PIP Review Assessment - How to Prepare

Not all PIP reviews require an assessment, but if you are invited for one (phone, video, or face-to-face), preparation is key. The assessment covers the same 12 activities as a new claim. Here is how to prepare.

Will I Definitely Need an Assessment?

Not necessarily. Many reviews are decided on paper without an assessment, especially if your condition is stable or has clearly worsened and your evidence is strong. However, if the DWP wants more information, they will invite you for an assessment. Most review assessments in 2026 are conducted by phone.

How Is It Different from My First Assessment?

The questions are the same, but the assessor will also ask about changes since your last assessment. They may ask: "Has anything improved since we last assessed you?" and "Has anything got worse?" Be honest, but lead with what has NOT improved or what has deteriorated.

Key Preparation Steps

1. Re-read your original PIP2 form if you have a copy. The assessor may compare what you said then with what you say now. Be consistent about ongoing difficulties.

2. Note any changes since your last assessment: new conditions, new medications, worsened symptoms, new aids or equipment, increased help from others, stopped working, hospital admissions.

3. Prepare for each activity with notes about what you CANNOT do, what help you need, and what happens on worst days. Have these in front of you during the call.

4. Get someone to sit with you during the assessment. They can add information, prompt you if you forget things, and provide a witness account.

5. Record the assessment. You have the right to record it. Tell the assessor at the start. This protects you if the report does not match what you said.

Questions to Expect

For each of the 12 activities:

• "Can you [do this activity]?"
• "How do you manage this on a daily basis?"
• "Has this changed since your last assessment?"
• "What happens on a bad day?"
• "Does anyone help you with this? Who and how often?"
• "Do you use any aids or equipment?"

Critical Reminders

Describe your worst days. If you say "I can usually manage," the assessor writes that you can do it. Say "on most days I cannot do this because..."

Don't demonstrate ability. If the assessor asks "can you lift your arm?" don't push through the pain to show you can. If it hurts, say "I can force it but it causes significant pain and I would not be able to use the arm afterwards."

Mention medication side effects. Drowsiness, nausea, brain fog, dizziness from medication all affect your daily activities and should be described.