A new PIP claim takes a median of 18 weeks from your first phone call to a decision, in DWP’s July 2026 statistics. If you are awarded PIP, it is usually paid from your claim date, so waiting does not cost you money, but the process can be stressful. Here is each stage and how long it takes.
The PIP Claim Process: Step by Step
| Stage | What happens | Typical timeframe |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Initial claim call | You call DWP on 0800 917 2222 (Mon–Fri, 8am–5pm) to register your claim | Day 1 |
| 2. PIP2 form sent | DWP posts or emails the “How your disability affects you” questionnaire | Within 2 weeks of call |
| 3. PIP2 returned | You complete and return the form | Up to 1 month from receipt |
| 4. Assessment booked | An assessment provider (Capita or Independent Assessment Services) contacts you for an appointment | Varies |
| 5. Assessment takes place | Telephone, video, or face-to-face with a healthcare professional | On assessment date |
| 6. Assessment report sent to DWP | Provider sends report | After the assessment |
| 7. DWP decision | DWP case manager reviews report and makes decision | Median 12 weeks from referral to the provider (step 4) to decision |
| 8. Decision letter sent | You receive award letter (or refusal) | Within days of decision |
| Total from start to decision | Median 18 weeks (July 2026) |
Why Some Claims Take Longer
Several factors extend the timeline:
- Returning evidence late — DWP gives you up to 1 month to return the PIP2. Take the time to gather GP and specialist letters before returning it.
- Assessment provider backlogs: waits for an assessment vary by provider and area.
- DWP decision backlog: once DWP has the assessment report, a case manager makes the decision, and this takes longer at busy times.
- Missing or incomplete PIP2: if DWP needs to contact you for more information, this adds time.
- Regional variation — some areas of the UK have longer assessment queues than others.
What Happens to Money During the Wait
If you are awarded PIP, it is usually paid from the date of your first phone call. This means:
- If you wait 4 months (around 16 weeks) for a decision and are awarded standard daily living (£76.70/week in 2026/27), you receive a lump sum of approximately £1,227 for the waiting period, then regular payments going forward
- Enhanced daily living (£114.60/week) over the same 4-month wait = approximately £1,834 backdated
These are illustrative figures based on daily living alone — actual amounts depend on your exact claim date, decision date, and which components/rates you’re awarded.
Do not let the wait put you off claiming — the backpayment can be significant.
Checking Your Claim Status
You can check progress by calling DWP on 0800 121 4433 (Monday–Friday, 9am–5pm) — this is the existing-claims enquiry line, separate from the new-claims number above. Confirm this number is still current before calling, as DWP helpline numbers are occasionally updated. Ask for:
- Confirmation that your PIP2 was received
- Which assessment provider is handling your claim
- Whether an assessment appointment has been booked or is pending
Fast-Track Routes
Terminal illness (SR1 route): You can claim PIP under the special rules for end of life if a doctor or medical professional has said you might have 12 months or less to live and you're 16 or over (and under State Pension age if you haven't had PIP before). A doctor can complete an SR1 form, which triggers the special rules:
- Decision usually within days (median 3 working days in July 2026)
- Enhanced daily living component awarded automatically
- No face-to-face assessment
If your condition deteriorates while waiting: If your condition significantly worsens while your claim is being processed, contact DWP to update your information. The assessment will reflect your current, not original, level of need.
After You Receive a Decision
If successful: payments begin from your effective date (original claim call), with any arrears paid first.
If refused: request a Mandatory Reconsideration within one month of the decision letter. This does not restart the clock — your effective date remains the original call date.
See our what happens if PIP is stopped guide, PIP for chronic pain, and benefits for disabled workers.