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What a DWP PIP award / decision letter means

A Personal Independence Payment (PIP) decision letter from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) tells you whether you qualify, which components you get, how much, and for how long. If you disagree, you usually ask for a mandatory reconsideration before any tribunal appeal. Always check the dates and figures on your letter.

General information only — not legal or financial advice, and not a substitute for a benefits adviser. For free help, contact Citizens Advice or read GOV.UK — Personal Independence Payment (PIP), how much you’ll get, and mandatory reconsideration.

In plain English

PIP has two parts: daily living and mobility. You may get one, both, or neither. Each part has a standard (lower) or enhanced (higher) weekly rate. PIP is usually paid every four weeks. Your decision letter should say whether you qualify and set out the award details.

• Awarded: the letter typically shows which components, the weekly amounts, the first payment date, usual payday, how long the award lasts, and when it may be reviewed.
• Not awarded / lower than expected: the letter should explain the decision. You can usually ask DWP to look at it again (mandatory reconsideration).

Current published weekly rates change over time — check GOV.UK — How much you’ll get rather than relying on memory or older letters.

What the amounts and dates usually mean

1. Weekly rate(s): daily living and/or mobility at standard or enhanced rate.
2. First payment / regular payday: when money should reach your account (bank holidays can bring payment forward).
3. Award length / review: how long the award is for and whether DWP will review it. First awards are often between about 9 months and 10 years depending on whether needs are likely to change (see GOV.UK).
4. Decision date: important for challenge deadlines.

Mandatory reconsideration — basics

If you disagree with the decision, you can ask DWP for a mandatory reconsideration. It is free. You usually need to ask within one month of the date on the decision letter (later requests need a good reason). You can phone, write, or use the form linked from GOV.UK — Mandatory reconsideration.

• Say which parts of the decision are wrong and why.
• Send new supporting evidence you have not already provided (for example medical reports).
• Keep copies of everything you send.
• DWP will send a mandatory reconsideration notice. If you still disagree, you can normally appeal to an independent tribunal within one month of that notice.

What to do next

• Read the whole letter — award, rates, dates and how to challenge.
• Diary the mandatory reconsideration deadline if you may disagree.
• Compare the decision with your “How your disability affects you” form and any assessment report.
• Tell DWP promptly about changes in your condition or circumstances.
• Get free help from Citizens Advice if you are unsure about challenging a decision.

Reply sketch (edit before you send)

[PIP / DWP address from your decision letter]

Date: [today’s date]

National Insurance number: [NI number]
Name: [full name]
Date of decision: [date on letter]

Dear Sir or Madam,

I am writing to ask for a mandatory reconsideration of the Personal Independence Payment decision dated [date].

I disagree with [daily living / mobility / both / the award length] because [brief reasons linked to how your condition affects you].

I enclose / will send: [list any new evidence].

Please confirm you have received this request and send me the mandatory reconsideration notice when ready.

Yours faithfully,
[Your name]
[Address / phone]

Common mistakes

• Missing the one-month window to ask for mandatory reconsideration.
• Sending only general condition factsheets instead of evidence about your difficulties.
• Assuming payment has started without checking the first payment date on the letter.
• Not keeping the decision letter — you need it (and later the MR notice) for any appeal.

Free help

• GOV.UK — Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
• GOV.UK — How much you’ll get
• GOV.UK — After you’ve applied
• GOV.UK — Mandatory reconsideration
• Citizens Advice — PIP

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