The PIP review form (AR1)
The AR1 is the form DWP sends when it reviews a PIP award. It asks whether your needs have changed since your last assessment, activity by activity: the same, worse, better or varying. Send it back by the date on the letter. Say what's true now, with examples. It's a normal check, not a sign anything is wrong.
DWP's award review form. Say what's the same, worse or better for each activity, and send it back on time.
In this guide
In short
- A review is a normal part of most PIP awards.
- Send the form back by the date on the letter that comes with it.
- For each activity, say whether it's the same, worse, better or varies, with a real example.
- Don't just write 'no change': say what your day is still like.
For each activity, say what's the same and what's changed. The helper writes it out in plain words, ready to copy.
Why you've been sent it
Most PIP awards are reviewed. DWP writes before an award is due to end or be checked, and sends the AR1 form, 'Award review'. It's a routine check that your award still matches your needs.
A review can keep your award the same, increase it, reduce it or stop it. What decides that is what you tell DWP and any evidence.
When to send it back
The letter with the form gives the date to send it back by. Write that date down. If you need longer, ring the PIP enquiry line on 0800 121 4433 before the date and ask.
Keep a copy of everything you send.
What the form asks
The AR1 goes through the same 12 activities as the PIP2 claim form, from preparing food to moving around. For each one it asks whether things have changed since your last assessment.
It also asks about your conditions, medication, treatments and the health professionals who support you now.
How to answer each activity
- The same. Don't just tick 'no change'. Describe what your day is still like, with a recent example. The person reading it may not have your last form.
- Worse. Say what's changed, since when, and what happens now.
- Better. Be honest, and say what's still hard. Better doesn't always mean easy.
- It varies. Say what a typical day and a bad day are like, and how often bad days happen.
DWP looks at what's true on more than half of days. See the PIP descriptors guide for what each activity covers.
Evidence to send
Send copies of anything recent that shows how your condition affects you: a letter from a GP or specialist, a care plan, a new diagnosis, or a change in medication. Send copies, not originals. See what to send with your PIP form.
What happens next
DWP may ask you to an assessment, or decide on the form and evidence. You'll get a decision letter. If you think it's wrong, you usually have one month from the date on it to ask DWP to look again. See mandatory reconsideration.
Common questions
What is the AR1 form?
It's the PIP 'Award review' form. DWP sends it to check whether your needs have changed since your award was decided.
How long do I have to return my PIP review form?
The date is on the letter that comes with the form. If you need longer, ring the PIP enquiry line on 0800 121 4433 before that date.
What if nothing has changed?
Say so, but still describe what your day is like now, with a recent example. A bare 'no change' gives DWP little to go on.
Can a PIP review reduce my award?
It can go either way. DWP looks again at your needs now, so the award can stay the same, go up, go down or stop.
Will I need another assessment?
Maybe. Some reviews are decided on the form and evidence. Others include an assessment by phone, video or in person.
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: when your claim is reviewed - GOV.UK - checked 27 September 2026
- Example PIP review form (AR1 and AR2) - GOV.UK - checked 27 September 2026