How Long Does a PIP Claim Take?

Last updated: 1 May 2026Checked against primary legislation on legislation.gov.uk

PIP claims are notoriously slow, the DWP has significant backlogs and many claimants wait months for a decision. This guide explains what happens at each stage, and what you can do if your claim is taking too long.

Key points

✓Most new claims take 16 to 26 weeks; DWP's target is 12 weeks
✓Terminally ill claims are fast-tracked, decided within about 4 weeks
✓Renewals take 4 to 12 weeks; your PIP keeps paying while reviewed
✓Awards backdate to the date of your first phone call to DWP
✓Contact your MP to chase a stalled claim, it often speeds things up

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PIP claim timescales, what to expect in 2026

There is no fixed timeframe for a PIP decision. DWP publishes average processing times but these change frequently. As a rough guide for new claims in 2026:

✓DWP target: decide most PIP claims within 12 weeks, but this is not always achieved
✓Average new claim processing time has ranged from 16 to 26 weeks in recent years
✓Claimants with terminal illness: fast-tracked, typically decided within 4 weeks
✓Renewal claims (reassessments): can take 4 to 12 weeks, you continue receiving PIP while the review is ongoing
✓You can check current average waiting times on gov.uk/pip
✓Your claim officially starts from the date you call to make your claim, not the date you submit your form

Check current processing times at gov.uk/pip. The DWP updates these regularly. If your claim has been open longer than the published average, you may be able to chase it.

The PIP claim process, stage by stage

Stage 1: Initial phone call (Day 1)

Your claim starts when you call DWP on 0800 917 2222. You give basic personal details. DWP registers your claim and sends you a 'How your disability affects you' form (PIP2). Your claim date is locked in at this point, backdating only runs from this call, not when you post the form.

Stage 2: PIP2 form (1 to 4 weeks)

You receive the PIP2 form in the post (usually within 2 weeks). You have 1 month to complete and return it. If you need more time due to your condition, call DWP to request an extension, most extension requests are granted. Return it with supporting evidence (medical letters, a GP summary, consultant reports).

Stage 3: Assessment (4 to 16 weeks after form received)

Once DWP receives your form, it is passed to an assessment provider (Capita or Atos). They may conduct a paper-based review or arrange an assessment. Most assessments are now done by telephone or video call, face-to-face assessments are less common but still happen. You should receive notice of your assessment appointment in advance.

Stage 4: Assessment report sent to DWP (1 to 4 weeks)

After your assessment, the assessor sends a report to DWP. You can request a copy of this report, ask for it as it can help you understand the decision and prepare for any challenge.

Stage 5: Decision letter (1 to 6 weeks after report)

A DWP decision maker reviews the report and makes the final decision. You receive a letter telling you the outcome, whether you have been awarded PIP, at which rate (Standard or Enhanced), and for how long. If you are awarded PIP, payments are usually made within 2 to 3 weeks of the letter.

What if my PIP claim is taking too long?

If your claim has been open for longer than the published average, you can take action:

✓Call DWP PIP enquiry line: 0800 121 4433, ask for a progress update and note the date and what you were told
✓Ask for an estimated decision date, DWP should be able to give you one
✓Contact your MP and ask them to make an enquiry on your behalf, MP enquiries often speed up processing significantly
✓If your financial situation is severe due to the delay, ask DWP about an advance payment
✓Citizens Advice, Scope, and disability charities can help you chase a delayed claim
✓If you believe there has been maladministration causing the delay, you can complain to the DWP and ultimately to the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman (via your MP)

Contacting your MP is often the most effective way to speed up a stalled PIP claim. Find your MP at members.parliament.uk, most MP offices deal with DWP enquiries regularly and know the right contacts to chase. You do not need to be registered to vote to contact your MP.

Does PIP get backdated to when I called?

