Kuni Lingston
Under new PIP eligibility rules set to take effect from November 2026, claimants must score at least four points in one daily living activity to qualify for the Daily Living component, worth up to £5,740.80 per year.
This could mean over 7,600 current claimants in Solihull constituencies are at risk of losing vital support.
Solihull Breakdown
| Constituency | Total PIP Claimants | Daily Living Claimants | Scored <4 | At-Risk Group |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| West & Shirley | 4,117 | 1,240 | 1,240 | Yes |
| Meriden & East Solihull | 6,337 | 2,150 | 2,150 | Yes |
| Hodge Hill & North Solihull | 11,309 | 4,210 | 4,210 | Yes |
| Total Solihull | 21,763 | 7,600 | 7,600 | At Risk |
Why Are These Changes Happening?
The bill aims to reduce welfare spending by £5 billion, part of which involves tightening PIP rules. Currently, claimants can score points across multiple activities to qualify.
The new criteria require a minimum of 4 points in a single task, which could strip benefits from 370,000 current recipients and bar 430,000 new applicants– especially impacting those with physical disabilities such as arthritis and back pain.
Who Is Likely to Lose Out?
Those most at risk tend to be individuals who:
- Score marginally across several tasks but not 4+ in any single one
- Live with health conditions like chronic pain, arthritis, or back problems
- Rely solely on Daily Living component without Mobility element
In Solihull, the majority of claimants currently scoring under 4 fall into these categories and may face the removal of the Daily Living component.
Safety Nets Provided?
The government is introducing a 13-week transitional payment for existing claimants losing Daily Living support. During this period, claimants can:
- Seek tailored employment support
- Adjust to the change
- Do not immediately lose their entire PIP award
Yet, critics argue it doesn’t fully protect vulnerable individuals with limited resources.
What This Means for Solihull
- 7,600 people face the potential of losing £110 per week in PIP support.
- This impact is more severe than regional/national averages.
- Even affluent constituencies like Solihull have significant reliance on PIP support.
What You Can Do Now
- Check your PIP award letter: Note your score in each daily living activity.
- Track your reassessment date: Expect changes from November 2026.
- Gather supporting evidence: GP notes, therapist statements, etc.
- Prepare for appeals: Up to 90% of standard awards are expected to be challenged.
With major reforms incoming, around 7,600 PIP recipients in Solihull may lose up to £110 per week in support due to the new 4-point rule.
While transitional protections exist, it’s vital to review your award, track upcoming changes, and prepare evidence or appeals to safeguard your benefits.
FAQs
Will mobility payments be affected?
No. Mobility component remains unchanged.
What if I don’t reach 4 points in one activity?
Current awards won’t stop immediately, but you may lose the Daily Living component after reassessment in Nov 2026.
Can I appeal if I lose my award?
Yes. A mandatory reconsideration and appeal process is available, often with high success rates.