You may have general questions about PIP. Here are a selection of some commonly asked questions and answers to help you. Simply click on a question to see the answer.
Please contact the Department for Work and Pensions. You can find out more here.
It is useful to include the below information:
- Repeat prescription lists
- Carer’s diary or letter
- Recent reports or treatment plans from:
- GPs or consultants
- District nurses
- Occupational therapists
- Physiotherapists
- Social workers
- Learning disability support teams
- Family members who provide support or care
Please note: We do not have access to any medical records so it's important you send us any medical evidence you have including your current treatment and medication. The disability assessor may ask for this information in your assessment.
It is important that we fully understand how your health condition or disability affects you day-to-day. In order to do this, most people will need to have an assessment.
We are sometimes able to complete your assessment using the information in your ‘How your disability affects you’ form and any supporting information you sent to the DWP. If we are able to do this, we will not need to invite you for an assessment.
We have a specialist team who process terminal illness claims and you will not need to have an assessment. Your claim will also be handled quickly, usually within 2 days. If you have a DS1500, please submit this with your claim form.
If you would prefer to be assessed in a different way, please contact us as soon as possible so that we can discuss this with you.
Assessments usually take around an hour, although sometimes it can take a little longer so please allow for that.
We encourage you to bring a companion to your assessment. This could be a friend, family member, carer or support worker.
If you need a language translator or British Sign Language interpreter, please contact us straight away so that we can arrange this for you.
If you have any questions or concerns about your appointment or the assessment, please get in touch. There are also lots of organisations that can help and support you along the way, such as Citizens Advice or charities dealing with specific conditions.
We will never call you unexpectedly and ask for your bank details. If you are asked to provide your bank details over the phone and have any concerns, please abandon the call and contact us as soon as possible.
Your assessment report will be sent to the DWP as soon as possible after your assessment and you can request a copy from them.
A case manager at the DWP will make a decision on your claim. This will be based on the assessment report, your 'How your disability affects you' form, and any supporting information you have provided.
The DWP will send you a letter once they have made a decision on your claim.
You can ask for your case to be reconsidered. Details of how to do this will be in your decision letter from DWP.
We are responsible for arranging and carrying out face-to-face, telephone and video assessments. Please get in touch with us if you are unhappy with any part of our service. This helps us to understand what we are doing well and where we need to do things better.