From 2 June 2026, the DWP can extend Personal Independence Payment (PIP) awards to a minimum of three years for new claims, up to five years at the next review, replacing the previous nine-month minimum. The change applies to claimants aged 25 and over in England and Wales. Existing claimants need do nothing. The Timms Review reports in autumn 2026 and does not change eligibility yet.
This page is for current or recent PIP claimants in England or Wales who want to know what the 2026 review changes mean for their award. If you live in Scotland, your benefit is Adult Disability Payment, administered by Social Security Scotland under separate rules. If you live in Northern Ireland, PIP is administered separately by the Department for Communities and these particular regulations do not extend to you. If you are under 25, your review schedule is not affected by this change. If you want help filling in the AR1 review form, the Citizens Advice form-help guide covers that. If you want the current weekly payment amounts, the GOV.UK PIP rates page is the official source.
PIP review changes at a glance: old rules vs new rules
| Element | Before 2 June 2026 | From 2 June 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| First PIP review (new claims, aged 25+) | As short as 9 months | Minimum 3 years |
| Second review (if still entitled) | Variable | Up to 5 years |
| Operational award lengths in practice | Variable | Reported as around 4 years then 6 years |
| Existing awards | Reviewed on original schedule | DWP can extend by written notice |
| Face-to-face assessments | Low share during remote-assessment era | Expected to rise to around 30% of assessments |
| Award extension during backlog | Ad-hoc 12-month extensions without clear statutory cover | Statutory power under the 2026 Amendment Regulations |
| Age threshold | No minimum | Applies to claimants aged 25 and over (under-25s excluded) |
| Geography | England and Wales | England and Wales (Scotland: Adult Disability Payment; Northern Ireland: separate process) |
| Timms Review | Reporting autumn 2026 | No change to eligibility yet |
What is changing to PIP review periods in 2026?
The DWP can now extend PIP award periods to reduce the number of unnecessary reassessments for claimants whose conditions are stable. The change applies to most new claims from 2 June 2026 and gives the DWP a new statutory power to lengthen existing fixed-term awards where it considers it necessary to safeguard the efficient administration of the benefit.
The new minimum review periods: 3 years, then up to 5 years
The new rule sets a minimum review period of three years for most new PIP claims made by claimants aged 25 and over, replacing the previous minimum interval of nine months. If a claimant continues to qualify at that first review, the next award can last up to five years. The statutory framework is the Universal Credit, Personal Independence Payment, Jobseeker’s Allowance and Employment and Support Allowance (Decisions and Appeals) (Amendment) Regulations 2026, which were made on 27 April 2026 and came into force on 2 June 2026, inserting a new regulation 22A into the 2013 Decisions and Appeals Regulations.
The three numerical anchors of the change are:
- Three years: the new minimum first review period for new claims.
- Five years: the maximum period before the second review, if entitlement continues.
- Nine months: the previous minimum review period the change replaces.
Operational reality: 4-year and 6-year awards in practice
The statutory minimums of 3 and 5 years are floors, not the standard. The DWP is reported to intend operationalising the new rules as around 4-year and then 6-year awards in practice, with reviews generally beginning about a year before the award ends. A claimant whose letter says “4 years” or “6 years” is on the new rules, not a separate change.
Face-to-face assessments rising
The DWP is also reported to be reversing the pandemic-era shift to remote assessments, with face-to-face PIP assessments expected to rise to around 30% of all assessments, up from a low base during the remote-assessment era. Telephone and video assessments remain available; claimants can request an alternative mode if a face-to-face appointment would be difficult.
Why the DWP changed the rules: most reviews result in no change
The justification for the change is in the DWP’s own statistics. According to DWP Stat-Xplore data for planned award reviews, taken as a five-year rolling average to January 2026 (as analysed by Benefits and Work), around 63% of claimants who had a planned award review received the same award as before, about 15% had it increased, around 6% had it decreased, and the remainder were disallowed. (The most recent quarter differs from the five-year average: the maintained share is higher, at roughly three-quarters or more, and the proportion of awards increased has fallen sharply.) The DWP’s stated rationale is that reassessing stable claimants creates stress without changing outcomes, and consumes healthcare-professional capacity needed for the Work Capability Assessment backlog.
The “maintained” figure is the policy lever behind the entire rule change. Without it, the new minimums read as arbitrary; with it, they read as the DWP correcting its own inefficiency.
Does the change apply to my existing PIP claim?
