# DWP publishes new PIP and Universal Credit research statistics 2025 > The DWP has released new research statistics covering PIP administrative exercise outcomes and Universal Credit claimant experiences, including disadvantaged groups and Move to UC migration. **Published:** 2026-05-29 **Updated:** 2026-05-29 **Category:** WELFARE_UK **Author:** Rafael Tuñón **Canonical URL:** https://rechargevodafone.co.uk/dwp-pip-universal-credit-research-statistics-2025/ ## Key takeaways - The DWP published new statistics in 2025 covering the PIP administrative exercise, including tribunal decision outcomes. - Qualitative research into Universal Credit claimant experiences was also released, with a focus on disadvantaged groups. - The Move to UC migration process is covered in the new research, examining how managed migration affects claimants. - The publications are available on gov.uk and form part of the DWP's ongoing official statistics programme. - Figures on specific tribunal overturn rates and migration volumes are pending full verification from the published reports. ## Key statistics - **figures pending verification**, PIP tribunal overturn rate from the 2025 administrative exercise publications (Source: DWP official statistics, gov.uk) - **figures pending verification**, Number of claimants moved to Universal Credit under managed migration covered in the research (Source: DWP official statistics, gov.uk) ## Article ## What the DWP has published The Department for Work and Pensions ([DWP](https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/department-for-work-pensions/about/statistics)) has released a set of new research and statistical publications in 2025 covering two of the most closely watched areas of the UK welfare system: Personal Independence Payment (PIP) and Universal Credit (UC). The publications fall into two broad categories. The first covers administrative exercise completion statistics relating to PIP, including data on tribunal decisions. The second is qualitative research examining how Universal Credit claimants, particularly those from disadvantaged groups, manage their claims on an ongoing basis and navigate the Move to UC managed migration programme. Both sets of publications are part of the DWP's ongoing official statistics release programme and are publicly available on [gov.uk](https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/department-for-work-pensions/about/statistics). They are intended to inform policy decisions, support parliamentary scrutiny, and give researchers and advocacy organisations a clearer picture of how the benefits system is functioning in practice. ## What the PIP administrative exercise statistics cover The PIP administrative exercise refers to a formal process through which the DWP reviews PIP cases, including cases where claimants have challenged decisions and taken them to an independent tribunal. The statistics track outcomes across this exercise, including whether awards were changed, upheld, or otherwise resolved following review. Tribunal overturn rates for PIP have historically been a significant area of public and parliamentary concern in the UK. In recent years, data published by [Ofcom](https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/tribunals-statistics) and the Ministry of Justice has shown that a substantial proportion of PIP decisions that are appealed are ultimately overturned in the claimant's favour, prompting questions about initial assessment quality. The new 2025 DWP publications add further detail to this picture, though precise figures from these specific releases are pending full independent verification at time of publication. Citizens Advice has consistently highlighted the importance of this data for people navigating the system. If you are unsure about your own PIP outcome or are considering an appeal, [Citizens Advice](https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/benefits/sick-or-disabled-people-and-carers/pip/) provides free guidance on the process. ## What the Universal Credit qualitative research covers Alongside the PIP statistics, the DWP published qualitative research focused on Universal Credit claimants. This research examines how people actually experience managing a UC claim, with particular attention paid to groups who may face additional barriers, including those with disabilities, people with limited digital access, carers, and individuals with complex household circumstances. The research uses interviews and case studies to explore how claimants interact with the UC online journal, how they respond to conditionality requirements, and where communication breakdowns between claimants and Jobcentre Plus work coaches tend to occur. Qualitative research of this type does not produce headline statistical figures in the same way as administrative data, but it provides the DWP and external analysts with a textured account of the real-world impact of policy design choices. Universal Credit currently supports millions of households across the UK. For an overview of how the benefit works, the [gov.uk Universal Credit page](https://www.gov.uk/universal-credit) sets out eligibility, how to claim, and how payments are calculated. ## The Move to UC migration: what the research says One specific focus of the new qualitative research is the Move to UC managed migration programme, through which the DWP is transferring claimants from legacy benefits, including Working Tax Credit, Child Tax Credit, Income Support, Housing Benefit (for working-age claimants), and income-based Jobseeker's Allowance, onto Universal Credit. The managed migration process requires