How Long Does It Take for PIP to Make a Decision?
Introduction: PIP Decision Waiting Times
If you have applied for Personal Independence Payment (PIP), you may be wondering: how long does it take for PIP to make a decision? The answer depends on several factors, including whether you need an assessment and how quickly evidence is gathered. This is an independent guide. We are not a government body.
Quick answer: The DWP aims to decide new PIP claims within 15 weeks of application. However, average waiting times have been rising. In 2026, the average wait for a new claim decision is around 18 to 20 weeks in Great Britain. Some claims take longer.
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: 10 October 2026]
Who can claim PIP?
You may be able to claim PIP if you are aged 16 or over and have not yet reached State Pension age. You must have a long-term physical or mental health condition or disability that affects your daily living or mobility needs.
You must normally live in England, Scotland or Wales. Northern Ireland has its own PIP system.
You must have lived in the UK for at least 2 of the last 3 years. [VERIFY: residency rules with GOV.UK].
You must be present in the UK when you claim.
Nation differences:
Scotland: New claims are for Adult Disability Payment (ADP), administered by Social Security Scotland, not the DWP. You cannot make a new PIP claim in Scotland.
Wales: PIP rules are the same as in England.
Northern Ireland: PIP is administered by the Department for Communities (DfC). The rules are similar, but decision times differ.
If you are already getting PIP and move to Scotland, your claim may be transferred to ADP. [VERIFY: transfer process with Social Security Scotland].
For more help, see our guide to PIP eligibility.
How long does a PIP decision take?
The DWP has a target to make decisions on 75% of new PIP claims within 15 weeks of application. This is about 75 working days.
However, performance has fallen short of this target. Key figures from official statistics:
The average (median) wait for a new PIP decision was 20 weeks as of January 2026, the highest in almost four years.
In the quarter to July 2026, the average time to process a new claim was 18 weeks, up from 15 weeks a year earlier.
Only 51% of new claims were completed within the 75-working-day target in 2024-25. Some applicants waited up to a year.
Key stages and typical times:
Registration to DWP receiving your form: Allow a few weeks for the form to arrive and be returned.
Form received to assessment: This varies. You may need a telephone, video, or face-to-face assessment with a health professional.
Assessment to decision: Once the assessment report is returned to the DWP, a decision maker reviews all evidence. This can take a few weeks to over a month.
Northern Ireland: The average (median) clearance time for a new PIP claim in May 2026 was 19 weeks.
Scotland (ADP): The average processing time for new ADP claims reached 86 working days (over 17 weeks) in July 2026.
Terminal illness (Special Rules): If you have a terminal illness, your claim is fast-tracked. In Great Britain, average clearance is around 5 working days under Special Rules. In Northern Ireland, it is around 2 weeks.
How to apply: step by step
Start your claim. You can claim PIP by phone. [VERIFY: current PIP claim phone number with GOV.UK]. In Scotland, apply for ADP through Social Security Scotland.
Complete the questionnaire. You will be sent a form asking how your condition affects your daily living and mobility. Return it by the deadline.
Gather supporting evidence. Send copies of letters from your GP, specialists, or carers that describe your needs.
Attend an assessment if asked. You may have a telephone, video, or face-to-face assessment. This is usually with a health professional.
Wait for the decision letter. The DWP will write to you with the outcome. If you are awarded PIP, the letter will explain your rates and payment dates.
Documents you’ll need
Your bank details (sort code and account number)
Details of your GP and any specialists
Information about your condition and how it affects you
Details of any medication you take
Contact details for anyone who helps care for you
For more help, see our guide to completing a PIP application.
Common mistakes that delay a PIP decision
Sending incomplete forms. Missing information means the DWP has to contact you, which adds weeks to the process.
Not sending supporting evidence. Without evidence from professionals, your claim may take longer to assess or be refused.
Missing your assessment appointment. If you do not attend and do not rearrange, your claim may be closed.
Not responding to requests for more information. The DWP may write to you asking for further details. Reply promptly.
Assuming the DWP will contact your GP. You are responsible for providing evidence. The DWP may not request it for you.
If your claim is delayed, you can contact the DWP for an update. [VERIFY: PIP enquiry phone number with GOV.UK].
If you are struggling with delays, see our guide to what to do if your PIP claim is delayed.
What happens after you apply?
If you are awarded PIP: You will receive a decision letter explaining your award. PIP is usually paid every four weeks in arrears. The first payment may take a few weeks after the decision.
If you are refused PIP: You can ask for a mandatory reconsideration (MR). This is a formal way to challenge the decision. You usually have one month from the date of the decision letter to ask. [VERIFY: exact deadline with GOV.UK].
Mandatory reconsideration times: The average clearance time for MRs was around 45 days for new claims.
If you are still unhappy after an MR: You may be able to appeal to an independent tribunal. [VERIFY: appeal process with GOV.UK].
Reviews of existing awards: If you are already getting PIP, your award may be reviewed. The median clearance time for award reviews was 20 weeks in 2025/26, down from 43 weeks the previous year.
For more help, see our guide to mandatory reconsideration.
Related support you might be missing
If you are waiting for a PIP decision, you may be able to get other help in the meantime.
Universal Credit: If you are on a low income or unable to work, you may be able to claim Universal Credit while waiting for PIP.
Council Tax Reduction: You may be able to get help with your Council Tax.
Carer’s Allowance: If someone cares for you for at least 35 hours a week, they may be able to claim Carer’s Allowance.
Blue Badge: If you have mobility problems, you may be able to apply for a Blue Badge. [VERIFY: eligibility with your council].
For more help, see our guide to benefits if you are disabled or have a health condition.
Quick summary checklist
DWP target: 15 weeks for 75% of new PIP claims.
Actual average: 18 to 20 weeks in 2026.
Northern Ireland: 19 weeks average.
Scotland (ADP): 86 working days average.
Terminal illness claims are fast-tracked.
Delays are common — provide evidence early to avoid hold-ups.
FAQs
How long does it take for PIP to make a decision?
The DWP aims to decide 75% of new claims within 15 weeks. In 2026, the average wait is around 18 to 20 weeks. Some claims take longer. The time depends on whether you need an assessment and how quickly evidence is provided.
Why is my PIP claim taking so long?
Delays can happen for several reasons. The DWP may be waiting for evidence, an assessment may be delayed, or there may be a backlog. In 2026, over 710,000 people were waiting for a PIP decision.
Can I speed up my PIP claim?
There is no guaranteed way to speed up a claim. However, you can help by returning your form promptly, providing supporting evidence early, and attending any assessment appointments. If you have a terminal illness, your claim is fast-tracked.
What can I do if my PIP decision is late?
If you have been waiting longer than expected, you can contact the DWP for an update. [VERIFY: PIP enquiry phone number with GOV.UK]. If you are struggling financially, you may be able to get other support while you wait.
How long does a mandatory reconsideration take?
The average clearance time for a mandatory reconsideration is around 45 days for new PIP claims. If you are still unhappy after the MR, you may be able to appeal to a tribunal. There are strict deadlines for both.
Conclusion
Waiting for a PIP decision can be stressful. The DWP aims to decide new claims within 15 weeks, but average waits in 2026 are closer to 18 to 20 weeks. To avoid unnecessary delays, return your form on time, provide evidence early, and attend any assessments. If your claim is refused, you have the right to ask for a mandatory reconsideration.
For more help, see our guides to PIP eligibility and mandatory reconsideration.