PIP form deadline: how to ask for more time
You usually have 1 month to send back the PIP2 form, 'How your disability affects you'. The date is on the letter that comes with it. If you need longer, ring the PIP enquiry line on 0800 121 4433 before the deadline and ask. If you miss it without a good reason, your claim may be turned down.
You have 1 month. Ring 0800 121 4433 before the deadline if you need longer.
In this guide
In short
- The deadline is on the letter that comes with the form.
- Ask for more time before the deadline, not after.
- Ring the PIP enquiry line on 0800 121 4433, not the new claims line.
- Missed it? Send the form anyway, straight away, with the reason it's late.
Answer plain questions at your own pace. It saves as you go, and writes each answer ready to copy into the form.
When the form is due
After you start a claim, DWP sends the PIP2 form, 'How your disability affects you'. The PIP2 form comes on paper, or as a link to fill it in online after a phone claim.
You usually need to send it back within 1 month. The exact date is on the letter that comes with it. Post it in the envelope provided, and keep a copy of what you send.
How to ask for more time
Ring the PIP enquiry line on 0800 121 4433 before the deadline. This is the line for claims already started. The new claims line is for starting a claim.
Have your National Insurance number to hand. Say plainly why you need longer, for example:
- you've been in hospital or unwell;
- you're waiting for a letter from a doctor or specialist;
- you need someone to help you fill it in, and they can't until a later date.
Ask what new date you've been given, and write it down with the date and time of the call.
If you've already missed the deadline
Send the form as soon as you can, even if it's late. Include a short note saying why it's late. DWP can accept a late form if there's a good reason.
If your claim is turned down because the form was late, you can ask DWP to look at that decision again. Explain what happened in plain words.
Using the time you have
You don't need to finish the form in one sitting. It helps to:
- answer a few activities at a time, starting with the ones that matter most day to day;
- describe a typical day and a bad day, and how often bad days happen;
- send what you already have. You don't need new evidence to send the form, and DWP can ask for more later.
See how to fill in the PIP2 form and what to send with it.
Common questions
How long do I have to fill in the PIP form?
You usually have 1 month to send it back. The exact date is on the letter that comes with the form.
Can I get an extension on my PIP form?
You can ask. Ring the PIP enquiry line on 0800 121 4433 before the deadline and explain why you need longer. Write down the new date you're given.
What happens if I send my PIP form back late?
If there's no good reason, your claim may be turned down. Send it as soon as you can with a note explaining the delay. If the claim is turned down, you can ask DWP to look again.
Should I wait for medical evidence before sending the form?
Not if it would make you miss the deadline. Send the form on time with what you have, and ask for more time if a letter you need is on its way.
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
- PIP: how to claim - GOV.UK - checked 27 September 2026
- PIP: contact DWP - GOV.UK - checked 27 September 2026