Unlike some benefits, PIP has specific rules about when your entitlement starts. Understanding these rules helps you maximise what you’re owed.
Read more: See our Pip guide for a complete overview of this topic.
When PIP Entitlement Starts
| Situation | Start Date |
|---|---|
| New claim | Your date of claim (usually the date of your first call), or the end of the 3-month qualifying period if later |
| Review with increased award | Usually the date you reported the change (or the date of the change, if you reported it within a month) |
| Mandatory Reconsideration success | Backdated to the original decision date |
| Tribunal success | Backdated to the date the decision you appealed took effect |
| Special rules for end of life | Date of claim, with no 3-month qualifying period |
Standard PIP Claims
The Process
- You phone DWP or claim online — this establishes your claim date
- DWP sends you a PIP2 form to complete
- You may attend an assessment
- DWP makes a decision
- If awarded, PIP is paid from your claim date
The Qualifying Period
You must have had your difficulties for at least 3 months (and expect them to last at least another 9) before PIP can be paid, unless you claim under the special rules for end of life. You can claim before the 3 months are up, but PIP can’t start until they have passed. After that, your entitlement runs from your claim date, not the day of the decision.
The Lump Sum
Because PIP claims take weeks or months to process, a successful claim results in a lump sum covering:
Lump sum = Weekly PIP rate × Number of weeks from claim date to decision
Worked examples on this page use 2026/27 rates.
Example: You claimed PIP on 1 June. The decision is made on 1 October (4 months later). You’re awarded enhanced daily living (£114.60/week) and standard mobility (£30.30/week) — 2026/27 rates:
| Detail | Amount |
|---|---|
| Weekly total | £144.90 |
| Weeks backdated | ~17 weeks |
| Lump sum | ~£2,463 |
After this, you receive £144.90 per week (paid every 4 weeks as £579.60).
When Backdating Applies
After Mandatory Reconsideration
If your PIP was refused and you request an MR that succeeds, the award is backdated to the date of the original decision, which for a new claim means your claim date. This means you receive all the PIP you should have had from the start.
After Tribunal Appeal
If you win at tribunal, the award is backdated to the date the decision you appealed took effect (your claim date, for a refused new claim), potentially covering many months or even over a year of payments. Tribunal backdating can result in significant lump sums.
| Appeal Timeline | Approximate Backdated Lump Sum (Enhanced Daily Living + Standard Mobility, all at 2026/27 rates; any weeks before 6 April 2026 are paid at the lower 2025/26 rates) |
|---|---|
| 6 months from claim to tribunal | ~£3,767 |
| 9 months | ~£5,651 |
| 12 months | ~£7,535 |
| 18 months | ~£11,302 |
Supersession (Change of Circumstances)
If your condition worsens after your initial PIP award, you can report a change. If DWP agrees your award should increase, the higher rate usually starts from the date you reported the change.
When Backdating Doesn’t Apply
| Situation | Why Not |
|---|---|
| Didn’t know about PIP | Not a valid reason — you must actually claim |
| Condition existed before claim date | PIP only starts from when you claim |
| Delayed claiming due to illness | Unlike UC, PIP cannot be backdated for late claiming |
| Was on DLA and forgot to claim PIP | You must claim PIP separately when your DLA ends/migrates |
Special Rules for Terminal Illness
If you have a terminal illness with a life expectancy of 12 months or less:
| Feature | Standard PIP | Special Rules PIP |
|---|---|---|
| Start date | Day after claim | Day of claim |
| Assessment | Full assessment required | No face-to-face assessment |
| Processing time | Median 18 weeks (July 2026) | Median 3 working days (July 2026) |
| Award | Based on descriptors | Enhanced daily living automatically; mobility depends on your needs |
| Award length | 9 months to 10 years | Usually 3 years |
| Who can claim | You | You, or someone else on your behalf |
Under special rules:
- Your GP, consultant, or nurse completes an SR1 (previously DS1500) form
- DWP fast-tracks the decision
- You receive the enhanced rate of daily living automatically
- Mobility is decided on your needs, at the standard rate, the enhanced rate or not at all
Protecting Your Claim Date
Because PIP cannot be backdated before you claim, it’s crucial to claim as early as possible:
- Claim as soon as you think you might qualify, even if you’re not sure
- Phone DWP to establish the date — Even before completing the PIP2 form
- Don’t wait for a diagnosis — You can claim PIP while awaiting diagnosis
- Don’t wait for evidence — Claim first, then gather evidence to submit with your PIP2
- Note the exact date and time of your call — This is your official claim date