The new minimums and the extension power apply to most claimants aged 25 and over in England and Wales. Under-25s are excluded. Scotland operates a separate system under Adult Disability Payment, and Northern Ireland has its own separate process. If you already receive PIP and have not received a letter about your award, your review date is unchanged unless the DWP exercises its new power in your case.
New claimants aged 25 and over
New PIP claims made from 2 June 2026 by claimants aged 25 and over receive a minimum three-year first award. If the claimant continues to qualify at the three-year review, the next award can extend to five years.
Existing claimants: your review date stays unless the DWP writes to you
If you already receive PIP and have not been contacted by the DWP, your existing review date stands. The 2026 Amendment Regulations give the DWP a power to extend, not an automatic extension for everyone. If the DWP decides to extend your award, it will write to you with written confirmation. You do not need to contact the DWP, return a form, or take any other action.
If you have not received a letter from the DWP about your PIP award, your existing review date is unchanged. The new regulation is a power to extend, not an automatic extension.
Under-25s: why you are excluded
Claimants aged under 25 are not covered by the new rules. The DWP’s stated rationale is that younger people have a greater likelihood of improvement in health and functional ability over time, and that more frequent engagement with 16 to 24-year-olds provides opportunities to identify and offer appropriate employment support at an earlier stage. If you are under 25, your review schedule continues as before.
If you live in Scotland: Adult Disability Payment
PIP was replaced in Scotland by Adult Disability Payment, administered by Social Security Scotland under its own rules. The 2026 changes do not apply to Scottish claimants. If you live in Scotland, contact Social Security Scotland for your review schedule.
If you live in Northern Ireland
PIP in Northern Ireland is administered by the Department for Communities under separate Northern Ireland legislation. The 2026 Amendment Regulations extend to England and Wales only and do not apply in Northern Ireland. Any equivalent change in Northern Ireland would need to be made through its own regulations, which is not confirmed by these rules. Northern Ireland claimants should check their review position with the Department for Communities.
When did the PIP review changes start — and when do they apply to me?
The policy was announced on 18 December 2025, the regulations came into force on 2 June 2026, and the April 2026 payment uprating applied automatically from 6 April 2026.
18 December 2025: policy announced
The DWP announced the policy direction on 18 December 2025. This was the first official confirmation that minimum review periods would change.
2 June 2026: regulations in force
The Universal Credit, Personal Independence Payment, Jobseeker’s Allowance and Employment and Support Allowance (Decisions and Appeals) (Amendment) Regulations 2026 came into force on 2 June 2026. Because they are secondary legislation, they did not require a Parliamentary vote, and the Social Security Advisory Committee agreed they did not need to be referred to it.
April 2026: payment uprating already applied
PIP weekly payments were uprated by 3.8% from 6 April 2026. The increase applied automatically to existing awards; no claimant action was required. See the section “How much PIP will I get from April 2026?” below.
Will my PIP award be extended automatically?
Not automatically. The 2026 Amendment Regulations give the DWP a discretionary power to extend fixed-term PIP awards, not an automatic right. If your award is being extended, the DWP will write to you. You do not need to do anything. If your condition has worsened since your last award, you can act now without waiting for the review.
If your award is being extended, the DWP writes to you
The DWP has the power to extend your existing fixed-term award if it considers it necessary to safeguard the efficient administration of the benefit. If your award is being extended, you should receive written confirmation from the DWP. Keep the letter; it confirms the new review date. Your PIP payments continue throughout any extension.
What to do if your condition has worsened since your last PIP award
This is the question that matters most for some claimants. The extension of award periods is designed to reduce unnecessary reviews for people whose conditions are stable. It does not remove your right to request a review yourself if your needs have changed.
The Social Security Advisory Committee raised a specific concern: claimants who do not ask for a reassessment when their condition deteriorates may miss out on an increased award for even longer under the new rules. The DWP’s response was that it would strengthen communications.
This is the failure mode that was flagged during the committee’s consideration. The longer the cycle between reviews, the more important it is that you trigger a change yourself if your needs have genuinely changed.
A longer award means less paperwork if your condition is stable. The cost is that if your condition worsens, you may need to act yourself rather than waiting for the DWP to ask.
If your condition has worsened and you believe your award does not accurately reflect your current needs, report a change of circumstances now on 0800 121 4433. You do not have to wait for the extended review date.
Can I challenge an extension decision?
Yes. Extension decisions carry appeal rights on the same basis as other PIP decisions. If the DWP extends your award and you believe the extension is wrong, you can request a mandatory reconsideration and, if necessary, appeal to an independent tribunal.
