The letter DWP sends after your PIP claim, which GOV.UK calls your decision letter, tells you whether you'll get PIP and, if you do, the date of your first payment and how long until your claim is reviewed. It also includes a written statement of the reasons for the decision. This guide explains what the letter tells you, how to get proof of your benefits from GOV.UK if you need it, and what a PIP award can make you eligible for.
Key points
✓The decision letter tells you the date of your first payment, how long you'll get PIP for, and when and if your claim will be reviewed.
✓A PIP decision letter includes a written statement of the reasons for the decision.
✓You can get proof of your PIP from GOV.UK's proof of benefits service, by download or by post (which can take up to a week).
✓The mobility part can make you eligible for a Blue Badge and a vehicle tax discount or exemption. Either part makes you eligible for a Disabled Persons Railcard.
✓If you disagree with the decision, ask for a mandatory reconsideration, usually within one month of the date on the letter.
What does your PIP award letter tell you?
GOV.UK says your decision letter tells you:
Whether you'll get PIP
The date of your first payment
What day of the week you'll usually be paid (PIP is usually paid every 4 weeks)
How long you'll get PIP for, and when and if your claim will be reviewed
A first award is between 9 months and 10 years, depending on whether your needs are likely to change. The letter also includes a written statement of the reasons for the decision. GOV.UK says the letter you got when your PIP was approved will tell you when your claim will end and if it will be reviewed.
Each part of PIP is scored separately. At least 8 points gives the standard rate and at least 12 points the enhanced rate, for daily living and for mobility. If your score is just below one of these, check it against our PIP descriptors and your assessment report.
How do I get a replacement PIP award letter?
If you have lost your award letter and need to show your entitlement to PIP, use GOV.UK's proof of benefits service. You can download the proof or have it posted, which can take up to one week, and you need a GOV.UK One Login. If you cannot use the service, contact the PIP helpline at the Disability Service Centre.
You need a GOV.UK One Login, and you can create one if you do not have one
If you have moved address and not told DWP, report the change first
✗No: You cannot use the service if you are an appointee, manage somebody else's benefits, or live outside the UK. Contact the PIP helpline at the Disability Service Centre instead
The service is at gov.uk/proof-benefits-state-pension. The PIP enquiry line is 0800 121 4433. In Northern Ireland, PIP existing claims and enquiries are on 0800 587 0932.
Which benefits can you get proof of from GOV.UK?
GOV.UK's proof of benefits service covers Attendance Allowance, Disability Living Allowance (DLA) for adults, Employment and Support Allowance (ESA), Income Support, Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA), Pension Credit, PIP and State Pension. For Universal Credit you sign in to your Universal Credit account, and for any other benefit you contact the benefit team directly.
Benefit
Where to get proof
PIP, Attendance Allowance, DLA for adults, ESA, Income Support, JSA, Pension Credit, State Pension
GOV.UK proof of benefits service, as a download or by post
✓Yes: Blue Badge (England): you are eligible if you get PIP because you cannot walk more than 50 metres, shown by 8 points or more in the moving around activity, or if you got 10 points for descriptor E of planning and following journeys. Other scores may still qualify, but not automatically
✓Yes: Vehicle tax: a 50% reduction with the PIP standard rate mobility part, or exemption with the enhanced rate mobility part
✓Yes: Motability: the higher mobility rate can make you eligible for a Motability Scheme vehicle
✓Yes: Disabled Persons Railcard: either part of PIP makes you eligible
✓Yes: Carer's Allowance: someone who cares for you may be able to get it if you get the PIP daily living part
✓Yes: Council Tax and local bus travel: you may be able to get a discount; contact your local council
✓Yes: Christmas Bonus: PIP is one of the benefits that qualifies for the one-off £10 payment
Scotland: GOV.UK says that if you live in Scotland you need to apply for Adult Disability Payment instead of PIP. See our Adult Disability Payment guide.
Ask for a mandatory reconsideration, usually within one month of the date on the letter
Ask DWP for a copy of your assessment report, which you have a right to see
If the reconsideration does not change the decision, appeal to the tribunal, usually within one month of the date of the mandatory reconsideration notice
In April to June 2026, 67% of PIP decisions cleared at a tribunal hearing were overturned in the claimant's favour. See our PIP appeal guide.
Use GOV.UK's proof of benefits service. You need a GOV.UK One Login, and you can download the proof or have it posted, which can take up to one week. Appointees and people living outside the UK cannot use the service and should contact the PIP helpline at the Disability Service Centre.
How do I get a replacement PIP award letter?
If you have lost your award letter and need to show you get PIP, use GOV.UK's proof of benefits service to download proof of your PIP or have it posted, which can take up to one week. You need a GOV.UK One Login. If you cannot use the service, for example because you are an appointee, contact the PIP helpline at the Disability Service Centre (PIP enquiry line: 0800 121 4433).
Can I use my PIP award letter for a Blue Badge?
In England you are eligible if you get PIP because you cannot walk more than 50 metres, shown by 8 points or more in the moving around activity, or if you got 10 points for descriptor E of planning and following journeys. With other scores you may still be eligible, but you do not qualify automatically and have to provide evidence.
Does PIP qualify me for Motability?
GOV.UK says the higher mobility rate of PIP can make you eligible for a Motability Scheme vehicle. The standard rate of the mobility part can get you a 50% reduction in vehicle tax, and the enhanced rate an exemption.
Know Your Rights UK. "PIP Award Letter 2026: What It Shows and Proof of Benefits." Know Your Rights UK, https://www.knowyourrightsuk.com/benefits/pip/pip-award-letter