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 you had a good reason: if you did, the assessment is rebooked; if not, DWP must decide you are not entitled
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 you are not entitled to PIP. The law (regulation 9 of the PIP regulations) says DWP must make this decision if you fail to attend without a good reason, as long as you had at least 7 days’ written notice of the appointment
- You can challenge the decision by mandatory reconsideration, explaining your reason
If It’s a Review/Reassessment
If you’re being reassessed for an existing PIP award:
- If you had a good reason, the assessment is rebooked and your payments continue
- If not, DWP can decide you are no longer entitled and stop your PIP from the date of that decision
- You can challenge that decision, or make a 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 the PIP enquiry line: 0800 121 4433 (Monday to Friday, 9am 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 often arranged for severe mobility problems, agoraphobia and conditions that make travel dangerous
Telephone and video assessments may also be available.
Tips for Attending Your Assessment
| Tip | Why |
|---|---|
| Say if it’s a good day | Then describe what a typical or bad day is like |
| 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 |
| Recording | The audio of your assessment is recorded unless you ask the provider not to |
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.