Claimant action checklist
- Read the brown envelope carefully. Look for a letter stating your PIP award has been extended.
- If your award is being extended, do nothing. The DWP will continue payments and write to you.
- If your condition has worsened, report a change of circumstances now on 0800 121 4433 — do not wait for the extended review.
- If you receive an AR1 review form, return it within one month. Phone the PIP enquiry line if you need more time.
- Keep a copy of everything you send to the DWP, including your National Insurance number on every additional sheet.
What happens at my next PIP review?
Your next PIP review is the same procedural review as before — the change is when it happens, not what happens during it. You will receive a PIP review form (AR1), you will return it within one month, the DWP will decide whether an assessment is needed, and you will receive a decision letter.
The PIP review form (AR1): how it works
The PIP review form is called AR1. The DWP sends it up to a year before your current award ends, often several months ahead, because of internal processing time. You have one month to return it.
You should include with the form:
- Your prescription list (current copy, not originals).
- Your care plan, if you have one.
- Letters or reports from health professionals.
- Any other supporting evidence that shows how your condition affects your daily life.
Do not send original documents, appointment letters, or anything you have already sent to the DWP.
What the DWP text messages mean
Two standard DWP text messages arrive during a PIP review. They are worded the same for every claimant, because the DWP sends them automatically from its case-management system.
If you receive a text saying “Your PIP review is complete”, it means a decision has been made. Check your post for the decision letter; the text itself does not state the outcome.
If you receive a text saying “We still have your PIP forms”, it means your review is still in the queue. No action is required from you, and your PIP payments continue.
These texts arrive roughly every three months while the review is in the queue. The wording is generic by design — the DWP sends the same text to everyone in the system. The presence of the text does not mean anything has gone wrong with your claim.
How long does a PIP review take in 2026?
From returning your PIP review form (AR1) to receiving a decision can typically take several months, and during current backlogs many claimants report waits of up to a year. The DWP aims to decide within around 8 to 12 weeks after any required assessment, but current backlogs mean many claimants wait longer. Your existing PIP payments continue throughout the review.
Do not assume the DWP has forgotten you if you have not heard anything for several months. Payment continues throughout the review; silence is the default state, not a sign of trouble.
Why is my PIP review starting early, or taking so long?
Receiving the form well before your award end is normal — the DWP starts the review process months ahead because of internal processing time. If the review overshoots your award end date, the DWP can extend your existing award while it completes the review. If your review begins earlier than the standard window, this is usually backlog-related; the DWP is working through older cases.
Face-to-face, phone or video — which assessment will I have?
Four assessment modes are available: paper-based review (where evidence is sufficient), telephone, video, and face-to-face. The DWP aims to use the least disruptive mode that captures enough information. Face-to-face assessments are expected to rise to around 30% of all assessments. You can request an alternative mode if a face-to-face appointment would be difficult.
Can my PIP be stopped or reduced after a review?
Yes. A longer award period means less frequent reviews, not zero risk. On the DWP’s five-year rolling figures for planned reviews, around 6% result in the award being decreased and a further share are disallowed, while around 15% result in an increase. The risk is lower than many people fear, but it is not zero.
The possible outcomes and how often they happen
According to DWP Stat-Xplore data for planned PIP reviews (five-year rolling average to January 2026, as analysed by Benefits and Work), the aggregate outcomes are approximately:
| Outcome | DWP five-year rolling average (planned reviews) |
|---|---|
| Award maintained at same rate | ~63% |
| Award increased | ~15% |
| Award decreased | ~6% |
| Award disallowed | ~16% |
A separate Benefits and Work analysis, aggregated differently across review types, reports different headline figures (around 51% maintained, 19% increased, 9% decreased and 21% disallowed). The two sources tell slightly different stories because they measure different things — both are correct for what they measure. Treat all of these as a guide, not a promise, because outcomes vary sharply by the combination of award components held before the review.
What the disallowed figure actually means
The “disallowed” outcome includes claimants whose PIP award ended before they reached the assessment stage — most commonly because the review form was not returned within the deadline. Benefits and Work’s analysis indicates a meaningful share of claims end pre-assessment for this reason, including some claimants with enhanced awards of both components, and that the risk varies sharply by the combination of components held before the review — claimants on a single standard component appear noticeably more likely to lose their award than those on both components.
If your award is reduced: mandatory reconsideration
If your PIP award is reduced or stopped after a review, you have one calendar month from the date on the decision letter to request a mandatory reconsideration. You can do this by phoning 0800 121 4433 or by writing to the address on the letter. DWP statistics to January 2026 show that around 30% of mandatory reconsiderations that are cleared result in a changed award. If the mandatory reconsideration upholds the original decision, you can appeal to an independent tribunal.
If you receive a decision that reduces your award, you have one calendar month to request a mandatory reconsideration. After that window closes, the decision becomes final unless you can show special circumstances for the delay.
What is the Timms Review — and is it the same as the 2026 changes?
The 2026 changes are operational: they adjust when PIP reviews happen and how they are conducted. The Timms Review is about what PIP is for — who qualifies and what the eligibility criteria should be. The two are separate, and no eligibility changes will take effect until the Timms Review reports and any resulting legislation passes through Parliament.
Scope of the Timms Review
The Timms Review, chaired by Disability Minister Sir Stephen Timms, is examining the role of PIP, the eligibility criteria for the daily living and mobility components, the assessment process, and how PIP supports disabled people to achieve better health, higher living standards and greater independence. The review opened a Call for Evidence in 2026.
Timms vs the April/June 2026 operational changes
The April 2026 uprating, the new minimum review periods, and the 2 June 2026 extension power are operational changes. They do not alter who qualifies for PIP, how points are scored, or what the daily living and mobility descriptors are. The Timms Review is separately examining whether those eligibility criteria are correct, and is expected to report in autumn 2026.
If you are worried about what the Timms Review might mean for your award, nothing is changing to the eligibility rules yet, and will not until after the review is complete and any legislation passes through Parliament.
Reporting timeline and what happens after
The Timms Review is expected to report to Parliament in autumn 2026. Any changes to eligibility criteria would require primary legislation and would not take effect before that legislation passes. Until then, the existing eligibility rules, assessment process and payment rates remain in place.
How much PIP will I get from April 2026?
PIP weekly payments increased by 3.8% from 6 April 2026 in line with the annual uprating. The increase applied automatically to existing awards. For the full weekly rate table — daily living standard, daily living enhanced, mobility standard, mobility enhanced — see the GOV.UK PIP rates page.
The 3.8% uprating from April 2026
PIP weekly payments rose by 3.8% from 6 April 2026. The maximum weekly PIP payment is up to £194.60. The increase applied automatically; you do not need to contact the DWP, and no new claim is required.
Where to find full PIP rates
For the current weekly amounts at each rate — daily living standard rate, daily living enhanced rate, mobility standard rate, mobility enhanced rate — see the GOV.UK PIP rates page. This page covers the rule change, not the rates.
PIP review changes 2026: frequently asked questions
What is changing to PIP review periods from 2 June 2026?
From 2 June 2026, the DWP can extend Personal Independence Payment (PIP) awards to a minimum of three years for new claims and up to five years at the next review, replacing the previous nine-month minimum. The change applies to claimants aged 25 and over in England and Wales. The Timms Review reports separately in autumn 2026.
Will my existing PIP award be extended automatically?
The 2026 Amendment Regulations give the DWP a discretionary power to extend fixed-term awards — not an automatic right. If your award is being extended, you will receive written confirmation. You do not need to do anything. If your condition has worsened, you can report a change of circumstances on 0800 121 4433.
How long does a PIP review take in 2026?
From returning your PIP review form (AR1) to receiving a decision can take several months, and during backlogs many claimants wait up to a year. The DWP aims to decide within around 8 to 12 weeks after any assessment, but backlogs mean many claimants wait longer. Your existing PIP payments continue throughout the review.
Can my PIP be stopped or reduced after a review?
Yes. A longer award period means less frequent reviews, not zero risk. On the DWP’s five-year rolling figures, around 6% of planned reviews result in a reduction and a further share are disallowed, while around 15% result in an increase. You have one calendar month to request a mandatory reconsideration on 0800 121 4433 before the decision becomes final.
What is the difference between the 2026 PIP review changes and the Timms Review?
The 2026 changes are operational: when reviews happen and how they are conducted. The Timms Review is about what PIP is for — who qualifies and what the eligibility criteria should be. No eligibility changes take effect until the Timms Review reports in autumn 2026.
Do the new PIP review rules apply in Northern Ireland?
No. The 2026 Amendment Regulations extend to England and Wales only. PIP in Northern Ireland is administered separately by the Department for Communities under its own legislation, and an equivalent change there is not confirmed by these regulations. Northern Ireland claimants should check their position with the Department for Communities.