How to renew or review my PIP claim

ByThiago SF

If you receive Personal Independence Payment (PIP), it’s not a one-time award.

Every claim must be reviewed periodically to make sure you’re still getting the right support.

Knowing how to renew or review your PIP claim helps you avoid interruptions in payment — and ensures the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has the most accurate picture of your situation.

1️⃣ When and Why PIP Is Reviewed or Renewed

Your PIP award will either:

  • Have a fixed end date, or
  • Be ongoing (with a light-touch review every 10 years).

For fixed-term awards, DWP usually starts the review up to one year before your award ends.
You’ll get a letter and a review form called the AR1 – Personal Independence Payment Review Form.

This process allows DWP to check if:

  • Your condition or needs have changed.
  • The amount you receive still matches your daily challenges.
  • You still meet the eligibility criteria for PIP.

The goal isn’t to restart your claim — it’s to make sure your support stays fair and accurate.

2️⃣ The Review Form (AR1 or PIP Review Form)

The review form is your opportunity to update the DWP about your condition.

Here’s what typically happens:

  • You’ll receive the “Personal Independence Payment Review” form by post.
  • You must fill it in and return it within 4 weeks of the date on the letter.
  • If you can’t meet the deadline, you can call the PIP helpline to request more time.

📞 PIP Enquiry Line: 0800 121 4433
💬 Textphone: 0800 121 4493
🕗 Hours: Monday to Friday, 9am–5pm

Inside the form, you’ll find questions asking whether things have:

  • Got better ✅
  • Got worse ⚠️
  • Stayed the same ➖

If nothing has changed, write that clearly.
If your condition or circumstances have changed, explain how and include new medical evidence if possible.

3️⃣ Completing and Returning the Form

When filling in your AR1 review form:

🖋️ Use clear, honest language.
🗂️ Attach supporting evidence, such as:

  • Updated medical reports or letters.
  • Prescription lists.
  • Therapist or specialist notes.
  • Personal diaries showing how your condition affects your daily life.

📮 Return the form using the envelope provided.
You don’t need to send it by recorded delivery, but keeping proof of postage is recommended.

If you miss the deadline, your PIP payments might stop unless you contact DWP and they accept your explanation.

4️⃣ What Happens After You Send the Form

Once your form is received:

  • The DWP reviews your information and evidence.
  • They might contact you for more details or a new health assessment (in person, by phone, or video).
  • Your payments continue while the review is in progress — so there’s no gap in support.

After the review, you’ll receive a new decision letter explaining:

  • Whether your award is continuing, increasing, decreasing, or ending.

If you disagree with the new decision, you can request a Mandatory Reconsideration — the first stage of appeal.

5️⃣ What If You Don’t Receive a Review Form

If your PIP is ending soon and you haven’t heard from DWP, contact them to make sure your payments aren’t interrupted.

📞 PIP Helpline (existing claims): 0800 121 4433
🌐 Official portal: https://www.gov.uk/pip/when-your-pip-claim-is-reviewed

Since 2022, DWP has been automatically extending awards nearing expiry if reviews haven’t been completed on time.

Even so, always confirm directly — don’t wait until your payments stop.

6️⃣ Indefinite Awards and Light-Touch Reviews

If you’ve been granted an ongoing PIP award, it’s not reviewed every few years.
Instead, you’ll receive a light-touch review every 10 years.

This means:

  • You’ll get a short form to confirm your situation.
  • You won’t need a full reassessment unless something changes.

This applies mostly to people whose conditions are long-term, stable, or unlikely to improve.

7️⃣ Best Practices to Keep Your Claim Smooth

✅ Check your award end date early — it’s listed on your PIP decision letter.
✅ Keep copies of all forms and letters you send.
✅ Add new evidence if your health has changed.
✅ Contact DWP immediately if your form is delayed or lost.
✅ Seek help from Citizens Advice or a welfare adviser if you need support filling in the form.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1️⃣ How long before my PIP ends will I get the review form?
Usually up to one year before your award end date.

2️⃣ What form do I use to review my claim?
You’ll use the AR1 – Personal Independence Payment Review Form.

3️⃣ Will my payments stop during the review?
No — PIP continues while your review is processed, as long as you return the form on time.

4️⃣ What happens if I miss the review deadline?
Your payments might stop, but you can call DWP to request more time if you have a valid reason.

5️⃣ Can I submit additional medical evidence?
Yes. It’s highly recommended to include new or updated medical information when renewing or reviewing your claim.

Similar Posts