In DWP's latest statistics, a new PIP claim took a median of 18 weeks from registration to decision. This guide explains what happens at each stage, what the official figures say, and what you can do if your claim is taking too long.
Key points
✓The median new claim takes 18 weeks end to end, registration to decision (DWP, PIP statistics to July 2026)
✓Claims under the special rules for end of life took a median of 3 working days
✓You will continue to get PIP while an existing award is being reviewed
✓Your claim date is the day your phone claim is completed, not the day you send the form
✓If you need more time to return your form, contact the PIP enquiry line
PIP claim timescales, what to expect in 2026
DWP publishes how long claims take in its quarterly PIP statistics. For new claims under the normal rules:
Half of new claims are decided faster than 18 weeks and half slower
The median end to end clearance time was 18 weeks in July 2026, up from 15 weeks a year earlier (DWP, PIP statistics to July 2026)
From referral to the assessment provider to a decision, the median was 12 weeks in July 2026, up from 10 weeks a year earlier
Claims under the special rules for end of life: a median of 3 working days from registration to decision
Your claim date is the day your phone claim is completed, not the date you send your form
The PIP claim process, stage by stage
1
Stage 1: Phone call to start your claim
Call the PIP new claims line on 0800 917 2222 and answer some basic questions about you and your disability or condition. For a phone claim, your claim date is the date the phone claim is properly completed.
2
Stage 2: The 'How your disability affects you' form
If you applied by phone you can usually complete the form online, using a link emailed to you after the call, or by post, when you'll usually receive the form within 2 weeks. You should return it within 1 month. Contact the PIP enquiry line if you need more time. Include supporting documents if you have them, such as prescription lists, care plans, or information from your doctor.
3
Stage 3: Assessment
You might be invited to an assessment with a health professional if more information is needed. The assessment can take place at an assessment centre, at your home, over the phone or by video call. Most PIP consultations are by telephone (83% in July 2026), with 15% face to face and 3% by video, and in October 2025 the government announced a target for 30% of PIP and WCA consultations to be face to face. An assessment usually takes 1 hour.
4
Stage 4: Assessment report
You can ask DWP for a copy of your report.
5
Stage 5: Decision letter
You get a letter that tells you whether you will get PIP. If you're eligible, it also tells you the date of your first payment and how long until your claim is reviewed. A first award lasts between 9 months and 10 years, depending on whether your needs are likely to change. DWP's statistics say that since April 2026 most new awards to people aged 25 or over will be for 4 years with a review after 3 years.
What if my PIP claim is taking too long?
If your claim is taking a long time, these are the routes the official guidance gives you:
Call the PIP enquiry line on 0800 121 4433 if you have questions about your claim
If you need more time to return your form, contact the PIP enquiry line
DWP's complaints procedure says you can complain if there were unreasonable delays or you have not been kept informed
If you need help understanding or applying for PIP, you can get help from Citizens Advice
You can read Citizens Advice's help on filling in the form and on preparing for an assessment.
Does PIP get backdated to when I called?
The date that matters is your claim date. For a phone claim, the law sets it as the date the phone claim is properly completed, not the date you return the ‘How your disability affects you’ form or have your assessment. This means:
The prescribed date for a new claim is the date of the claim or, if later, the earliest date from which it is likely you would have been found to have limited or severely limited ability at every time in the previous 3 months (regulation 14)
PIP is not means-tested: the amount you get is not affected by your income or savings
You should return the form within 1 month. If you fail without good reason to provide the information or evidence requested, a negative determination must be made, so contact the PIP enquiry line if you need more time.
PIP renewal and reassessment timescales
Your award letter tells you when your claim will end and whether it will be reviewed. When it is reviewed:
You will continue to get PIP while your claim is being reviewed
You'll get a letter asking you to fill in a form called 'Personal Independence Payment Review' (the AR1), and you'll need to return it within 1 month
Contact the PIP enquiry line if you need more time
Your PIP might be increased, reduced or stopped if your needs have changed
People with an ongoing award get a light touch review after 10 years
If your condition has got worse, the review is a chance to say so. You must also tell DWP straight away if there is a change in how your condition affects you, whether it is better or worse.
Terminal illness and fast-tracking
If a medical professional has said you might have 12 months or less to live, you can claim under the ‘special rules for end of life’:
Claims under the special rules took a median of 3 working days from registration to decision in DWP's statistics to July 2026
You'll get the higher daily living part
Whether you get the mobility part, and at which rate, depends on your needs
You can claim for yourself or someone else can do it for you, by calling the PIP claims line and asking to start a special rules claim
Ask a medical professional for form SR1: they either fill it in and give it to you or send it directly to DWP
✗No: You will not need to go to a face-to-face assessment
What if I am refused PIP or awarded less than expected?
If you disagree with a decision about your PIP claim, you can challenge it by asking for mandatory reconsideration. In April to June 2026, 67% of PIP decisions decided at a tribunal hearing were overturned in the claimant's favour.
Step 1: Ask for a Mandatory Reconsideration (MR), usually within one month of the date of the decision
Step 2: If you still disagree, appeal to the tribunal, usually within one month of the date of your mandatory reconsideration notice
The tribunal is independent of government
If you need help understanding or applying for PIP, you can get help from Citizens Advice
You can ask DWP for a copy of your assessment report
In DWP's statistics to July 2026, the median time from referral to the assessment provider to a decision was 12 weeks for new claims under the normal rules, and 18 weeks from registration to decision. Claims under the special rules for end of life took a median of 3 working days.
What can I do if my PIP claim is taking too long?
You can call the PIP enquiry line on 0800 121 4433 if you have questions about your claim, and contact it if you need more time to return your form. DWP's complaints procedure says you can complain if there were unreasonable delays. If you need help understanding or applying for PIP, you can get help from Citizens Advice.
Does PIP continue during a reassessment?
Yes. GOV.UK says you will continue to get PIP while your claim is being reviewed. You'll be sent a 'Personal Independence Payment Review' form to return within 1 month, and after the review your PIP might be increased, reduced or stopped.
How long does a PIP appeal take?
Across all social security and child support appeals decided by the tribunal in April to June 2026, the average (mean) age of a case was 37 weeks. Some PIP appeals end sooner: for initial PIP decisions made between April 2021 and March 2026, 17% of appeals lodged lapsed because DWP changed the decision in the claimant's favour before the hearing.
Know Your Rights UK. "How Long Does a PIP Claim Take? Timescales & What to Expect." Know Your Rights UK, https://www.knowyourrightsuk.com/benefits/pip/how-long