New DWP PIP Test Leaked: What It Means for Families With Disabled Children

A leaked version of the UK Government’s proposed Personal Independence Payment (PIP) test overhaul has surfaced online—and it’s causing concern, confusion, and a lot of questions.

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is reportedly planning to change how PIP is assessed, shifting focus from how a disability affects someone to what kind of support they already have in place. Claimants are being asked: “If we didn’t give you PIP, what would you do instead?”

For families caring for disabled children and young people, this change could be life-altering.

What’s Changing?

While the DWP hasn’t confirmed a formal rollout yet, leaked documents show the government testing a new eligibility model that could lead to:

• More means testing (looking at what you already receive or do to cope)
• Stricter scrutiny over daily routines and adaptations
• A reduced focus on the impact of disability and more on how a family manages it

In short: the better you adapt, the less support you may get.

Why This Matters for Parents

If you’re a parent receiving or planning to apply for Child DLA, or your young adult child is moving to PIP, these changes might:

• Make it harder to qualify if your child masks or if you’ve adapted well
• Place more pressure on GPs, schools, and families to “prove” need
• Cause delays or confusion while the new test is trialled

For children with Autism, PDA, ADHD or complex needs, this is especially worrying. Many of our families are already under-assessed, under-supported, and over-stretched.

What Can You Do?

• Keep records of behaviours, meltdowns, care routines, and struggles—at home and in school
• Challenge decisions: You have the legal right to ask for mandatory reconsideration or appeal
• Stay informed. Follow updates on sites like AskEllie.co.uk for instant, jargon-free legal guidance.

AskEllie Can Help

If you’re unsure what this means for your current or future benefit claims, AskEllie is here to help. We’re a free legal assistant for SEND parents—built by parents, for parents.

Ask Ellie any question about:

• DLA or PIP applications
• Challenging a benefits decision
• EHCPs, school support, and more

Visit: www.AskEllie.co.uk