PIP Review Form - How to Fill It In (AR1 Guide 2026)

The PIP review form (AR1, sometimes called PIP2R) is sent to you before your award ends. It looks similar to the original PIP2 form and covers the same 12 activities. How you fill it in determines whether you keep your current award, get more, or lose everything. Here is how to get it right.

The Biggest Mistake: Writing "No Change"

Many people write "nothing has changed" or "same as before" on their review form. This is the single biggest mistake you can make. The decision maker reviewing your form may not have access to your original application. They are making a fresh decision based on what you write NOW. If you write "no change," they have nothing to work with and may reduce or remove your award.

Treat the review form as a completely new application. Describe every difficulty in full detail as if this is the first time anyone is reading about your conditions.

How to Fill In Each Section

Your conditions: List EVERY condition you have, including any new ones since your last assessment. If your existing conditions have worsened, say so explicitly: "My fibromyalgia has deteriorated since my last assessment. I now experience daily pain levels of 7-8/10 compared to 5-6/10 previously."

Medication and treatment: List every single medication, dosage, and frequency. Include over-the-counter medications, creams, inhalers, injections, and therapies. The length of this list demonstrates the complexity of managing your health.

The 12 activities: For each activity, describe:

• What you cannot do and why
• What help you need and from whom
• What happens on your worst days (with specific day counts)
• What aids or equipment you use
• Whether things have got worse, stayed the same, or (honestly) improved
• How the reliability criteria apply: can you do it safely, to an acceptable standard, repeatedly, and in a reasonable time?

What If Your Condition Has Got Worse?

The review is your chance to increase your award. If you now need more help than when you first claimed, describe the deterioration clearly. For example: "Since my last assessment, I have developed [new symptom]. I now require assistance with [activity] which I could previously manage independently. My medication has been increased from [old dose] to [new dose], which causes additional side effects including [list]."

What If Your Condition Is the Same?

Describe your current difficulties in the same detail you would for a new claim. "My condition remains unchanged" is not enough. Write: "I continue to experience [specific symptoms] on [X] days per week. I still require [specific help] from [person] with [specific activities]. My daily functioning has not improved."

Evidence for Your Review

Send fresh evidence with your review form. Old evidence from 3 years ago will not be enough. Get:

• A current GP letter describing your conditions NOW
• Recent consultant letters
• An updated statement from your carer or family member
• Any new diagnoses or referrals since your last assessment
• Recent prescription lists

Timeline

You will receive the review form approximately 9-15 months before your award end date. You have one month to return it, with a 2-week extension available if you call 0800 121 4433. Your current PIP payments continue throughout the review process until a new decision is made.

What Happens After You Send It Back?

The DWP will either make a decision based on your form and evidence (paper-based review) or invite you for an assessment. Paper-based reviews are increasingly common and usually mean your award continues at the same level. If you are called for an assessment, prepare as you would for a new claim.