Disabled people and those with long‑term health conditions can now submit evidence to the Timms Review on the future of Personal Independence Payment (PIP), as a Call for Evidence opens on 19 March 2026. The Review will consider how PIP, which supports nearly four million people in England and Wales with extra disability costs, should be updated to reflect modern realities. (gov.uk)
The Call for Evidence is open from 08:00 on Thursday 19 March until 23:59 on 28 May 2026. Responses should be submitted via the GOV.UK online form; accessible alternatives including web‑accessible PDF, large print, British Sign Language, audio and easy read can be requested by emailing timmsreview.callforevidence@dwp.gov.uk. The process is being administered by the Department for Work and Pensions on behalf of the Review’s steering group. (gov.uk)
The Review is co‑chaired by Sir Stephen Timms, Minister for Social Security and Disability, Dr Clenton Farquharson CBE and Sharon Brennan. They are supported by a steering group of 15 people combining lived experience with expertise in welfare policy, accessibility and advocacy; twelve members were appointed following an open process alongside the three co‑chairs. (gov.uk)
Evidence is requested across four areas: the role and purpose of PIP; eligibility, fairness and equity in awards; the claimant journey and decision‑making; and the impact of changes in work and society since 2013 on what PIP should measure and support. Submissions are welcomed from anyone with lived or learned experience, including young people. (gov.uk)
The Terms of Reference set out that the Review aims to report to the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions in autumn 2026. Any decisions flowing from it could involve primary or secondary legislation as well as non‑legislative actions, and the work will operate within Office for Budget Responsibility projections for future PIP expenditure to ensure long‑term sustainability. (gov.uk)
No immediate policy change follows from today’s launch. Current PIP rules and assessment criteria continue to apply while the Review gathers evidence on whether the system fairly reflects the impact of conditions today and how support is targeted. Government documentation reiterates that PIP is a non‑means‑tested cash benefit available in and out of work. (gov.uk)
Policy and frontline teams preparing submissions should align evidence to the four themes, link assertions to data on outcomes, appeals and additional costs, and include case examples that illustrate barriers or good practice. Where proposing changes, set out delivery implications, equality impacts and how any recommendation would maintain or improve fairness.
Alongside written responses, the co‑chairs plan a wider, accessible engagement programme so that many more disabled people can contribute in ways that work for them. February’s update confirmed a co‑production approach, with PSC and the West of England Centre for Inclusive Living appointed to support national engagement with Disabled People’s Organisations. (gov.uk)
For transparency, the co‑chairs have committed to providing public updates as work develops. December and February letters outline the steering group’s formation, the intention to embed disability‑led design, and the next phase of meetings and engagement through the spring. (gov.uk)
The government frames the Review as part of its Plan for Change commitment to break down barriers to opportunity and improve living standards, including for disabled people. The Call for Evidence will therefore inform recommendations intended to make PIP fair and fit for the future while reflecting people’s goals and ambitions. (gov.uk)
After the 28 May deadline, responses will be analysed alongside wider engagement before finalising recommendations for the autumn 2026 report to ministers and then to Parliament. Government will then decide whether, and how, to implement any legislative or operational changes. (gov.uk)