of the Review.”
The interim Timms Review marks the first comprehensive review of Personal Independence Payment since the benefit was introduced in 2013. While the review concludes that PIP remains essential for many disabled people, it also finds that the current assessment process no longer reflects modern patterns of disability, health and employment. Final recommendations are expected in autumn 2026.
Sources: Department for Work and Pensions, Sir Stephen Timms, Sharon Brennan, Dr Clenton Farquharson CBE.
Prepared by Ivan Alexander Golden, Founder of THX News, an independent news organisation delivering timely insights from global official sources. Combines AI-analysed research with human-edited accuracy and context.
