How to contact the PIP helpline

ByThiago SF

Whether you want to start a new Personal Independence Payment (PIP) claim, ask about an existing one, or report a change in circumstances, knowing how to contact the PIP helpline can save you time, stress, and confusion.

Below, you’ll find the official contact numbers, hours, and alternative ways to reach the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) — including tips to make your call smoother and more effective.

1️⃣ Main PIP Helpline — Existing Claims

If you already receive PIP or have sent your application, this is the main enquiry line:

📞 Telephone: 0800 121 4433
💬 Textphone: 0800 121 4493
📡 Relay UK: 18001 then 0800 121 4433

🕓 Opening hours: Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm

This line can help you with:

  • Checking the progress of a PIP claim.
  • Reporting changes in health, address, or circumstances.
  • Asking about payment dates or decision letters.
  • Updating bank details or requesting copies of documents.

It’s best to call early in the morning or just after 2pm to avoid peak waiting times.

2️⃣ For New PIP Claims

If you’re applying for PIP for the first time, there’s a separate helpline dedicated to new claims.

📞 Telephone (New Claims): 0800 917 2222
💬 Textphone: 0800 917 7777
📡 Relay UK: 18001 then 0800 917 2222

🕗 Opening hours: Monday to Friday, 8am to 5pm

During this call, a DWP adviser will ask for:

  • Your National Insurance number,
  • Date of birth,
  • Bank or building society details,
  • Doctor or healthcare professional information,
  • And details about any time spent abroad or in care.

Once completed, they’ll send you the PIP2 form (“How Your Disability Affects You”) to fill out.

3️⃣ For Northern Ireland

If you live in Northern Ireland, PIP is managed separately by the Department for Communities (DfC).

📞 PIP Centre – Northern Ireland: 0800 012 1573
💬 Textphone (NI): 0800 587 0937

🕘 Opening hours: Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm

Address for correspondence (if needed):

Personal Independence Payment Centre
Mail Opening Unit
PO Box 42
Limavady
BT49 4AN

You can also visit the official page at nidirect.gov.uk.

4️⃣ For Health Assessment Enquiries

If your question is about your PIP health assessment, such as scheduling, cancellations, or evidence updates, you should contact the DWP’s medical partners directly.

Depending on where you live, the provider could be Capita, IAS (Atos), or Maximus.

For most assessment-related questions:

📞 Health Assessment Advisory Service (Maximus): 0800 008 3073

Visit haas.maximusuk.co.uk/contact-maximus for location-specific details.

5️⃣ Accessibility Options and Alternatives

The DWP offers multiple accessibility options to ensure that everyone can reach the PIP helpline:

♿ Textphone — For people who can’t use a standard phone.
🔄 Relay UK — Type and read conversations via 18001 followed by the main number.
🗣️ Someone calling on your behalf — You can authorise another person to speak for you.
🌐 Written requests — You can send letters to the address listed on your most recent PIP correspondence.

If English isn’t your first language, the DWP can arrange interpreters during calls.

6️⃣ Tips to Get Through Faster

⏰ Call early: The helpline is usually less busy between 9am–10am and 2pm–4pm.
📄 Have documents ready: National Insurance number, date of birth, and claim reference number.
🧘 Stay calm and polite: Advisors deal with thousands of calls daily — kindness helps speed things up.
📝 Take notes: Record who you spoke to, what was discussed, and any reference numbers provided.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1️⃣ What’s the main number for the PIP helpline?
The main line for existing claims is 0800 121 4433 (Mon–Fri, 9am–5pm).

2️⃣ Can someone else call for me?
Yes — as long as you authorise them to speak on your behalf during the call.

3️⃣ Are calls to the PIP helpline free?
Yes. All PIP helpline numbers starting with 0800 are free of charge from landlines and mobiles.

4️⃣ Can I contact PIP online instead of by phone?
There’s no full online system for enquiries yet, but you can check guidance and updates on GOV.UK.

5️⃣ What if I live in Northern Ireland?
Call 0800 012 1573 for the NI PIP Centre, which handles claims separately from the rest of the UK.

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