PIP assessment is distressing says Timms interim report
3 mins read
Monday 13 July 2026
Contact’s calls to reform a distressing application process for Personal Independent Payment (PIP) are recognised in a new report.
The Timms review into PIP’s steering group has published its interim report, which ultimately finds that the disability benefit is “highly-valued” but “no longer fit-for-purpose”.
The report says that “many disabled people speak powerfully and negatively of the process of applying for PIP, describing it as “dehumanising”, “soul destroying”, and “degrading”.” More than 90% of respondents found the experience of claiming PIP to be negative.
The report backs up our submitted evidence that the system does not reflect the experience of people with fluctuating conditions. As a result, “PIP functional assessment does not always fully reflect real world need.” The system is also difficult to navigate for people advocating on their own behalf.
However the financial support offered through PIP to meet the genuine additional cost of disability is valued and necessary. Going forward, we urge the government to ensure that remains.
Contact’s view on the interim report
Derek Sinclair, our Family Finance Adviser, said:
“We agree that the current PIP assessment process is not fit for purpose and needs changing. Families tell us that the current process is dehumanising and stressful. It has clearly created low levels of trust in the fairness of the PIP system. We want to see PIP assessments replaced by a new process that treats disabled young people with fairness and dignity.
“However alongside improving the PIP assessment process it’s vital that in moving forward, the Timms Review acknowledges the need to continue providing financial support to all of those facing additional disability-related costs and does not seek to restrict spending on PIP.
“Much of the discussion around PIP is framed around rising claimant numbers and expenditure. However, the country has only recently emerged from a global pandemic and associated public health crisis, alongside rising poverty and a cost-of-living crisis. During this period many disabled people and carers have experienced significant deterioration in their physical and mental health. Meanwhile, demand for already-stretched health and social care services has increased. The solution to rising levels of ill-health should focus on tackling the root causes of poor health and poverty, rather than restricting access to disability benefits.
“We believe any eventual reforms of PIP arising from the Timms Review must be rooted in the real experiences of disabled people and their families and recognise the genuine additional costs associated with disability. Families need a system that supports participation and independence, treats disabled people with respect, and provides security rather than fear and uncertainty.”
Contact’s calls for change
We are calling for:
- A more person-centred assessment process that properly reflects people’s real day-to-day experiences.
- Better recognition of mental health conditions, neurodiversity, fluctuating conditions and the impact of supervision and night-time care.
- Greater flexibility and accessibility in assessments, including giving claimants choice over face-to-face, telephone, video or paper-based assessments.
- Fewer unnecessary reassessments for people with lifelong conditions unlikely to improve.
- Improved training and understanding among assessors.
- More detailed and transparent decision-making.
- Properly funded advice and advocacy services to help families navigate the system.
- Stronger safeguards to ensure disabled people are treated with dignity and respect throughout the process.
The public narrative must stop framing disability benefits as a barrier to work. Many disabled young people rely on PIP to access education, training, volunteering and employment opportunities.
The Timms review is expected to publish its final report in the autumn.