Yes, if you are awarded PIP, payments are backdated to the date of your initial telephone claim. This means:

✓If your claim takes 6 months and you are awarded PIP, you will receive 6 months of backdated payments in one lump sum
✓The backdating goes to Day 1, the date of your first phone call to DWP
✓This is why it is important to call to start your claim as soon as possible, do not wait until you feel ready to send the form
✓If you die before a decision is made, your estate can still claim any backdated PIP owed
✓PIP is not means-tested, you receive it regardless of any other income or savings

Call to start your PIP claim as early as possible, even if you are not ready to fill in the form. The date of your call locks in your backdate entitlement. You have 1 month (extendable) to return the form after the call.

PIP renewal and reassessment timescales

Most PIP awards are time-limited, you will be sent a renewal form before your award ends. The process is different from a new claim:

✓You continue to receive your current PIP payments throughout a reassessment, payments do not stop when your award period ends
✓If DWP does not review you before the end of your award, your payments automatically continue until a decision is made
✓Reassessment typically takes 4 to 12 weeks, but can take longer
✓You should return the renewal form as quickly as possible to avoid delays
✓Timescales for indefinite/ongoing PIP awards: DWP may still conduct a review, usually every 10 years for stable conditions

If you receive a PIP review form and your condition has worsened, this is an opportunity to report the change and potentially receive a higher rate. If it has improved, you are still legally obliged to report this, but do not assume DWP will reduce your award without a proper assessment.

Terminal illness and fast-tracking

If you are terminally ill, defined as having a progressive disease where death can reasonably be expected within 12 months, your PIP claim is processed differently:

✓Claims are automatically fast-tracked, target decision within 4 weeks
✓No assessment is required, the claim is decided on paper
✓You automatically receive the Enhanced Rate of the Daily Living component
✓Mobility component is assessed in the normal way based on your needs
✓You do not need to call yourself, a family member, carer, or healthcare professional can make the call on your behalf
✓A DS1500 or SR1 form from your GP or consultant is required to support the fast-track claim

What if I am refused PIP or awarded less than expected?

If you are refused PIP or given a lower rate than you expected, you can challenge the decision. The appeal success rate for PIP is consistently high, around 70% of PIP appeals succeed at tribunal.

✓Step 1: Request a Mandatory Reconsideration (MR), within 1 month of the decision letter
✓Step 2: If the MR goes against you, appeal to the First-tier Tribunal, within 1 month of the MR decision
✓The tribunal is independent of DWP, around 70% of PIP appeals succeed
✓Getting advice from Citizens Advice, a disability charity, or a welfare rights adviser before your tribunal significantly increases your chances
✓You can request a copy of your assessment report, compare it to what the assessor wrote vs what you actually said

See our Mandatory Reconsideration guide and Benefits Appeals guide for step-by-step instructions on challenging a PIP decision.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does a PIP claim take?

There is no fixed timeframe, but most new PIP claims take between 16 and 26 weeks in 2026. This includes time for the assessment form to be returned, an assessment to be conducted, and a decision to be made. DWP publishes current average waiting times at gov.uk/pip. Claimants with terminal illness are fast-tracked and typically receive a decision within 4 weeks.

Will my PIP be backdated?

Yes. If you are awarded PIP, all payments are backdated to the date of your initial telephone call to DWP, not the date you returned your form or had your assessment. This means if your claim takes 6 months, you will receive 6 months of backdated PIP in one lump sum. This is why it is important to call to start your claim as early as possible.

What can I do if my PIP claim is taking too long?

You can call DWP on 0800 121 4433 to ask for a progress update. If your claim has exceeded the published average processing time, contact your MP and ask them to make an enquiry on your behalf, this often speeds up delayed claims significantly. Citizens Advice and disability charities can also help you chase a stalled claim.

Does PIP continue during a reassessment?

Yes. If you are on PIP and receive a renewal or reassessment form, your current payments continue throughout the review process, even if your original award period has ended. You will not lose payments while DWP is assessing your renewal claim.

How long does a PIP appeal take?

After a Mandatory Reconsideration, if you need to appeal to the First-tier Tribunal, the wait for a tribunal hearing is typically 6 to 12 months. However, many cases are resolved before the tribunal date through a DWP submission changing their position. You continue to receive your existing PIP award (or reduced award) while your appeal is pending.

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