PIP Claim: How Long Does It Take from Start to Decision?

The median wait is 18 weeks — but each stage has its own timeline

As of the DWP's July 2026 statistics, the median clearance time for a normal-rules new PIP claim in England and Wales was 18 weeks from registration to decision. The time from assessment-provider referral to decision was about 12 weeks. These are medians — some claims take considerably longer, and there's regional variation depending on assessment provider backlogs.

Here's what each stage looks like.

Stage 1: The initial call (Day 1)

You call the DWP New Claims Line on 0800 917 2222. The agent completes the PIP1, collecting your basic details, National Insurance number, GP information, and bank account. This usually takes 20–40 minutes.

Your claim date is the date the telephone claim is properly completed. PIP cannot be backdated before this date, so don't delay the call waiting for medical records.

Stage 2: The PIP2 form (Weeks 1–6)

After the initial call, the DWP sends you the PIP2 questionnaire — "How your disability affects you." It typically arrives within two weeks by post, though you may also receive a link to complete it online.

You have one calendar month from the date of the request to return the completed form. This is the tightest deadline in the process and the one that causes the most stress.

What if you need more time? Call the PIP enquiry line on 0800 121 4433 before the deadline expires. The DWP can allow a longer period if they consider it reasonable — the regulations don't prescribe fixed extension increments. Explain why you need more time (worsening symptoms, waiting for evidence, difficulty completing the form because of your condition). Note the date, time, and the name of the person you spoke to.

If you don't return the form and don't have a good reason, the DWP must make a negative determination for the affected component.

Stage 3: Evidence gathering (Weeks 2–8)

Submit your evidence with or shortly after your PIP2. With your consent, the DWP may also ask your healthcare professionals for further information. This stage overlaps with the form-completion stage — there's no separate waiting period.

If you get new evidence after posting the form (a consultant letter arrives, an OT assessment is completed), send it to the DWP with your name and National Insurance number. Late evidence can still be considered before the decision.

Stage 4: The assessment (Weeks 6–14)

The DWP refers most claims to an independent assessment provider. You'll receive a notification with a date and format — paper review, telephone, video, or face-to-face. The assessment usually takes 1 hour.

After the assessment, the healthcare professional writes the PA4 report with recommended descriptor scores. You can request a copy of this report from the DWP (0800 121 4433) before the decision is made.

Stage 5: The decision (Weeks 14–20)

The DWP decision maker reviews your PIP2, evidence, and the PA4 report, then sends a written decision letter. The letter tells you:

• Whether you've been awarded PIP
• Your daily living and mobility component rates (Standard or Enhanced)
• The point score for each activity
• The reasons for the decision
• How long the award lasts
• Any arrears owed from the date of your claim, or from the later date your qualifying period was met

If you're awarded PIP, payments begin in four-weekly arrears. The first payment may include a lump sum of back pay from your claim date (or from the later date the three-month qualifying period was met).

What to do while you wait

The waiting period can feel endless. A few things you can do:

• Keep a symptom diary. A 2–4 week diary recording your daily difficulties and the help you need is useful evidence if the assessor hasn't already seen one.
• Gather additional evidence. If a new consultant appointment, OT report, or CPN assessment happens while your claim is pending, send a copy to the DWP.
• Note any changes. If your condition gets worse, call the PIP enquiry line and report the change.
• Chase if it's been too long. You can call 0800 121 4433 to ask for an update on where your claim is in the process.

Track every milestone

The PIP Claim Guide for England and Wales includes a claim timeline tracker where you can log each date — phone call, PIP2 posted, evidence sent, assessment attended, decision received — so nothing falls through the cracks during the wait.

See more England and Wales guides →