Asked by: Anna Dixon (Labour - Shipley)
Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:
To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what proportion of PIP claims are fraudulent; how many existing PIP claimants are expected to lose their allowance as a result of proposed changes to limit eligibility to those scoring at least four points on one domain; and what data her Department holds on how PIP claimants are spending their allowance for people who are (a) in work and (b) not in work.
Answered by Stephen Timms - Minister of State (Department for Work and Pensions)
Information on Fraud and Error in the Benefit System, including Personal Independence Payment, is published here.
Information on the impacts changes to PIP have been published here: Universal Credit and Personal Independence Payment Bill publications - Parliamentary Bills - UK Parliament.
We will be making changes so no one currently on PIP will lose PIP as a result of the four-point change. The four point eligibility requirement will be implemented from November 2026 for new claims only, subject to Parliamentary approval.
The number of people currently on PIP who did not score 4 points in one category in their last assessment should not be equated with the number who are likely to not to be awarded the daily living component of PIP in future. Our intention is that changes will start to come into effect from November 2026, subject to parliamentary approval. After that date, people already in receipt of PIP will continue to be treated under the current rules, with only new claimants having the new criterion applied. As a result of behavioural responses to the change, we expect that a higher proportion of new claimants will score 4 points against at least one activity than happens currently.
We are consulting on how best to support those who are affected by the new eligibility changes, including ensuring health and care needs are met. We have also announced a wider review of the PIP assessment to make it fair and fit for purpose, which I am leading. We are bringing together a range of experts, stakeholders and people with lived experience to consider how best to do this. We will provide further details as plans progress
Information on how claimants spend their benefit is published in The Uses of Health and Disability Benefits, and, for a subset in receipt of the Support Group rate of Employment and Support Allowance and its Universal Credit equivalent, in chapter 3.4 of The work aspirations and support needs of claimants in the ESA Support Group and Universal Credit equivalent.
Asked by: Munira Wilson (Liberal Democrat - Twickenham)
Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:
To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, how many (a) Universal Credit and (b) Universal Credit health element claimants are (i) current and (ii) previous members of the UK Armed Forces.
Answered by Stephen Timms - Minister of State (Department for Work and Pensions)
Data is not held on the total number of UC claimants who are currently serving in the Armed Forces or who have served in the past. Data is held on those who have identified themselves so far.
Therefore, data on Armed Forces status has only been recorded for a proportion of the UC claimants. Data coverage continues to improve over time and by September 2024 data was held on the armed forces status of approximately 77% of the GB UC caseload, as shown in the table below:
UC caseload month | Proportion of caseload with a recorded status | Currently serving | Served in the past | Not served | Prefer not to say | No recorded status | |
September 2024 | 77% | 4,700 | 68,000 | 5,400,000 | 37,000 | 1,700,000 | |
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) started collecting data on the Armed Forces status of Universal Credit (UC) claimants in Great Britain (GB) in April 2021. At first only new claimants were asked about their Armed Forces status. From June 2021 onwards, other UC claimants reporting changes in their work and earnings have also been able to report their status. From July 2021 onwards, UC agents have also been able to record claimants’ Armed Forces status if they are told about this via other means such as journal messages, face-to-face meetings or by telephone.
It should be noted that Armed forces status is self-reported by claimants and is not verified by the Ministry of Defence or Office for Veterans’ Affairs. A claimant’s status can be recorded as “currently serving”, “served in the past”, “not served” or “prefer not to say”.
Asked by: Lee Anderson (Reform UK - Ashfield)
Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:
To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of proposed changes to (a) Universal Credit and (b) Personal Independence Payment on veterans.
Answered by Stephen Timms - Minister of State (Department for Work and Pensions)
No assessment has been made. Information on previous occupations is not systematically recorded on DWP IT systems and is not readily available for analysis.
Information on the impacts of the Pathways to Work Green Paper has been published here: Universal Credit and Personal Independence Payment Bill publications - Parliamentary Bills - UK Parliament.
The number of people currently on PIP who did not score 4 points in one category in their last assessment should not be equated with the number who are likely to not to be awarded the daily living component of PIP in future. Our intention is that changes will start to come into effect from November 2026, subject to parliamentary approval. After that date, people already in receipt of PIP will continue to be treated under the current rules, with only new claimants having the new criterion applied. As a result of behavioural responses to the change, we expect that a higher proportion of new claimants will score 4 points against at least one activity than happens currently.
We are consulting on how best to support those who are affected by the new eligibility changes, including ensuring health and care needs are met. We have also announced a wider review of the PIP assessment to make it fair and fit for purpose, which I am leading. We are bringing together a range of experts, stakeholders and people with lived experience to consider how best to do this. We will provide further details as plans progress.
