HomeNewsDWP Announces Changes to PIP Assessment Process
DWP Updates
20 March 2026

DWP Announces Changes to PIP Assessment Process

The Department for Work and Pensions has announced changes to how PIP assessments will be conducted, including more paper-based assessments and telephone reviews for certain claimants.

DWP PIP Assessment Changes — What You Need to Know

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has announced a series of changes to the PIP assessment process, which will affect both new claimants and those undergoing reviews.

Key Changes

1. More Paper-Based Assessments

The DWP has confirmed that more claimants will receive paper-based assessments rather than face-to-face or telephone assessments. This is particularly relevant for claimants with conditions that are well-documented in medical records.

2. Telephone and Video Assessments

Telephone and video assessments will continue to be available for claimants who find face-to-face assessments difficult due to their condition.

3. Longer Award Periods

The DWP has indicated that longer award periods will be given to claimants with stable, long-term conditions to reduce the frequency of reassessments.

What This Means for Claimants

If you are awaiting a PIP assessment, you may be contacted about the format of your assessment. You have the right to request a different format if the proposed one would be difficult for you due to your condition.

Challenging an Assessment Decision

If you disagree with your PIP assessment outcome, you have the right to request a Mandatory Reconsideration within one month of the decision. Use our letter generator [blocked] to create a personalised MR letter.

Further Information

We will continue to monitor these changes and update our guides accordingly. Visit our PIP guide [blocked] for full details on the assessment criteria.

Share:WhatsAppFacebookX
Get Updates by Email

Rate changes, DWP news, and tribunal rulings — free, weekly.