Personal Independence Payment (PIP) claimants may be invited for reassessment to verify ongoing entitlement, but many are unclear about what actually triggers a review. Most PIP awards are not permanent and come with a set review period, ranging from nine months to up to ten years for a 'light touch' review, depending on the likelihood of change in the claimant's condition.
What Triggers a PIP Reassessment?
The most common trigger is a change in health condition. If a condition improves, worsens, or a new diagnosis is received, claimants must report this to the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) as soon as possible, as it may lead to a review. Changes to daily living or mobility needs can also prompt reassessment, especially if they affect the level of support required.
Other triggers include:
- Moving into or out of a hospital or care home
- Spending extended time abroad
- Information received during routine checks or from other government departments
In some cases, reassessments may be part of wider reviews of claims.
How Often Do PIP Reviews Take Place?
Most claimants have a planned review at the end of their award period. Shorter awards, often given when a condition is expected to change, may be reviewed within one to two years. Longer awards can last five years or more, while some receive ongoing awards with a 'light touch' review after about ten years.
A 'light touch' review is typically awarded to claimants with very stable needs unlikely to change, high level needs that will stay the same or worsen, a planned award review date at or after State Pension age, or a special rule for end-of-life claims at State Pension age. Even with longer awards, claimants should not assume payments will continue unchanged, as reviews confirm the correct level of support.
What Happens During a Reassessment?
When a review is due, claimants usually receive a form asking if their condition or circumstances have changed. They may also be asked to attend another assessment, although decisions can sometimes be made using existing medical evidence. Following reassessment, payments can stay the same, increase, decrease, or stop altogether. Failing to report a relevant change could affect payments and may lead to overpayments that must be repaid.
To report a change of circumstances, contact the PIP enquiry line at 0800 121 4433, open from 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday. Full details on changes of circumstance for PIP claimants are available on GOV.UK.
