PIP Review: How Often Is Your Award Reviewed and How Long Does It Last?

PIP awards aren't permanent — but they've got longer

Fixed-term awards have a review date. When a fixed-term award is due for review, the DWP sends a Personal Independence Payment Review form (AR1) asking you to describe your current functional limitations. Ongoing awards have no end date and are intended for a light-touch review at the 10-year point, usually using the shorter AR2 form. The DWP decides whether to keep your award at the same rate, change it, or end it.

Understanding how award lengths work helps you plan ahead — and know what to expect when the review letter arrives.

How long does a PIP award last?

Award lengths vary based on your condition and its expected trajectory:

Fixed-term awards are the most common. These typically last 2 to 5 years for most new claimants. Since April 2026, most new awards to people aged 25 or older are for 4 years with a review after 3 years. Successful reviews result in a 6-year award with the next review after 5 years; the changes apply to the existing PIP caseload from 16 June 2026.

Ongoing awards (sometimes called indefinite awards) are given when a condition is unlikely to improve. These usually have a light-touch review at 10 years. A light-touch review is a shorter, simpler process than a full reassessment — the DWP may decide on the basis of a brief questionnaire without requiring a new assessment.

SREL awards (Special Rules for End of Life) are mostly short-term awards without a review. They end within a small number of years unless a new claim is submitted.

The decision letter tells you when your award ends and when you can expect the review to start. Reviews are typically initiated about a year before the award end date.

What happens at a review?

The review process mirrors the initial claim:

1. The DWP sends you the review form — AR1 for a fixed-term award, or AR2 for an ongoing award's 10-year light-touch review. It is similar to the PIP2 but asks about your current needs and what has changed.
2. You complete and return the form within the stated deadline
3. You can submit updated evidence — new medical reports, consultant letters, or a fresh symptom diary
4. You may be called for a new assessment (paper, telephone, video, or face-to-face)
5. A decision maker reviews everything and issues a new decision

Your award continues at the existing rate during the review process. Payments don't stop while you wait for the new decision.

Award extensions and review backlogs

You continue to receive PIP while your claim is being reviewed. This includes a review that takes longer than expected; your award does not stop while the review is in progress.

This is particularly relevant in 2026, when assessment provider backlogs have caused delays in some regions. If your award is approaching its end date and you haven't heard anything about a review, call the PIP enquiry line on 0800 121 4433 to check the status.

Can your award go down at review?

Yes. A review can result in your award being:

• Maintained at the same rate
• Increased if your condition has worsened
• Decreased if your condition has improved
• Ended if the decision maker finds you no longer meet the scoring thresholds

If your award is reduced or ended and you disagree, you have the same challenge rights as with an initial decision — mandatory reconsideration within one calendar month, followed by a tribunal appeal if needed.

Preparing for a review

Treat the AR1 like a fresh PIP2. Don't assume the DWP remembers what you wrote last time. Describe your current daily life in full, using the same approach: what happens when you attempt each activity, how often, what help you need, and what happens afterwards.

If your condition has worsened since the original award, make sure the evidence reflects this. If it's stable, your evidence and narrative should demonstrate that the limitations haven't improved.

Track your award dates

The PIP Claim Guide for England and Wales includes a claim timeline tracker that logs your award dates, review expectations, and key milestones — so the review letter doesn't catch you off guard when it arrives.

See more England and Wales guides →