Benefit Sums

PIP deadlines calculator

Enter the dates printed on the letters you have so far. The calculator shows each deadline that applies and which date it runs from.

  • 2026/27 rates
  • Checked 25 October 2026
  • Sources linked below

Fill in only the dates you have. All three are printed near the top of each letter.

The date on the PIP2 form’s covering letter.

Your deadlines

2026/27 rates

Fill in the form to see your estimate.

An estimate only. The organisation that pays the benefit makes the decision.

The three PIP time limits

You have one month to return the PIP2 form, one month from the decision letter to ask for a mandatory reconsideration, and one month from the mandatory reconsideration notice to appeal to a tribunal. Each month runs from the date printed on the letter.

How this is calculated

The calculator adds one calendar month to each date. If the next month is shorter (for example 31 January plus one month), it uses the last day of that month. The latest late request for a mandatory reconsideration is 13 months after the decision.

Send things before the last day if you can. If you post a form, get proof of postage.

A typical PIP timeline

  1. You ring the DWP to start a claim. This date is when your PIP will start if you are awarded it.
  2. The DWP posts the PIP2 form. You have one month to send it back.
  3. An assessment provider may ask you to an assessment by phone, video or in person.
  4. A DWP decision maker reads the report and sends a decision letter.
  5. If you disagree, you ask for a mandatory reconsideration, then appeal to a tribunal if needed.

Common questions

How long after a PIP assessment do you get a decision?

There is no fixed time. Your assessor sends a report to the DWP, and a DWP decision maker then decides. Many people wait several weeks after the assessment. If you have heard nothing after about eight weeks, ring the PIP enquiry line and ask where your claim is.

How long do I have to send back the PIP form?

One month from the date the DWP sent the “How your disability affects you” form (PIP2). If you need more time, ring the PIP enquiry line before the deadline and ask for an extension. Without a good reason for being late, your claim can be refused.

Can I ask for a mandatory reconsideration after one month?

Yes, up to 13 months after the decision, but only if you explain why you were late, for example because you were in hospital or someone close to you died. The DWP decides whether to accept it.

How long does a mandatory reconsideration take?

There is no legal time limit. When it is done you get a mandatory reconsideration notice. That notice starts the one-month time limit for appealing to a tribunal.

Is the deadline from the letter date or the day I got it?

From the date printed on the letter or notice, not the day it reached you. That is why the calculator asks for the date on the letter.

Sources

  1. Personal Independence Payment (GOV.UK)
  2. Challenge a benefit decision (mandatory reconsideration)

Written by the Benefit Sums editorial team. Review: independent review by a qualified welfare rights adviser is being arranged. Until then, every figure on this page links to its official source above.

Last checked 25 October 2026. Read how we calculate and our disclaimer. Spotted a mistake? Report a problem with this page.