We will be making changes so no one currently on PIP will lose PIP as a result of the four-point change. The four point eligibility requirement will be implemented from November 2026 for new claims only, subject to Parliamentary approval.
We take our commitments under the Armed Forces Covenant very seriously. My department has taken steps to ensure that veterans with injuries or conditions arising from their service are appropriately supported when accessing statutory support, this includes the establishment of the Armed Forces Independence Payment and ensuring that those receiving War Disablement Pensions and guaranteed income payments made under the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme do not have their Universal Credit (UC) reduced to take account of this income.
We have welcomed veterans and representative organisations to respond to our Green Paper consultation to share their views on how wounded, injured and sick veterans can best be supported. To promote further engagement, we recently held a specific consultation event for Armed Forces and veterans’ organisations on 25 June to hear their experiences and thoughts directly.
Asked by: Gregory Campbell (Democratic Unionist Party - East Londonderry)
Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:
To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, if she will make an estimate of the annual cost of State Pension payments to people resident in Northern Ireland in 2024.
Answered by Torsten Bell - Parliamentary Secretary (HM Treasury)
The annual cost of State Pension payments administered by DWP to people resident in Northern Ireland is estimated to be around £4.34 million in 2024. This is based on latest figures for the quarter ending November 2024. Source: DWP Stat-Xplore.
This figure reflects State Pension payments made by DWP to people living in Northern Ireland and does not include any State Pension payments administered under the devolution settlement by the Department for Communities in Northern Ireland.
Asked by: Adam Dance (Liberal Democrat - Yeovil)
Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:
To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what steps she is taking to ensure pension holders in Yeovil constituency receive (a) up-to-date and (b) easily accessible online valuations from their pension providers.
Answered by Torsten Bell - Parliamentary Secretary (HM Treasury)
The Government is developing pensions dashboards which will allow people to view their pensions picture, including State Pension, securely and in one place online.
Relevant occupational, personal and stakeholder pension schemes are legally required to connect to pensions dashboards and provide pensions information upon request. This includes information about the value of their pensions. This will help people to reconnect with their pension pots and better plan for retirement.
Asked by: Zöe Franklin (Liberal Democrat - Guildford)
Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:
To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what assessment his Department has made of the adequacy of the (a) accuracy and (b) transparency of Special Expenses calculations by the Child Maintenance Service for (i) flights, (ii) fuel and (iii) other high-cost contact travel.
Answered by Andrew Western - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Work and Pensions)
The Department for Work and Pensions and Child Maintenance Service rigorously monitors accuracy as part of our service ambition to further reduce error and increase our accuracy levels. The National Audit Office set a target of monetary value errors under 1%. This standard is consistently met.
Since applications for special expense variations relate to the Paying Parents’ own expenditure, Paying Parents are expected to provide any information and evidence needed to support their application. Guidance for DWP decision makers on child maintenance, in relation to Variation decisions is available in the following link Volume 3 - Variations (Chapters 27-36).
Asked by: Zöe Franklin (Liberal Democrat - Guildford)
Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:
To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what steps the Child Maintenance Service takes to provide clear explanations and evidence when rejecting claims submitted by paying parents.
Answered by Andrew Western - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Work and Pensions)
The Child Maintenance Service (CMS) trains caseworkers in making effective decisions, which includes explaining decisions effectively to customers and issuing letters containing information about the different factors considered and rules applied when making decisions. Caseworkers also adhere to a ‘contact hierarchy’ when assessing the most suitable form of communication, which gives them the discretion to consider other forms of contact if they deem appropriate.
CMS will investigate any claims received from Paying Parents and make decisions based on evidence provided or corroborated by other sources. If a decision is made to reject a claim, they will clearly explain in writing the reason for the decision, how to contact CMS to discuss it further, and the rights of dispute and appeal.
When a customer requests CMS to review a decision, known as a Mandatory Reconsideration, CMS will review any evidence held that informed the original decision, alongside any further evidence submitted by the deadline to inform the outcome of the Mandatory Reconsideration.
CMS issues a written Mandatory Reconsideration Notice to all customers involved in the case. The letter includes information on the type of decision reviewed, the date the original decision was made and the effective date, as well as the Mandatory Reconsideration outcome and reason for the decision.
Asked by: Josh Fenton-Glynn (Labour - Calder Valley)
Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:
To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, how many PIP claimants in each subgroup of psychiatric disorders recorded as the main disabling condition were awarded (a) at least eight but fewer than 12 points in the living component and fewer than four points in a single daily living category and (b) at least 12 points in the living component but fewer than four points in a single daily living category and were (i) in receipt of and (ii) eligible for out-of-work benefits as of 23 June 2025.
