What we know about Personal Independence Payment (PIP) changes and what it means for people with a learning disability
This page has the latest PIP benefit changes we know about.
It's difficult to know who might be affected or what the changes might be because each person's
assessment
An assessment is a way of finding out what help a person needs. When you have an assessment, you might have to go to a meeting or fill in a form.
is different.
However, recent new information published by
DWP
DWP stands for
the government
The Government are the people who run the country. They decide how much
tax
Tax is the money that pays for things like schools, hospitals and the police. There are different types of taxes like
income tax
Income tax is the money that is taken out of the money you earn every month. It helps to pay for things we all need like hospitals and schools.
,
VAT
VAT is also called Value Added Tax. VAT is the extra money you pay when you buy things. The money goes to the government to pay for things like schools and hospitals.
and
council tax
Council Tax is the money that people pay to the council. It helps to pay for things like social care (support for people), parks and dustbin collection.
.
people should pay for things and how things like the National Health Service should work.
Department of Work and Pensions.
shows that many people with a
learning disability
A learning disability is to do with the way someone's brain works. It makes it harder for someone to learn, understand or do things.
getting the daily living part of PIP meet the new 4 points rule already (based off scores from their last assessment).
This is encouraging news for many people with a learning disability and their families, as it suggests they may continue to receive PIP under the new system.
Changes to the PIP points rule
Current PIP points rule
Currently when you apply for PIP, you need to score at least 8 points or more in total to receive the daily living element. These points can come from different daily living activities, like getting dressed, managing money, or preparing food.
For more information about current rules for PIP visit our Personal Independence Payment page.
PIP points rule changes from November 2026
Under the new system, you will still need to get at least 8 points, but 4 of those points need to come from one single activity, like eating, washing or communicating.
What Mencap think about the changes to PIP
- We are still worried that the PIP assessment might change, so we cannot say for sure that people with a learning disability will have the same PIP entitlement under the new system.
- Whilst some people with a learning disability will be protected from PIP
cuts
Cuts are when there is less money to pay for things like clubs and support.
, the new 4 point rule might still mean that around 6,000 people with a learning disability could lose PIP. - We do not believe anyone with a learning disability should be losing access to PIP because of these changes - people with a learning disability rely on PIP for their
independence
Independence means doing things on your own. Making your own choices.
and safety.
How to find out if you have enough points for PIP?
To find out if you get enough points for PIP, you will need to find your
PIP award letter
A picture example of the
Personal Independence Payment
Personal Independence Payment (PIP) is the name of a benefit that some people with a disability or health condition get. The money is to pay for extra help you might need to look after yourself and to get around. Some people who used to get
Disability Living Allowance
Disability Living Allowance (DLA) is the name of a benefit that some people with a disability get. The money is to pay for extra help you might need to look after yourself and to get around. Disability Living Allowance is being replaced by a benefit called Personal Independence Payment (PIP).
(DLA) now get PIP instead.
(PIP) award letter that applicants recieve from the Department of Work and Pensions.
.
The PIP award letter tells you the amount of points you received in your last PIP assessment. Check it to see if you got more than 4 points in at least one category in the daily living part of the PIP assessment.
If you don't have your PIP award letter you can contact
the Department for Work and Pensions
The Department for Work and Pensions is sometimes called the DWP. It is part of the government and manages payments and benefits like Universal Credit, Personal Independence Payment,
Employment
Employment means having a job.
and Support Allowance, and Income Support.
(DWP) to ask for a copy:
- Phone: 0800 121 4433 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm)
- Relay UK: 18001 then 0800 121 4433.
If you need help to talk you through the PIP award letter or the PIP points rule contact our Learning Disability Helpline.
Join our campaign about the changes to DWP benefits
We know this is a worrying time. That's why Mencap is working hard to make sure that people with a learning disability are protected from PIP changes.
We will keep campaigning, speaking up, and sharing your experiences with government. And we’ll keep you updated every step of the way.
