PIP decision letters

PIP · England only

PIP decision letters explained

After your PIP assessment, you will receive a decision letter from the DWP. This page explains what the letter will tell you and what to do if you disagree.

We explain the system. We do not advise on individual cases.

What the decision letter contains

The DWP will write to you with their decision. The letter will tell you:

  • Whether you have been awarded PIP
  • Which components you qualify for (daily living, mobility or both)
  • Which rate you have been awarded (standard or enhanced)
  • How many points were awarded for each activity
  • The period of the award
  • Your right to challenge the decision and how to do it

Reading the points breakdown

The letter will show how many points you scored for each of the daily living and mobility activities. This is useful if you think the decision is wrong — you can compare what you were awarded with what you believe you should have scored based on the descriptors.

Award periods

PIP awards are made for a fixed period or as an ongoing award with a planned review date. The letter will explain when your award will be reviewed. You should continue to receive PIP until the review date, even if your condition changes, unless you report a change of circumstances.

If you disagree with the decision

If you think the decision is wrong, you have the right to challenge it. The first step is usually to request a mandatory reconsideration — you must normally do this within one month of the decision letter date. See our mandatory reconsideration page for more information.

Keep your decision letter safe. You will need it if you challenge the decision or if your circumstances change.

Official source

For information on challenging a decision: GOV.UK — Mandatory reconsideration

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Last reviewed: June 2026. We review this website regularly. Benefit rules and amounts can change — for current forms, deadlines and rates, always check GOV.UK. See how we keep this up to date.