A PIP review can be terrifying - especially if you've heard stories of people losing their award. But with the right preparation, you can protect your score and even increase it. Many people actually score higher at review than their original claim because they understand the system better the second time around.
On a review or renewal? Three things that matter now
The review decides whether your award stays, rises, falls or stops. What helps depends on where you are.
How PIP Reviews Work
The DWP reviews PIP awards at set intervals - usually every 1-3 years, though some awards last longer. Since April 2026, most awards have longer gaps between reviews (3 to 5 years), and people whose needs are not expected to improve can get an ongoing award with only a light-touch review at 10 years.
When your review is due, the DWP will send you a form called AR1 (Award Review). This is essentially the same as the PIP2 form - it asks about all 12 activities and how your conditions affect your daily life. You have one month to return it.
After you return the form, you may be invited to a telephone or face-to-face assessment - or the DWP may make a decision based on your form alone (called a "paper-based review").
Why People Lose Points at Review
The most common reasons people lose PIP at review:
- They copy their old form - conditions change, and so should your descriptions. If you just repeat what you said last time, the assessor may think nothing has changed - or worse, that you've improved
- They describe improvement - if you mention anything positive ("I've been doing some physio" or "I'm managing a bit better with my new medication"), the assessor focuses on this
- They're too brief - a review form needs just as much detail as a new claim. One sentence per activity isn't enough
- They forget new conditions - if you've developed new health problems since your last claim, they ALL need to be on the review form
- They focus on diagnosis, not impact - the same mistake as first-time claimants. "I have arthritis" scores nothing. How it affects you scores points
How much is YOUR PIP worth?
How to Prepare for Your Review
Start early. Don't wait until the form arrives. Begin preparing at least a month before your review date:
- Keep a diary for 2-4 weeks documenting your worst days - what you couldn't do, what help you needed, how long things took
- Get updated medical evidence - ask your GP for a letter describing how your conditions currently affect daily activities. If you have new conditions since your last claim, get these documented
- List ALL your conditions - not just the main one. Every condition, every symptom, every medication side effect. New conditions that have developed since your last claim are especially important
- Review your current award - check your decision letter to see what points you scored on each activity. Focus on activities where you scored 0 but actually have difficulties
- Think about what's changed - has your condition worsened? New symptoms? New medication with side effects? Do you need more help than before?
What to Write on the Review Form
The review form asks the same questions as the PIP2 - about all 12 daily living and mobility activities. For each activity, describe:
- What you cannot do on the majority of days
- Why - linked to your specific conditions
- What help you need from another person
- What happens on your worst days and how often
- What aids you use and whether they're enough
The key difference from a new claim: you should also mention anything that has worsened since your last assessment. New symptoms, new conditions, increased frequency of bad days - all of this strengthens your case for maintaining or increasing your award.
If Your Condition Has Worsened
If your health has declined since your last claim, your review is an opportunity to score higher. Make sure you clearly describe what has changed, with specific examples and evidence. Don't be modest - if things are worse, say so clearly.
You can also request a supersession at any time (not just at review) if your condition has significantly worsened. This is a separate process from the scheduled review.
If You Lose Points at Review
If your review results in a lower award or your PIP being stopped, you have the right to request a Mandatory Reconsideration within one month. For review and change of circumstances decisions made between April 2021 and March 2026, DWP figures show 26% of completed MRs changed the award. If that fails, you can appeal to tribunal, where 79% of those review decisions heard at a hearing were overturned in the claimant's favour (DWP PIP statistics to July 2026).
While the MR is decided, your PIP is paid at the new rate in your decision, not the old one. If the MR or an appeal succeeds, the difference is paid back.
2026 Changes Affecting Reviews
From April 2026, several changes affect reviews:
- Longer review periods - most new awards to people aged 25 or over now run for 4 years with the review after 3, and an award after a successful review runs for 6 years with the review after 5. Existing awards moved to this from 16 June 2026
- Fewer reassessments proposed - the Timms Review's draft recommendations (September 2026) propose ending award reviews for lifelong or degenerative conditions where no improvement is expected. This is not a rule yet
- The "4-point rule" was scrapped (Clause 5 of the UC and PIP Bill, removed on 1 July 2025). No new single-activity threshold applies at review. Existing scoring continues. Any future criteria changes would come from the Timms Review, reporting Autumn 2026, and would need new legislation after that
Frequently Asked Questions
When does the review form arrive?
Usually 9-15 months before your award end date. You have 1 month to return it. If you need more time, call the PIP enquiry line on 0800 121 4433.
Will my payments continue during the review?
Yes. Existing payments continue until new decision. Even if review extends past your award end date, payments continue without gap.
How long does the review take?
Typically 8-16 weeks for paper-based review, 16-26 weeks if assessment required. Some cases over 6 months.
Can my award increase at review?
Yes. If your condition has worsened, request higher rate. Many people go from standard to enhanced at review by describing deterioration properly.
What if I miss the deadline?
Call DWP immediately. Extensions usually granted with reason. Missing deadline without contact can lead to claim closure.
Should I get help with the review?
Yes recommended. Citizens Advice, Macmillan, MIND and many disability charities help with reviews for free. Better outcomes typical with professional support.
What if assessor visits or calls during review?
Treat exactly like new claim assessment. See our phone assessment and face-to-face guides for detailed preparation tips.
On a PIP review? See a free AR1-style answer
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