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As part of the UK government’s ongoing reforms to the Personal Independence Payment (PIP), thousands of people in Solihull could lose their monthly cash support.
These changes are outlined in a new bill, and with it, eligibility restrictions that could directly impact up to 7,600 PIP claimants in the area.
The reforms are set to take effect after November 2026, and people will need to meet stricter criteria to retain the vital benefits they rely on.
What is PIP?
PIP, or Personal Independence Payment, is a benefit for individuals with disabilities or long-term health conditions, designed to assist with extra costs related to daily living and mobility.
It is not means-tested, meaning that it does not depend on income or savings and can be claimed while working.
The daily living element can provide a payment of up to £5,740.80 per year to support those who require help with day-to-day activities due to physical or mental health challenges.
New Eligibility Criteria Under Reform
The government has announced that, starting in November 2026, individuals will need to achieve at least one score of four in the activities assessed for the daily living element to remain eligible for PIP.
This change is being implemented as part of the government’s effort to control the rising costs associated with Personal Independence Payment claims.
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has cited a growing number of new applications each month (around 70,000), which has led to concerns about the sustainability of the program.
How Many People in Solihull Are Affected?
Solihull, a relatively affluent area in the Midlands, still has a significant number of residents who depend on PIP for financial support.
Currently, there are 18,536 Personal Independence Payment claimants across the three constituencies of Solihull. Of these claimants, 7,600 people scored less than four in the Personal Independence Payment assessment for daily living activities, making them most at risk of losing their support under the new rules.
Detailed Breakdown of Solihull Constituencies
| Constituency | Total PIP Claimants | Working-Age Claimants | Claimants Scoring Less Than 4 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Solihull West & Shirley | 4,117 | 3,426 | 1,240 |
| Meriden & Solihull East | 6,337 | 5,452 | 2,150 |
| Birmingham Hodge Hill & Solihull North | 11,309 | 9,820 | 4,210 |
Who is Most At Risk?
In Solihull West and Shirley, approximately 1,240 claimants on the daily living element of Personal Independence Payment scored below four in their assessments.
Similarly, in Meriden and Solihull East, 2,150 claimants face the same issue, while Birmingham Hodge Hill and Solihull North has the highest number, with 4,210 claimants scoring below four.
These claimants will have to meet the new eligibility criteria in their next Personal Independence Payment award review or risk losing the daily living element of their benefits.
The Impact on Working-Age Adults in Solihull
Despite Solihull’s relatively affluent status, there is still a significant portion of the working-age population that depends on PIP.
In Solihull West and Shirley, 6.1% of the working-age population claims PIP, and in Meriden and Solihull East, that number rises to 9.3%. In Birmingham Hodge Hill and Solihull North, the figure is even higher at 12.9% of the working-age population.
This shows that a notable proportion of working-age adults in these areas rely on PIP to manage their disabilities or long-term health conditions. The new eligibility restrictions will likely have a substantial impact on their financial support.
What Happens if You Lose Your PIP Daily Living Element?
If individuals in Solihull lose their daily living element of PIP, they will no longer receive the support for their extra living costs.
While some may still qualify for the mobility element, this does not address the broader needs associated with daily living tasks, such as personal care, meal preparation, and household chores.
The move to a single health assessment for benefits means that only those on the daily living element of PIP will be eligible for the Universal Credit sickness payment for being unable to work.
As a result, people in Solihull and beyond will need to carefully monitor the progress of these changes to ensure they remain eligible for financial assistance.
The changes to PIP eligibility could significantly affect thousands of individuals in Solihull who rely on this support.
As these changes approach, it is crucial for claimants to prepare for their next assessment and ensure they meet the new requirements to continue receiving the daily living element of PIP.
FAQs
What is the daily living element of PIP?
The daily living element of PIP is a payment for individuals with long-term disabilities or health conditions to help cover the costs of daily living tasks, such as personal care, cooking, and cleaning.
When will the new PIP eligibility rules come into effect?
The new eligibility rules will take effect in November 2026, and individuals will need to score at least four in certain assessments to remain eligible for the daily living element of PIP.
How many people in Solihull are at risk of losing their PIP payments?
Approximately 7,600 people in Solihull are at risk of losing their PIP payments due to scoring less than four in the daily living element assessment.