A coalition of over 30 charities, led by end-of-life care organisation Marie Curie, has called on the UK government to abolish the burdensome reassessment process for individuals with terminal or life-limiting illnesses claiming personal independence payments (PIP). This appeal comes amid a review of the PIP system, which is currently under scrutiny due to concerns over its impact on vulnerable claimants.
A Call for Compassionate Reform
In a letter addressed to Disability Minister Sir Stephen Timms, the charity coalition argued that the existing system is “simply wrong” and causes unnecessary distress for those already facing significant health challenges. They advocate for a streamlined approach that would allow claimants to receive permanent “lifetime awards” for PIP, thereby alleviating the anxiety associated with mandatory reassessments.
The ongoing review, initiated last year in response to a threatened rebellion from Labour MPs over proposed cuts to PIP spending, is set to conclude its call for evidence this week. The ministers are examining the eligibility criteria for nearly four million claimants, with the aim of creating a more equitable and effective welfare system.
The Burden of Reassessments
Currently, the PIP system includes special provisions for applicants diagnosed with terminal illnesses, where a medical professional has indicated that they have 12 months or less to live. Under these rules, claimants can receive a higher rate of payment for the remainder of their life, but if they outlive three years, they may face reassessment.
However, the coalition’s letter highlights that many individuals with progressive, life-limiting conditions—such as Parkinson’s disease, dementia, and motor neurone disease—are receiving fixed-term awards. Recent data reveals that between February 2025 and 2026, 38 per cent of Parkinson’s patients and 16 per cent of those with dementia were given temporary awards, despite the nature of their conditions.
Becca Stacey, Marie Curie’s Senior Policy Manager for Financial Security, emphasised the need for reform: “Too many people living with terminal illness are forced to prove how unwell they are. These reassessments rarely change outcomes but create real distress at a time when patients should focus on care and companionship.”
Government Response to Concerns
In response to the mounting calls for reform, a spokesperson for the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) stated that improving the welfare system to better serve disabled individuals is a priority. They acknowledged the ongoing review led by Timms and mentioned that new legislation would reduce the frequency of reviews for many PIP recipients.
A personal account from a claimant suffering from severe emphysema underscores the distress caused by the current system. The individual noted that their PIP payments were halted for ten months despite the irreversible nature of their condition, questioning why chronic illnesses are not exempt from such stressful assessments.
A Need for Systematic Change
The letter from the coalition of charities suggests that adopting a system similar to one already in place in Scotland, which allows for expedited access to lifetime awards for terminally ill claimants, could significantly improve the lives of many. This would not only ease the burden of constant reassessments but also restore dignity to those facing the end of life.
Why it Matters
The distress caused by the current PIP reassessment process for terminally ill individuals highlights a critical flaw in the welfare system. By advocating for permanent awards for those with life-limiting conditions, charities are not only seeking to alleviate unnecessary suffering but also to foster a more compassionate and humane approach to social support for some of society’s most vulnerable members. Now is the time for the government to heed these calls for reform and ensure that the welfare system reflects the dignity and respect that all individuals deserve, especially in their final days.
