The Timms Review is the independent review being led by Stephen Timms MP. It will look at how Personal Independence Payment (PIP) assessments work and whether they accurately reflect Disabled people’s lived experiences.
This is in response to the Government’s deferred decision, last year, on changes to PIP until a committee had completed investigations that included consulting with Disabled People.
A call for evidence is now open for the public to share their experiences and knowledge of PIP. This will gather evidence from Disabled people and organisations to identify problems with the current system and recommend improvements.
We encourage all Disabled people to share their thoughts to ensure everybody’s voice is heard.
As a Disabled People’s User Led Organisation, here at Disability Together we will be collating feedback and views from our community to submit an organisational response.
Update: 28 May 202
Our response influenced by you
Thank you to everyone who shared their views and thoughts with us. We, as Disability Together have now submitted our organisational response. This is a summary of what you told us, if you would like more details please get in touch.
PIP Evidence from Disabled People: What Needs to Change
Disabled people across Devon have shared their experiences of Personal Independence Payment (PIP), highlighting how vital the benefit is – and where the system is falling short.
A lifeline for independence
PIP plays a crucial role in helping people meet the extra costs of disability, such as transport, equipment, and higher living expenses. For many, it makes the difference between being able to live independently, stay connected to their community, and remain in work.
Importantly, people stressed that PIP is not an out-of-work benefit. It supports daily living needs, and many recipients rely on it to stay in employment.
A system that is hard to navigate
Despite its importance, the system is widely experienced as difficult and stressful. People described the application process as complex, time-consuming, and emotionally draining. Long forms, tight deadlines, and inaccessible communication can make it hard to apply without support.
Many also said assessments do not reflect real life, particularly for those with mental health conditions, fluctuating symptoms, or so-called “invisible” disabilities.
Trust and fairness concerns
A strong theme was a lack of trust in the system. People often feel disbelieved or judged, and many decisions are later overturned at appeal. However, not everyone feels able to challenge decisions, meaning some go without the support they are entitled to.
There is also ongoing anxiety about reassessments and the risk of losing support, even for lifelong conditions.
Impact on daily life
When people are unable to access or retain PIP, the consequences can be severe. This can include reduced independence, increased isolation, financial hardship, and worsening health. PIP is also often used to fill gaps in other services, such as social care and healthcare provision.
Concerns about the future
Many people are worried that proposed changes to PIP could make it harder to qualify or reduce support. They also highlighted growing stigma, with public narratives sometimes portraying benefit claimants unfairly.
What people want to see
Service users are calling for:
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- Simpler, more accessible application processes
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- Assessments that better reflect real-life experiences
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- Greater trust in disabled people’s own accounts
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- Fewer reassessments for long-term conditions
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- More involvement of disabled people in shaping the system
The key message
PIP is essential, not optional. It enables disabled people to live with dignity and participate fully in society. Any reforms should focus on making the system fairer, more accessible, and more supportive – not harder to access.
Update: 9 July
Timms Review Interim Report published
The Interim Report of the Timms Review of Personal Independence Payment (PIP) has now been published.
The review found that:
Personal Independence Payment is no longer fit for purpose and is failing to keep pace with how disability, health and work have changed over the past decade
38,000 responses were received as part of the government’s call for evidence, including our own Disability Together’s response. Influenced by those of you that shared your own views and experiences with us.
“PIP is essential, not optional. It enables Disabled people to live with dignity and participate fully in society. Any reforms should focus on making the system fairer, more accessible, and more supportive – not harder to access.”
Read the Timms Review Interim Report
The report is available in a number of formats:
