Missing a PIP assessment can put your benefit at risk — but it doesn’t automatically mean you’ll lose everything. Here’s what happens and what to do.
What Is a PIP Assessment?
After you submit your PIP claim form (PIP2), DWP refers you to an independent assessor — either Capita or Independent Assessment Services (IAS) depending on your area. They invite you for a face-to-face, telephone, or video assessment.
The assessment looks at how your condition affects your daily living and mobility.
If You Know You Can’t Attend
Contact the assessment provider before your appointment:
| Provider | How to Contact |
|---|---|
| Capita | Phone number on your appointment letter |
| IAS | Phone number on your appointment letter |
Ask to rebook. Most providers allow at least one reschedule without issue, especially if you give notice.
If You Miss the Assessment
What DWP Does
- The assessment provider reports a “did not attend” (DNA) to DWP
- DWP writes to you asking why you missed it
- You have a chance to explain — this is your good reason opportunity
- DWP decides whether to rebook or proceed without an assessment
Good Reasons (Usually Accepted)
- Illness or health flare-up on the day
- Hospital admission or emergency treatment
- Severe anxiety or mental health crisis
- Transport breakdown or cancellation
- Bereavement of a close family member
- Carer emergency
- Letter arrived late or not at all
- Confusion about the date, time, or location
Not Accepted as Good Reasons
- Forgot about the appointment
- Didn’t want to attend
- Had other plans or commitments
- General dislike of assessments
What Happens Next
If You Had a Good Reason
DWP rebooks your assessment. You get a new appointment letter. Try to attend this one — repeated non-attendance makes it harder to justify.
If You Didn’t Have a Good Reason (or Didn’t Respond)
DWP may:
- Decide on paper evidence alone — based on your PIP2 form and any medical evidence. This often results in a lower award or a refusal because the assessor can’t observe your difficulties
- Disallow your claim — treated as though you’ve not provided enough information. Your claim is closed
If It’s a Review/Reassessment
If you’re being reassessed for an existing PIP award:
- Your current payments continue until DWP makes a decision
- Missing the assessment delays the process
- If DWP closes the claim, your PIP stops at the end of your current award period
- You’d need to make a completely new claim to get PIP again
How to Respond to DWP
If you’ve missed an assessment, act quickly:
- Phone the assessment provider — explain why and ask to rebook
- Call DWP PIP line — 0800 121 4433 (Monday to Friday, 8am to 5pm)
- Write to DWP — explain your reason in detail
- Provide evidence — hospital letter, GP note, train cancellation proof
Requesting a Home Assessment
If attending an assessment centre is consistently difficult:
- Ask when you receive your assessment invitation
- Provide evidence from your GP or specialist
- Explain specifically why travel is problematic
- Home assessments are routinely granted for severe mobility issues, agoraphobia, and conditions that make travel dangerous
Telephone and video assessments may also be available.
Tips for Attending Your Assessment
| Tip | Why |
|---|---|
| Don’t go on your best day | The assessor needs to see your normal or worst days |
| Take someone with you | For support and as a witness |
| Describe your worst days | Don’t minimise your difficulties |
| Bring evidence | Letters from GP, consultants, social workers |
| Ask for breaks | If you need to rest, say so |
| Request recording | You can record the assessment with proper equipment |
If Your PIP Is Stopped
If your claim is disallowed because you missed the assessment:
- Request a Mandatory Reconsideration within one month
- Explain why you missed the assessment
- Provide evidence of your good reason
- If MR is unsuccessful, appeal to a tribunal
If your claim was closed entirely, you may need to start a new claim from scratch.