Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what steps she is taking to support disabled people who (a) are too ill to work and (b) score less than 3 points under Pathways to Work.

We have committed to introduce a new requirement that claimants must score a minimum of four points in at least one daily living activity to be eligible for the daily living component of PIP. This will target PIP at people who have a higher level of functional need in at least one area. Our intention is that the changes will apply to new claims and award reviews from November 2026, subject to parliamentary approval.

We are mindful of the impact this change to PIP eligibility could have on people. That is why we have committed that existing claimants who lose eligibility as a result of these changes will continue to receive PIP and its associated benefits and entitlements for 13 weeks following their award review. This protection is non-negotiable and will be included on the face of the Bill. This transitional cover is one of the most generous ever and more than three times the length of protection provided for the transition from DLA to PIP.

Meanwhile, in the Green Paper we are consulting on what else is needed to support those who lose entitlement due to the reforms, including how to make sure that health and eligible care needs are met.