PIP Reassessment: What to Expect

PIP is awarded for a fixed period or — in some cases — an ongoing period. The DWP reassesses awards to make sure claimants are still entitled to the same level of support, given that health conditions and disability needs can improve, worsen, or change over time.

There are several circumstances that trigger a PIP review:

• Scheduled end of award: When your award was made, it was given for a fixed period (for example, two or three years). As your award approaches its end date, the DWP will initiate a review to decide whether to renew it and at what rate.
• Planned reviews for ongoing awards: Even ongoing PIP awards (sometimes called 'indefinite' or 'light touch' awards) are subject to periodic reviews. These typically take place every 10 years for claimants with stable long-term conditions, but can be triggered earlier.
• Change of circumstances: If your condition improves, you undergo new treatment, you change address, or your daily living needs change significantly, you must report this to the DWP. The DWP may also initiate a review if they receive information suggesting your needs have changed.
• Random reviews: The DWP can, in principle, review any award at any time — though in practice most reviews follow the scheduled cycle.

Current PIP rates for 2025/26 are: Daily Living Standard £73.90/week, Daily Living Enhanced £110.40/week; Mobility Standard £29.20/week, Mobility Enhanced £77.05/week.

When a review is triggered, the DWP will send you an AR1 form — the 'PIP Review' questionnaire. This is very similar to the original PIP2 claim form and asks you to describe how your health condition or disability affects your ability to carry out 12 activities in two categories:

Daily Living activities

• Preparing food
• Taking nutrition
• Managing therapy or monitoring a health condition
• Washing and bathing
• Managing toilet needs or incontinence
• Dressing and undressing
• Communicating verbally
• Reading and understanding signs, symbols and words
• Engaging with other people face to face
• Making budgeting decisions

Mobility activities

• Planning and following journeys
• Moving around

For each activity, the form asks you to choose the descriptor that best matches your situation, then explain it in your own words. The descriptors are scored 0–12 points — you need 8 points to qualify for the standard rate and 12 for the enhanced rate in each component.

Key tips for completing the AR1:

• Describe your worst days, not your best. Most assessors are trained to ask about your worst day, but your written answers set the tone.
• Be specific about what aids, appliances, or help from another person you need.
• Describe what happens if you try to do an activity without help — including pain, fatigue, distress, or how long it takes.
• Attach supporting evidence such as a letter from your GP, specialist, occupational therapist, or care coordinator.
• Keep a copy of everything you send.

You usually have one month to complete and return the AR1. Ring the PIP enquiry line (0800 121 4433) immediately if you need more time or a different format (for example, large print or audio).

After you return your AR1, the assessment provider (currently Capita or Atos) will decide how to carry out the review. There are three possible routes:

1. Paper review (desk-based assessment)

The assessor reviews your AR1 form and any supporting evidence and makes a recommendation to the DWP without speaking to you. This is more common for claimants with well-documented conditions and strong supporting evidence. A paper review tends to be quicker and less stressful.

2. Telephone or video assessment

The assessor speaks to you by phone or video to ask follow-up questions about your condition. You can ask for a friend, family member, or support worker to be present. You can also ask for the call to be recorded.

3. Face-to-face assessment

You attend an assessment centre, or the assessor visits you at home (if you are unable to travel). You have the right to bring a companion. The assessment typically lasts 30–60 minutes. Assessors are health professionals (doctors, nurses, physiotherapists, or occupational therapists) but they are employed by the private assessment provider, not the NHS.

After the assessment, the assessor writes a report and sends it to the DWP. The DWP decision-maker then makes the final decision on your award — they are not required to follow the assessor's recommendation, though in practice they usually do. You will receive a letter with the outcome.

You are entitled to see a copy of the assessment report. Ask for it in writing as soon as you receive the decision — it will be essential if you decide to challenge the outcome.

There are three possible outcomes from a PIP review:

1. Award maintained or increased: The DWP confirms your existing level of support or increases your award. Your payments continue, usually for a further fixed period.
2. Award reduced: Your daily living component, mobility component, or both are reduced to a lower rate. Your payments will reduce from the date the new decision takes effect — typically 28 days after the decision letter is sent.
3. Award ended: The DWP decides you no longer meet the minimum threshold for either component. Your payments will stop.

What to do if your award is reduced or ended

You have one calendar month from the date of the decision letter to request a Mandatory Reconsideration (MR). This is a formal request for the DWP to look at the decision again. You must request an MR before you can appeal to the Social Security and Child Support Tribunal.

When requesting an MR:

• Do it in writing — call the PIP helpline to request an MR but follow up with a written letter explaining why you disagree.
• Ask for the assessment report — identify any factual errors or activities where your needs were underscored.
• Submit additional evidence — a letter from your GP, a detailed care diary, or a letter from a social worker or support worker.

If the MR does not change the decision, you can appeal to the First-tier Tribunal. At appeal, claimants who are properly supported have a strong success rate — around 70% of PIP appeals where the claimant attends the hearing are successful. Citizens Advice, disability charities (such as Scope or Mind), and welfare rights organisations can help you prepare.