Guides › Public Services › PIP Assessment: What Happens and How to Prepare
PIP Assessment: What Happens and How to Prepare
Your PIP assessment can be by phone, video, at an assessment centre or at your home, and usually lasts about an hour. You can have someone with you. You can ask for an audio recording, and DWP says audio is recorded unless you opt out. If you cannot attend, contact the provider straight away: if you miss it without a good reason your claim can be rejected.
At A Glance
Your Rights
What the rules say, with a link to the official source for each.
The Assessment
Where and How
The assessment can take place at an assessment centre, at your home, over the phone or by video call. It usually lasts about an hour and you may be asked to do some simple movements. You can attend with someone such as a friend or support worker. source
Recording
DWP says the audio is recorded, and you can opt out through your assessment provider. Citizens Advice says you can also make your own audio recording if you ask before the appointment, but video recording is not allowed. source
Home Visits
You might be offered a home visit or another location if the centre is more than 90 minutes away by public transport and you struggle to travel, or if your GP usually visits you at home. Ask the provider using the number on your letter. source
If You Cannot Attend
Contact your provider straight away. If you miss it without a good reason your claim may be rejected. You should have had at least 7 days' written notice of the appointment unless you agreed to less. source
Time Limits to Know
Miss a deadline and you can lose a right. Check the dates on your own paperwork.
- 7 daysWritten notice of the appointmentUnless you agreed to less
Steps to Take
Step 1 of 5
Read your form again before the assessment.
Step 2 of 5
Ask for a home visit or a phone assessment if travel is hard.
Step 3 of 5
Arrange for someone to come with you.
Step 4 of 5
Ask for an audio recording before the day.
Step 5 of 5
Describe your bad days and how long tasks take.
(Tap the numbers to reveal steps)
Where to Go If It Is Not Put Right
Your options, in order, and when each one applies.
PIP (GOV.UK)
New claims, the form and how to get more time.
Citizens Advice
Free, independent help with benefits, including challenges and appeals.
Good to Know
Small things that make your complaint stronger.
Do not try tasks you would not normally manage: the assessor may record that you can always do them.
Rules here are for England and Wales. Scotland has its own disability and carer benefits from Social Security Scotland, and Northern Ireland benefits are run through nidirect.
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Lead reviewer
Luke Marley
Founder and Lead Reviewer
Luke founded CPUK in 2026 after seeing how hard it is for ordinary people to get problems with companies put right. He oversees our guides and checks them against official sources.
Research by Katie Burt, Co-founder and Operations Lead (17 years in the care sector, including managing services for vulnerable adults), and the CPUK Research Team. Researched with AI-assisted research tools, then checked and corrected by our team.
Last checked: 15 October 2026. We are not paid by the companies we write about. Adverts never affect our guidance. Read our editorial policy.
Sources and official links
- gov.uk/pip/after-youve-applied Checked 15 October 2026
- citizensadvice.org.uk/benefits/sick-or-disabled-people-and-carers/pip/help-with-your-claim/your-assessment Checked 15 October 2026
- gov.uk/pip/how-to-claim Checked 8 October 2026