If your PIP is stopped, you have the right to challenge the decision — and the majority of appeals succeed. Acting quickly is essential, as strict time limits apply and payments stop immediately when a decision is made against you.
Why PIP Gets Stopped
PIP is a fixed-term award — it does not run indefinitely. The most common reasons it stops:
| Reason | What happens |
|---|---|
| Award end date reached | DWP sends an AR1 renewal form; PIP stops if not returned or if reassessment finds no entitlement |
| Reassessment outcome | DWP decides your condition has improved and you no longer qualify |
| Missed assessment | PIP stops if you don’t attend a scheduled assessment without good reason |
| Moving abroad | PIP stops after 4 weeks outside the UK (28 days) |
| Change in circumstances not reported | DWP may review and stop PIP if you report a change |
| Hospitalisaton | PIP stops after 28 days in hospital as a convicted prisoner or NHS inpatient funded by the state |
What to Do Immediately
- Read the decision letter carefully — it should explain why PIP was stopped and what evidence was used
- Request a Mandatory Reconsideration (MR) within one month of the decision date (you can request up to 13 months late with good reason)
- Gather evidence — new letters from your GP, consultant, occupational therapist, or social worker
- Contact Citizens Advice or a welfare rights adviser — professional help significantly increases success rates
The Challenge Process
Step 1: Mandatory Reconsideration
- Contact DWP by phone or in writing within one month of the decision
- Request in writing for a paper trail
- DWP reviews the case — takes on average 4–8 weeks
- MR decisions are sent in writing
Step 2: Tribunal Appeal If the MR fails:
- You have one month from the MR decision to appeal to the Social Security and Child Support Tribunal
- The tribunal is independent of DWP
- Around 65–70% of PIP appeals succeed at tribunal
- You can request a hearing (recommended) or a paper-based review
The Payment Gap Problem
Your PIP stops immediately on the decision date — not when the MR or appeal is resolved. This means you could face a gap of weeks or months with no PIP income.
Options during the gap:
- Apply for a Universal Credit advance payment to cover short-term costs
- If you receive UC, your UC may increase slightly (as you no longer have PIP-linked elements to offset), though this is rarely enough to compensate
- If you win the appeal, DWP backdates all missed payments to the decision date
Knock-On Effects on Other Benefits
Losing PIP can trigger further benefit losses:
- UC Carer’s Element: A carer claiming UC based on your enhanced daily living PIP may lose the carer element (£198.31/month)
- Motability scheme: Enhanced mobility rate entitles you to lease a vehicle — this ends with the award
- Severe Disability Premium (legacy benefits): Only applies if on older benefits, but PIP enhanced daily living triggers this premium
- Free car tax (Vehicle Excise Duty): Enhanced rate mobility component gives free car tax — this ends with the award
PIP Rates 2026/27 (What You’re Fighting to Keep)
| Component | Standard rate | Enhanced rate |
|---|---|---|
| Daily living | £72.65/week | £108.55/week |
| Mobility | £28.70/week | £75.75/week |
An enhanced rate on both components is worth up to £184.30/week — a significant income. Always challenge a decision to stop or reduce PIP.
See our how long does a PIP decision take guide, PIP for chronic pain, and Universal Credit guide.