PIP Review — What to Expect When Your Award Is Reassessed

PIP awards aren’t permanent — they’re reviewed periodically. Here’s what to expect and how to protect your award.

When Reviews Happen

Your award letter states when your review is due. DWP contacts you approximately 12 months before your current award expires.

The Review Process

Step 1: Review Form (PIP2 or AR1)

DWP sends you a form — either a full PIP2 (same as your original claim) or a shorter AR1 review form. You have one month to return it.

Step 2: Evidence

Gather updated medical evidence — GP letters, specialist reports, appointment records. Even if your condition hasn’t changed, fresh evidence is important.

Step 3: Assessment (If Required)

You may be called for a face-to-face assessment, telephone assessment, or paper review. Not all reviews require an assessment.

Step 4: Decision

DWP issues a new decision. Your award can:

• Stay the same
• Increase (if your condition has worsened)
• Decrease (if your condition has improved)
• End (if DWP decides you no longer qualify)

Preparing for Your Review

Update Your Evidence

Completing the Review Form

Treat the form as seriously as your original claim:

• Don’t assume DWP remembers your previous answers — Complete every section fully
• Describe your current condition — Not what it was when you first claimed
• Note any changes — Whether better, worse, or the same
• Include new conditions — Anything diagnosed since your last assessment
• Describe bad days in detail — They’re assessing the full picture
• Reference attached evidence — “As confirmed by Dr Smith’s letter dated…”

If Your Condition Has Worsened

This is actually a positive opportunity:

• Describe all new symptoms and limitations
• Provide evidence of deterioration
• You may qualify for a higher rate than your current award
• New conditions should be included even if not in the original claim

If Your Condition Is the Same

• Emphasise consistency: “My condition remains as described in my previous claim”
• Provide updated evidence confirming the ongoing nature
• Don’t say it’s improved or minimise difficulties to seem cooperative
• Include any new ways it affects you that you may have missed before

If Your Condition Has Improved

• Be honest — DWP may have evidence of improvement
• Focus on remaining limitations — improvement doesn’t mean recovery
• If you still meet the descriptors, make that clear
• Improvement in one area doesn’t mean improvement overall

Common Review Pitfalls

What If Your Award Is Reduced or Ended

Mandatory Reconsideration

Request an MR within one month of the decision. Explain why you disagree and provide evidence.

Important: Ask DWP whether your PIP can continue at the previous rate while the MR is processed. This isn’t guaranteed, but DWP can agree to it in some cases.

Appeal to a Tribunal

If the MR doesn’t restore your award, appeal within one month. Tribunal success rates for PIP are around 65-70%.

Request the Assessment Report

If you were assessed, request a copy of the assessment report from DWP. Check it for:

• Factual errors
• Observations that contradict your experience
• Activities that were scored too low
• Symptoms or conditions that weren’t mentioned

Continuity of Payments

Light Touch Reviews

For some stable, long-term conditions, DWP conducts “light touch” reviews:

• You receive a shorter form
• No face-to-face assessment
• Decision based on your form and existing records
• Typically for conditions that are unlikely to change

You cannot request a light touch review, but DWP may offer one for conditions with a clear, stable prognosis.

Related Guides

• PIP Evidence Requirements Guide
• PIP Mandatory Reconsideration Guide
• PIP Assessment Tips
• PIP Tribunal Guide