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Free PIP assessment checklist · 2026PIP assessment checklist: be ready on the day.
Everything to do before, during and after your PIP assessment, in one list you can tick off. It shows the right steps for a phone, video or face-to-face assessment, and is updated for the 2026 recording rules.
- 5 stages, matched to a phone, video or face-to-face assessment
- Your ticks save as you go, and it prints cleanly
- Written by a team led by a former DWP decision maker
Last reviewed
Your PIP assessment checklist
Choose your assessment type, then tick things off as you go. Section 4 is the one to keep in front of you on the day.
A week before
Gather your documents
The day before and on the day
During the assessment
Afterwards
Your ticks are saved on this device only. Nothing is sent to us.
Three things to know this year.
Recording is now automatic
Since 29 June 2026, phone and face-to-face PIP assessments are audio recorded as standard. You can opt out. If you also want your own recording, tell the assessment provider before the day.
More face-to-face assessments
The DWP is moving 30% of PIP assessments to face-to-face from April 2026, up from about 6%. Check your letter for the type.
The rules haven’t changed
The proposed ‘4-point rule’ was dropped in July 2025. Your assessment uses the same 12 activities and points as before.
Go in prepared, not nervous.
The checklist gets you organised. These help you say the right things.
PIP Assessment Preparation Workbook
This checklist covers what to do. The workbook helps you say it: 28 pages you fill in and take with you, written from the PIP rules.
- A worksheet for each of the 12 activities: the question the assessor is really asking, and the trap that catches people
- Your worst-day examples, with dates
- The hard moments scripted, plus a page for the person who comes with you
- How to check your assessment report afterwards
PIP2 Form Answers
Every question on ‘How your disability affects you’ answered for you, written to match what the DWP scores. The assessor reads your form first, so it sets up the whole assessment.
Phone, video or face-to-face.
Your appointment letter says which one you’re having. The checklist above changes to match.
| Type | Good to know | Recording |
|---|---|---|
| Phone Most common | Have your notes and PIP2 in front of you; nobody can see them. Use speaker so your companion can listen. | Recorded automatically |
| Video Some areas | Test the link first. You can still use notes. Your companion can sit with you. | Check your letter |
| Face-to-face Rising to 30% in 2026 | Observations start as you arrive. Travel costs are paid back; get a taxi approved first. Home visits are possible with medical evidence. | Recorded automatically |
The rules your answers are scored on.
The ‘most days’ rule
A descriptor applies if it fits you on more than half of days over a year. That’s why your bad days matter.
The four reliability tests
You can only count as able to do something if you can do it safely, to an acceptable standard, repeatedly and in a reasonable time.
The points you need
8 points for the standard rate, 12 for the enhanced rate, scored separately for daily living and mobility.
See every descriptor and its points in the PIP Descriptors & Points Guide, or score yourself with the PIP Points Calculator.
Tools for your PIP claim.
PIP assessment questions answered.
Your appointment letter, a copy of your PIP2 form, your medication list, any new medical evidence, your notes for each activity, and photo ID if it’s face-to-face. A diary of a typical week helps too.
Since 29 June 2026, phone and face-to-face assessments are audio recorded automatically unless you opt out. You can ask for a copy of the recording along with your assessment report. If you want your own recording too, tell the provider before the day.
Yes. A friend, family member, carer or support worker can join you, in person or on the call. Their travel costs can be paid back if they travel with you to a face-to-face assessment.
Yes. You can refer to notes on the phone, on video or face-to-face. If you need notes because of memory or concentration problems, say so.
Contact the number on your appointment letter as soon as you can to rearrange. If you miss it without a good reason, your claim can be ended.
You can ask for a home visit if your health makes travelling very hard. You’ll usually need a letter from your GP or specialist to support the request.
For face-to-face assessments, yes: public transport fares or car mileage, and your companion’s costs if they travel with you. A taxi is only paid if the assessment centre approves it before the day.
Contact the PIP enquiry line and ask for the assessment report, called the PA4, and the audio recording. They’re useful if you need to challenge your decision.
Assessment done, decision wrong?
You have one month from the date on your decision letter to ask for a mandatory reconsideration. We write the letter for you, reviewed by a former DWP decision maker. Flat £49, ready in 48 hours.
This checklist is general guidance, not legal or benefits advice. Your appointment letter and the assessment provider’s instructions take priority. Rules checked against GOV.UK, DWP announcements and Citizens Advice in October 2026.