claimants to make a new UC claim by a deadline after receiving a migration notice. The DWP's research covers how claimants understand and respond to these notices, what barriers arise for those who struggle to complete the digital claim process, and how disadvantaged groups, including those with mental health conditions or without regular internet access, are supported through the transition. The programme has been subject to scrutiny from organisations including [Citizens Advice](https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/about-us/policy/policy-research-topics/welfare-policy-research-surveys-and-consultation-responses/welfare-policy-research/universal-credit-research/) and the National Audit Office, which have previously raised concerns about whether sufficient support is in place for vulnerable claimants during migration. The 2025 research adds new evidence to that ongoing conversation. ## Why these publications matter for claimants For people currently receiving PIP or Universal Credit, or those who expect to be affected by managed migration, these publications serve as public evidence of how the system is performing. When the DWP publishes data showing that a significant share of appealed PIP decisions are overturned at tribunal, that is directly relevant to anyone who has received a decision they believe is wrong. Similarly, qualitative findings about where claimants struggle with the UC system can inform improvements to the service, though the timeline for translating research into operational change is not always rapid. Advocacy organisations and MPs regularly use this type of published data when lobbying for changes to how assessments are conducted or how migration is managed. If you have received a PIP decision you want to challenge, the process starts with a mandatory reconsideration request to the DWP, followed by an appeal to HM Courts and Tribunals Service if the reconsideration is unsuccessful. [Citizens Advice](https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/benefits/sick-or-disabled-people-and-carers/pip/if-you-disagree-with-a-pip-decision/) provides step-by-step guidance on both stages. ## What to do if you are affected Whether you are currently on PIP, awaiting a Move to UC migration notice, or already on Universal Credit, there are practical steps you can take to protect your position. For PIP claimants, keep a written record of your condition and how it affects your daily life. If you receive an assessment outcome you disagree with, request a mandatory reconsideration in writing within one month of the decision date. For those receiving a migration notice, do not ignore it. If you do not make a new UC claim by the deadline on your notice, your legacy benefits will stop. If you need extra time or support to complete the claim, contact the DWP Migration Notice Helpline or visit your local Jobcentre Plus. For general welfare advice and support, the following resources are available: - [Citizens Advice](https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/) for free, independent benefits guidance - [gov.uk benefits calculator](https://www.gov.uk/benefits-calculators) to check what you may be entitled to - [Turn2us](https://www.turn2us.org.uk/) for help finding grants and benefits ## Where to find the full publications All DWP statistical releases, including the new PIP administrative exercise statistics and the Universal Credit qualitative research, are published on the [DWP statistics page on gov.uk](https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/department-for-work-pensions/about/statistics). Publications are listed by theme and release date, and most include a summary document alongside the full technical report. For context on how the DWP's statistical programme is structured and what quality assurance standards apply, the UK Statistics Authority provides oversight and publishes assessments of compliance with the Code of Practice for Statistics at [statisticsauthority.gov.uk](https://www.statisticsauthority.gov.uk/). For ongoing coverage of DWP policy changes, PIP reform, and Universal Credit updates, see the [Welfare UK hub](/category/welfare-uk/). ## Frequently asked questions ### Where can I find the new DWP PIP and Universal Credit statistics? The publications are available on the DWP statistics page at gov.uk. Search for 'PIP administrative exercise statistics' or 'Universal Credit claimant research' on gov.uk to find the latest releases. ### What does the PIP administrative exercise cover? The PIP administrative exercise refers to a process in which the DWP reviews PIP cases, including those that went to tribunal. The associated statistics track outcomes such as whether awards were changed or upheld. ### What is the Move to UC migration and who is affected? Move to UC is the government's managed migration programme that transfers claimants from legacy benefits, such as Working Tax Credit and Income Support, to Universal Credit. The new research covers how claimants, including vulnerable groups, experience this transition. ### I am worried about my PIP or Universal Credit claim. Where can I get help? Citizens Advice offers free, independent guidance on benefits at citizensadvice.org.uk. You can also contact the DWP helplines or visit your local Jobcentre Plus. ## Sources 1. [DWP Statistics publications](https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/department-for-work-pensions/about/statistics) (Department for Work and Pensions / gov.uk) 2. [Personal Independence Payment (PIP)](https://www.gov.uk/pip) (gov.uk) 3. [Universal Credit](https://www.gov.uk/universal-credit) (gov.uk)