Answered by Stephen Timms - Minister of State (Department for Work and Pensions)
We only hold data on PIP claimants who are also in receipt of out of work benefits. We do not hold data on their eligibility for benefits they are not in receipt of. Table 1 shows the number of PIP claimants in receipt of out of work benefits in February 2025 who scored fewer than 4 points in all Daily Living activities, by Standard and Enhanced PIP Daily Living and primary medical condition.
Table 1. The number of PIP claimants in receipt of out of work benefits as of February 2025 who scored fewer than 4 points in all Daily Living activities, by Standard and Enhanced PIP Daily Living and primary medical condition.
Primary medical condition | Enhanced Daily Living | Standard Daily Living |
All main medical conditions | 168,380 | 791,140 |
All psychiatric disorders | 66,490 | 243,070 |
Anxiety disorders | 2,540 | 12,420 |
Autistic spectrum disorders | 1,640 | 6,330 |
Cognitive disorders | 320 | 800 |
Conduct disorder (including oppositional defiant disorder) | 10 | 50 |
Eating disorders | 110 | 380 |
Enuresis | - | 10 |
Factitious disorder | - | - |
Faecal soiling (encopresis) | - | 20 |
Hyperkinetic disorder | 1,690 | 7,380 |
Learning disability global | 960 | 1,820 |
Mixed anxiety and depressive disorders | 32,970 | 119,900 |
Mood disorders | 11,440 | 39,870 |
Obsessive compulsive disorder | 460 | 2,050 |
Other psychiatric disorders of childhood | 20 | 70 |
Personality disorder | 3,520 | 11,770 |
Psychotic disorders | 4,220 | 19,930 |
Somatoform and dissociative disorders | 70 | 270 |
Specific learning disorder | 770 | 1,480 |
Stress reactions | 4,650 | 14,470 |
Notes:
Asked by: Josh Fenton-Glynn (Labour - Calder Valley)
Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:
To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, how many PIP claimants awarded (a) at least eight but fewer than 12 points in the daily living component and fewer than four points in a single daily living category and (b) at least 12 points in the daily living component but fewer than four points in a single daily living category were (i) in receipt of and (ii) eligible for out-of-work benefits as of 23 June 2025.
Answered by Stephen Timms - Minister of State (Department for Work and Pensions)
We only hold data on PIP claimants who are also in receipt of out of work benefits. We do not hold data on their eligibility for benefits they are not in receipt of. Table 1 shows the number of PIP claimants in receipt of out of work benefits in February 2025 who scored fewer than 4 points in all Daily Living activities, by Standard and Enhanced PIP Daily Living and primary medical condition.
Table 1. The number of PIP claimants in receipt of out of work benefits as of February 2025 who scored fewer than 4 points in all Daily Living activities, by Standard and Enhanced PIP Daily Living and primary medical condition.
Primary medical condition | Enhanced Daily Living | Standard Daily Living |
All main medical conditions | 168,380 | 791,140 |
All psychiatric disorders | 66,490 | 243,070 |
Anxiety disorders | 2,540 | 12,420 |
Autistic spectrum disorders | 1,640 | 6,330 |
Cognitive disorders | 320 | 800 |
Conduct disorder (including oppositional defiant disorder) | 10 | 50 |
Eating disorders | 110 | 380 |
Enuresis | - | 10 |
Factitious disorder | - | - |
Faecal soiling (encopresis) | - | 20 |
Hyperkinetic disorder | 1,690 | 7,380 |
Learning disability global | 960 | 1,820 |
Mixed anxiety and depressive disorders | 32,970 | 119,900 |
Mood disorders | 11,440 | 39,870 |
Obsessive compulsive disorder | 460 | 2,050 |
Other psychiatric disorders of childhood | 20 | 70 |
Personality disorder | 3,520 | 11,770 |
Psychotic disorders | 4,220 | 19,930 |
Somatoform and dissociative disorders | 70 | 270 |
Specific learning disorder | 770 | 1,480 |
Stress reactions | 4,650 | 14,470 |
Notes:
Asked by: Catherine Atkinson (Labour - Derby North)
Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:
To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what assessment her Department has made of the potential impact of her proposed reforms to PIP on people who (a) travel to work and (b) require (i) practical and (ii) mental health support at work.
Answered by Stephen Timms - Minister of State (Department for Work and Pensions)
Information on the impacts of the Pathways to Work Green Paper has been published here: Universal Credit and Personal Independence Payment Bill publications - Parliamentary Bills - UK Parliament.
We are consulting on how best to support those who are affected by the new eligibility changes, including ensuring health and care needs are met. We have also announced a wider review of the PIP assessment to make it fair and fit for purpose, which I am leading. We are bringing together a range of experts, stakeholders and people with lived experience to consider how best to do this. We will provide further details as plans progress
We will be making changes so no one currently on PIP will lose PIP as a result of the four-point change. The four point eligibility requirement will be implemented from November 2026 for new claims only, subject to Parliamentary approval.