Unassessed PIP Claimants DWP 2026: What to Do Now
Introduction: When Your PIP Claim Is Left in Limbo
If you are one of the thousands of unassessed PIP claimants in the DWP system, you are not alone. As of May 2026, around 300,000 cases were outstanding at some stage of the Personal Independence Payment Award Review process. Many of these claimants are waiting months — sometimes years — for a decision. This independent guide explains what it means to be an unassessed PIP claimant, why it happens, what you can do now, and how to challenge delays.
Quick answer: An unassessed PIP claimant is someone whose claim or award review has not yet been looked at by a DWP decision maker or healthcare professional. If your claim is in payment, it will usually continue while the review is outstanding. If you are waiting for a new claim decision, you may have to wait an average of 18 to 20 weeks for an outcome. You can ask the DWP for an update, but there is no fixed deadline for them to complete your case.
The situation is frustrating, but there are steps you can take. This guide explains your options.
What Does “Unassessed” Mean for PIP?
An unassessed PIP claim means the DWP has not yet made a decision on your entitlement. This can happen in two main situations:
1. New claim waiting for a decision. You have submitted your PIP2 form and any evidence, but no decision has been made. Your claim may be waiting for a healthcare professional assessment, or it may be sitting in a queue.
2. Award review outstanding. You already receive PIP, but your award is due for review. The DWP has not yet completed the review. In the meantime, your payments usually continue.
The DWP does not set or publish target wait times for PIP assessments. However, the department aims to process 75% of new claims within 75 working days (around 15 weeks). In practice, many claims take longer. As of early 2026, the average wait for a new PIP decision was 20 weeks — the highest in almost four years.
Our guide on PIP assessment waiting times has the latest averages.
Why Do PIP Claims Go Unassessed?
There is no single reason. Several factors have combined to create a backlog:
Staffing shortages. The DWP has struggled to recruit and retain enough healthcare professionals to carry out assessments.
Diverted resources. Staff have been moved to clear the reassessment backlog, which has slowed down new claim decisions.
Rising caseload. The number of people entitled to PIP reached 4.09 million by July 2026, up 7% in a year. More claims mean more work.
Paper-based delays. Many PIP claims still rely on paper forms. The DWP is piloting an online application process, but full rollout has been pushed back to 2029.
The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) has warned that delays risk pushing disabled people into debt and poverty.
If you are waiting for a decision and need urgent help, our guide on PIP and financial hardship may have useful pointers.
What to Do Now If Your Claim Is Unassessed
Step 1: Check Your Online Journal
If you have an online Universal Credit journal or PIP account, log in and check for any updates. The DWP should post messages there. If you do not have online access, you can call the PIP enquiry line to ask for an update. The number is on your decision letter or on GOV.UK [VERIFY: current PIP enquiry line number].
Step 2: Contact the DWP for a Status Update
You can call the PIP enquiry line to confirm your claim status. The DWP generally discourages this because staff cannot guarantee a decision date. However, if you have been waiting significantly longer than the average, it is reasonable to ask for an update.
When you call, ask:
Is my claim waiting for an assessment or a decision?
Has any evidence been received?
Is there anything I can do to speed things up?
Write down the date and time of the call, and the name of the person you spoke to.
Step 3: Send Additional Evidence
If you have new medical evidence — such as a letter from your GP, consultant or specialist — send it to the DWP. Clear, detailed evidence can sometimes allow a paper-based decision, avoiding the need for an assessment. Around a quarter of PIP assessments are paper-based.
Step 4: Ask Your MP for Help
Your local MP can contact the DWP on your behalf. This is called a constituency enquiry. It does not guarantee a faster decision, but it can sometimes prompt a response. You can find your MP’s contact details on the UK Parliament website.
Step 5: Get Free Advice
Citizens Advice, Disability Rights UK and local welfare rights services can help you understand your options. They can also help you draft letters or prepare for a mandatory reconsideration if your claim is eventually refused.
Documents You’ll Need
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Your PIP claim reference number
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Copies of any evidence you have sent to the DWP
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Dates and details of any phone calls with the DWP
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Your decision letter (if you have received one)
What Happens If Your Claim Is Finally Assessed?
