Your PIP decision letter, explained
Your PIP decision letter says whether you've been awarded PIP, the rate for each part (daily living and mobility), when it starts and how long it lasts. It also gives the reasons, activity by activity. If you think it's wrong, you usually have one month from the date on the letter to ask DWP to look again.
It gives the award, each part's rate, how long it lasts and the reasons. You have one month to challenge it.
In this guide
In short
- Check the date on the letter first: the one-month limit runs from that date.
- The award has two parts: daily living and mobility, each at none, standard or enhanced.
- The reasons section shows what DWP decided for each activity.
- If something doesn't match your daily life, you can ask for a mandatory reconsideration.
Tell the helper what the letter says and what's really true. It writes the letter asking DWP to look again.
Start with the date on the letter
You usually need to ask for a mandatory reconsideration within one month of the date on your decision letter. Later requests may be accepted if you have a good reason.
The date that counts is the one printed on the letter, not the day it arrived. Write it down, and the date one month later, before you read anything else.
The award: two parts, three levels
PIP has two parts, decided separately:
- Daily living. Help with things like preparing food, washing, dressing, treatments, talking, reading, mixing with people and money.
- Mobility. Planning and following a journey, and moving around.
For each part the letter says one of three things: not awarded, the standard rate, or the enhanced rate. You can get one part, both, or neither. See PIP rates for 2026 to 2027 for what each rate pays.
When it starts and how long it lasts
If you're awarded PIP, the letter gives the date it starts and how long the award lasts. Awards are usually for a fixed period. Some are ongoing, with a light-touch review later.
Payment is usually backdated to the date your claim started, so the first payment can include money owed from before the decision. See PIP backdating.
The reasons, activity by activity
The letter explains what DWP decided for each of the 12 activities. For each one it picks the statement (called a descriptor) that it thinks best fits how you manage.
Read each one against your real life. Look for:
- an activity described as easier than it really is for you;
- help, aids or reminders you need that aren't mentioned;
- bad days left out, if they happen on more than half of days;
- something the assessor wrote that you didn't say.
You can also ask DWP for a copy of the assessment report the decision relied on.
If you think it's wrong
Ask DWP for a mandatory reconsideration. It's free, and you must do it before you can appeal to a tribunal. Say which activities are wrong and why, with real examples.
In the three months to July 2026, about 1 in 4 (26%) PIP mandatory reconsiderations led to a change in award. That's a general figure, not a forecast for any one claim.
If the reconsideration doesn't change the decision, you can appeal to an independent tribunal. See if reconsideration doesn't change the decision.
Common questions
How long do I have to challenge a PIP decision?
You usually need to ask for a mandatory reconsideration within one month of the date on the decision letter. A later request may be accepted if you have a good reason.
What does the enhanced rate mean on my letter?
It's the higher of the two rates for that part of PIP. Daily living and mobility are decided separately, so you might have the enhanced rate for one and the standard rate or nothing for the other.
Why was I awarded less than I expected?
The letter's reasons section shows what DWP decided for each activity. Compare each one with your real day. If something is missing or described as easier than it is, you can ask DWP to look again.
Can I get a copy of my PIP assessment report?
Yes. You can ask DWP for a copy of the assessment report. It shows what was recorded, which makes it easier to say exactly what's wrong.
Can a reconsideration lower my award?
DWP looks at the whole decision again, so it can change in either direction. Read the reasons carefully before you ask. If you're unsure, Citizens Advice can help at no cost.
Claiming is free
You can apply to DWP directly, and Citizens Advice can help at no cost. We're here if you'd rather do it yourself, at your own pace, any time, with no appointment to wait for.
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Sources
- Challenge a benefit decision (mandatory reconsideration) - GOV.UK - checked 27 September 2026
- PIP: after you've applied - GOV.UK - checked 27 September 2026
- DWP, Personal Independence Payment statistics to July 2026 - checked 27 September 2026