Starting November 2026, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) will roll out major changes to how Personal Independence Payment (PIP) is assessed—especially for claimants on long-term “light touch” awards.
To continue receiving the Daily Living Component, even these 10-year award holders must score at least 4 points in a single daily living task, in addition to a total of 8 points across all tasks.
Around 1.5 million ongoing recipients are expected to be affected. Here’s what you need to know to stay prepared and protect your benefits.
Overview
This isn’t just a minor form update. It’s a full shift in how eligibility is judged. The DWP is replacing the old 37-page AR1 form with a simplified six-page AR2 version or a short phone review.
But don’t be fooled—while paperwork gets lighter, the evidence requirement gets stricter.
| Change Area | Details |
|---|---|
| Form Update | AR1 replaced by AR2 (shorter form or call) |
| New Rule | Must score ≥ 4 points in a single activity + ≥ 8 points total |
| Start Date | November 2026 |
| Who’s Affected | 410,599 ongoing light-touch claimants |
| Total Claimants | 3.6 million in England & Wales (Oct 2024) |
| Typical Time Saved | Around 75 minutes per case (form simplification) |
| Tribunal Overturn Rate | 68% of appeals successful (Q3 2024) |
PIP
Personal Independence Payment (PIP) supports people aged 16 to State Pension age who face challenges with everyday living or mobility. It’s split into two components—Daily Living and Mobility—with two rates: standard and enhanced.
Points are awarded based on how difficult it is to perform routine tasks, such as preparing food or taking medication.
Light Touch Award
Light touch, or “ongoing,” awards are given to claimants with conditions that are unlikely to improve. Instead of going through a full review every few years, these claimants complete a shorter check-in every 10 years—until now.
From November 2026, even these recipients must meet the new stricter rule to keep the daily living portion of their PIP.
Rule Changing
The DWP says it wants PIP awards to reflect actual, current needs. Over time, people may adapt through aids, support, or recovery. By requiring at least 4 points in one task, the system aims to:
- Prevent overpayments to those who no longer face severe limitations in any single area
- Align all claimants—new and existing—under the same rules
- Ensure that high support continues only for those with substantial needs in core areas
4-Point Requirement
Currently, someone scoring multiple 2-point descriptors (like needing help dressing, eating, or budgeting) could still receive the enhanced rate. From November 2026, this won’t be enough. Claimants must also earn 4 points in at least one category. For example:
- Preparing a meal (needs help due to physical or cognitive issues): 4 points
- Washing all over (can’t do it without help): 4 points
- Managing medication (needs daily supervision or reminders): 4 points
If you can’t prove this kind of difficulty in one single task, you may lose your daily living support—even if your total is 8+ points.
Daily Living Descriptors Example
| Task Category | Points Available | Example Criteria |
|---|---|---|
| Preparing Food | 0, 2, 4 | Cannot prepare a simple meal alone |
| Washing and Bathing | 0, 2, 4 | Needs help washing all over |
| Managing Medication | 0, 2, 4 | Needs reminders or help with safety |
| Communicating Verbally | 0, 2, 4 | Cannot engage in basic conversations |
| Budgeting and Managing Finances | 0, 2, 4 | Can’t manage bills independently |
| Reading and Understanding | 0, 2, 4 | Can’t understand signs or labels |
| Dressing and Undressing | 0, 2 | Needs help with clothing choices/tasks |
Who Is Most at Risk?
Claimants who qualify through several low-point descriptors—such as help dressing, basic reminders, or minor supervision—are most at risk. If you don’t have a 4-point activity, your entire daily living component could be downgraded or removed. Others at risk include:
- People whose condition has improved
- Those with outdated medical records
- Claimants who haven’t seen specialists recently
- Anyone relying on old letters or vague documentation
How to Prepare
Preparation is everything. Start now by doing the following:
- Review your last PIP award letter and scoring
- Keep a symptom tracker or daily difficulty journal
- Gather medical reports specifically showing 4-point descriptor challenges
- Ask GPs or specialists for updated letters
- Consult disability advice organisations like Scope, Turn2Us, or Disability Rights UK
Appeal
You can request a mandatory reconsideration if you feel your reassessment is wrong. If denied again, you can take your case to a tribunal—where 68% of decisions are overturned in favour of the claimant.
The Mobility Component will remain unchanged. You still need 8 or 12 points based on planning journeys or moving around.
Summary
This upcoming rule shift from the DWP may seem technical, but it has real, personal consequences for hundreds of thousands of claimants.
By knowing the new requirement and preparing ahead of time, you’ll stand a better chance of keeping the support you rely on.
FAQs
When do new PIP rules start?
They take effect in November 2026.
What’s the new 4-point rule?
You must score 4+ points in one daily task.
Who is affected by the change?
All claimants reviewed after Nov 2026.
Does this affect the mobility component?
No, mobility rules remain unchanged.
What if I don’t have new medical evidence?
You may lose your daily living component.