When the DWP makes a decision, you will receive a decision letter by post. It will tell you:
Whether you have been awarded PIP
Which components you get (daily living, mobility, or both)
Which rate you get (standard or enhanced)
The number of points you scored
The date your award starts and how long it will last
If you are awarded PIP, your first payment is usually made shortly after the decision letter. Payments are made every four weeks.
If you are not awarded PIP, or you disagree with the amount, you can ask for a mandatory reconsideration. This is a formal review of the decision. You must usually ask within one month of the decision date.
Important: If you already receive PIP and your review results in a reduced award, you can also ask for a mandatory reconsideration. But be aware that the DWP will look at your whole award and could reduce it further or remove it entirely. Get advice before challenging a review decision.
Our guide on how to challenge a PIP decision explains the mandatory reconsideration and appeal process.
Common Mistakes That Delay Your Claim Further
Not returning forms on time. If the DWP sends you a review form (AR1) and you do not return it, your claim may be suspended or stopped. If you need more time, contact the DWP before the deadline.
Not reporting a change in circumstances. If your health condition gets worse (or better), you should tell the DWP. A change in circumstances triggers an unplanned review, which is prioritised alongside new claims.
Assuming nothing is happening. The DWP does not always send updates. Check your journal or call the enquiry line periodically.
Giving up after a refusal. Many PIP decisions are overturned at mandatory reconsideration or appeal. Do not assume the first decision is final.
Not keeping proof. Keep copies of everything you send to the DWP, and note down dates of phone calls. This can help if there is a dispute later.
Our guide on PIP review tips has more advice.
Who Can Help?
If you are struggling with an unassessed claim, these organisations can help:
Citizens Advice — free, independent advice on benefits and appeals
Disability Rights UK — information and guides for disabled people
Your local council’s welfare rights service — many councils offer free advice
Scope — helpline and online resources for disabled people and their families
Law Centre NI (Northern Ireland) — specialist advice on PIP and other benefits
In Scotland, the Scottish Government is replacing PIP with Adult Disability Payment. If you live in Scotland, you may be able to claim ADP instead of PIP [VERIFY: ADP rollout and eligibility rules]. In Northern Ireland, PIP is administered by the Department for Communities (DfC) rather than the DWP [VERIFY: DfC PIP review process].
Quick Summary Checklist
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Check your online journal or call the PIP enquiry line for an update
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Send any new medical evidence to the DWP
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Ask your MP for help if you have been waiting a long time
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Keep copies of all correspondence and note phone call dates
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If your claim is refused, ask for a mandatory reconsideration within one month
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Get free advice from Citizens Advice or Disability Rights UK
FAQs
How long does it take to get a PIP decision in 2026?
The average wait for a new PIP claim decision is around 20 weeks as of early 2026. Some claims take longer. Award reviews can take even longer, with some claimants waiting over a year.
Will my PIP payments stop if my review is unassessed?
No. The DWP has confirmed that all claims remain in payment while award reviews are in progress. If your review results in a higher award, it will be backdated as appropriate.
Can I get PIP without an assessment?
Yes. If you send enough clear medical evidence, the DWP may make a paper-based decision without an assessment. Around a quarter of PIP assessments are paper-based.
What is an unassessed PIP claimant?
An unassessed PIP claimant is someone whose claim or award review has not yet been looked at by a DWP decision maker or healthcare professional. This can happen with new claims or outstanding award reviews.
What can I do if my PIP claim is stuck?
Contact the PIP enquiry line for an update, send any new evidence, and ask your MP for help if you have been waiting a long time. Citizens Advice can also help you understand your options.
Conclusion
Being an unassessed PIP claimant is frustrating and worrying, especially if you are relying on the money. The DWP backlog stands at around 300,000 cases, and average waits for new claims are around 20 weeks. But your payments should continue if you already receive PIP, and there are steps you can take to push your claim forward.
Check your journal, send new evidence, and do not be afraid to ask for help. If your claim is eventually refused, remember that you have the right to a mandatory reconsideration. Many decisions are overturned at this stage.
If you need more information, our guides on PIP assessment waiting times and how to challenge a PIP decision can help you take the next step.
Disclaimer: This is an independent informational website. We are not affiliated with, endorsed by, or connected to the DWP, HMRC, any UK government body or local council. Information is for general guidance only and is not financial or legal advice. Always check GOV.UK for the latest official information.
[LAST CHECKED: 15 October 2026]