The UK government is considering changes to the Personal Independence Payment (PIP), a benefit designed to support people with disabilities or long-term health conditions. According to a proposal by Andy Burnham, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) may stop offering PIP to high earners, potentially saving up to £8.2 billion. The Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS) suggested making PIP a means-tested benefit—only available to those receiving universal credit—could reduce spending by 33%. This would affect around 1.32 million current claimants, but the IFS warned that behavioral changes might result in fewer people being impacted than the number suggests. The IFS’s recommendations come ahead of a government review of PIP led by disability minister Sir Stephen Timms. An interim report in July stated that PIP is "not fit for purpose." Introduced in 2013, PIP is a non-means-tested payment meant to help cover the extra costs of living with a health condition or disability. Early suggestions from the review group include increasing face-to-face assessments and reducing cash payments in favor of vouchers for specific expenses. The IFS argues that aligning PIP with income levels could better target support to those in the greatest need. Spending on PIP rose from £16.3 billion in 2019-2020 to £27.3 billion by 2024-2025, with projections reaching £41.5 billion by 2030-2031. The IFS report also proposes adjusting payment rates to more closely reflect a claimant's level of need. Currently, people with varying levels of disability severity receive the same amount. A new "pound-per-point system" would tie payments directly to assessment scores, potentially reducing awards for some and increasing them for others. Eduin Latimer, a senior research economist at the IFS, emphasized the need for the government to clarify the purpose of PIP before implementing reforms. If the goal is to assist those with the most severe disabilities or lowest incomes, then targeting support accordingly makes sense. However, disability campaigners have criticized the proposed changes, arguing they could repeat the welfare cuts that were rejected by Parliament last year. Ross Barrett of the MS Society warned that such reforms might push more people into poverty and worsen their health. A government spokesperson stated that the interim report confirmed PIP is no longer fit for purpose and that the final review, due in autumn, will guide future reforms. The government is already taking steps to address the welfare system, including increasing face-to-face assessments and extending award review periods to save around £2 billion while reducing pressure on disabled individuals.