Liz Kendall's statement to Labour MPs

 

Liz Kendall’s statement makes a clear distinction: current PIP recipients will not be affected by the new eligibility rules. The phrase “stay within the current system” strongly suggests that anyone already receiving PIP before November 2026 will continue to be assessed and reviewed under the existing criteria—even after that date.

So, in practical terms:

• New claimants from November 2026 onward will face the revised eligibility rules (such as the requirement to score at least 4 points in a single activity).
• Existing claimants will remain under the current system, even when their awards come up for review.

This marks a significant shift from earlier proposals, which had implied that all claimants—new and existing—would eventually be reassessed under the new rules. The updated position appears to be a response to political pressure and concerns about fairness and disruption.

If you’re looking to clarify this for others, you might say: “The government has confirmed that only new PIP claims from November 2026 will be subject to the new eligibility criteria. Existing claimants will continue under the current system, even after that date.”

Reference: 

rightsnet: now: Work and Pensions Secretary’s letter to Labour MPs on changes to ‘strengthen’ the new welfare reform bill - Rightsnet https://www.rightsnet.org.uk/now/post/63585