When a PIP award ends, DWP sends you a review form — your payments continue while the review is processed. You do not need to start a new claim from scratch. This guide explains the full review process, what DWP looks at, and how to protect your award.
When Will DWP Contact You?
DWP aims to send the PIP review form (AR1) around 6 months before your award end date. Your award letter will state the review date — keep it safe.
Award types and what happens at review:
| Award type | When DWP reviews | What happens |
|---|---|---|
| Fixed-term award (1–3 years) | ~6 months before end date | AR1 review form sent |
| Fixed-term award (longer) | ~6 months before end date | AR1 review form sent |
| Ongoing award (indefinite) | DWP may review periodically | AR1 review form sent with notice |
| Terminal illness award | Automatic 3-year award; extended if needed | DWP contacts proactively |
If you have not heard from DWP within 3 months of your award end date, contact the PIP helpline (0800 121 4433) to check the status.
Your Payments Continue During the Review
This is critical to understand. If DWP has sent you an AR1 and you return it by the deadline, your PIP continues to be paid at the current rate while DWP processes the review. This can take many months.
Your payments only stop if:
- DWP decides to end or reduce your award — and you are notified
- You do not return the AR1 form by the deadline
- You fail to attend a face-to-face or telephone assessment (if requested)
If you have returned your form and are still waiting, your payments should be continuing. Check your bank statements.
The Review Process Step by Step
- Receive the AR1 form — usually 6 months before award end date
- Complete and return the form — within the stated deadline (typically 4 weeks; call for an extension if needed)
- Supporting evidence — send any new or updated medical evidence with the form
- Assessment — DWP may ask you to attend a face-to-face assessment with a healthcare professional, or complete a telephone/video assessment; this is not guaranteed at review stage
- Decision letter — DWP writes to you with their decision; payments continue until then
- If changed: you can request mandatory reconsideration within one month if you disagree
What DWP Looks for at a PIP Review
DWP compares your current level of need against the original PIP descriptors for the daily living and mobility components. They look at:
| Component | What’s assessed |
|---|---|
| Daily living | Preparing food, eating, managing medicines, washing, dressing, communicating, making decisions, engaging socially |
| Mobility | Planning a journey, moving around, following routes |
Points system (unchanged):
- 8+ points for standard rate; 12+ points for enhanced rate (per component)
- Your condition does not need to have changed — what matters is how it currently affects you
Be specific on the AR1 form. “I struggle to dress myself” is weak. “It takes me 30+ minutes to get dressed due to pain in my hands and shoulders, and I need to rest afterwards” is strong.
What Happens If Your Award Is Reduced or Stopped
If DWP decides to reduce or end your PIP:
- Mandatory reconsideration — request within one month; DWP must look at the decision again; payments continue during this period
- Appeal — if the reconsideration is unsuccessful, appeal to the Social Security and Child Support Tribunal within one month; seek help from Citizens Advice before appealing
- Overpayment risk — if an appeal is unsuccessful after your payments continued, DWP may seek repayment of payments made between the decision and the appeal outcome; check the specific terms of your case
Around 65–70% of PIP appeals that go to tribunal are decided in the claimant’s favour, particularly with proper representation.
Getting Help With Your PIP Review
- Citizens Advice — free advice and support completing the AR1 form
- Scope (disability charity) — specialist support for disabled people
- Macmillan — for cancer-related PIP claims
- Your local welfare rights service (via your council) — most offer free help
See our full PIP guide and Universal Credit guide for related information.