What does a PIP assessment letter mean?
A PIP assessment letter invites you to take part in a health assessment for Personal Independence Payment — usually a phone, video, or face-to-face appointment where an assessor asks how your condition affects daily living and getting around. Attending (or explaining why you cannot) is important, because missing it without good reason can stop your claim.
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A PIP assessment letter invites you to take part in a health assessment for Personal Independence Payment — usually a phone, video, or face-to-face appointment where an assessor asks how your condition affects daily living and getting around. Attending (or explaining why you cannot) is important, because missing it without good reason can stop your claim.
Last reviewed: July 2026 · Written in plain English, checked against gov.uk · Information only, not legal advice
PIP assessment letter: the essentials
- What it isAn invitation to a PIP health assessment
- FormatsPhone, video, or in person
- It assessesHow your condition affects daily living and mobility
- Must doAttend, or contact them if you cannot
- AfterDWP decides; you can challenge a wrong decision
What happens at a PIP assessment?
A health professional asks about how your condition or disability affects everyday activities — things like preparing food, washing, dressing, communicating, managing money, and moving around. It is not a medical examination in the usual sense; it is about function and difficulty, on your bad days as well as good. The assessor writes a report that goes to a DWP decision-maker, who decides whether you qualify and at what rate. You can have someone with you for support.
How do I prepare for a PIP assessment?
Read back over the information you gave in your PIP claim form and think about concrete examples: what happens when you try each activity, whether you can do it safely, repeatedly, and in reasonable time, and how it varies day to day. Have any supporting evidence to hand, such as letters from doctors or specialists. Be honest and specific rather than understating things — describing your worst and typical days accurately helps the assessor understand the real impact.
What if I cannot attend, or I disagree with the decision?
If you cannot attend the appointment, contact the assessment provider as soon as possible to rearrange — missing it without a good reason can lead to your claim being turned down. After the assessment, if you disagree with the DWP's decision, you can ask for a mandatory reconsideration within one month, and then appeal to a tribunal if needed. Many PIP decisions are changed on reconsideration or appeal, so a refusal is worth challenging if you believe it is wrong.
What happens if you ignore it?
Missing a PIP assessment without contacting the provider and giving a good reason will usually mean your claim is refused, so it is important either to attend or to rearrange in advance. If you are awarded less than you expected, or refused, ignoring the decision means losing money you may be entitled to — the route to challenge it (mandatory reconsideration within one month, then tribunal) exists precisely because assessments do not always get it right.
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See what your letter means — freeFrequently asked questions
Is a PIP assessment a medical examination?
Not in the usual sense. It focuses on how your condition affects daily activities and mobility, based on what you describe and any evidence, rather than diagnosing or treating you.
Can I bring someone with me?
Yes. You can have a friend, family member, or carer with you for support, and they can help you explain how your condition affects you.
What if my PIP claim is refused?
You can ask for a mandatory reconsideration within one month and then appeal to a tribunal. A large share of PIP decisions are changed on challenge.
Official sources & free help
For the full detail — and free, independent advice — see: