Get ready for the PIP health assessment

Most people have to go to a health assessment to claim Personal Independence Payment (PIP).

Before your assessment, use the Turn2us PIP Helper to find information about what to expect, your rights during the assessment, and how to prepare.

Use the Turn2us PIP Helper

The PIP health assessment

Your appointment

After you send your PIP form, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) will confirm with a letter that they have received your claim.

You will then get an appointment letter in a few weeks from Ingeus, Capita, Maximus or Serco, depending on where you live. In some areas, this may take longer than a few weeks.

Your letter will tell you whether your assessment will be at an assessment centre, by telephone or by video.

Your appointment should be at least one week after you receive the letter.

If you can't attend

If it is impossible for you to make your appointment, contact your health assessment provider as soon as possible using the number in your appointment letter. If you’re not sure who your health assessment provider is, check using your area or postcode in this government guidance.

If you cannot attend an assessment in person, for example because you are housebound, you may be able to ask for a home assessment. The assessment provider may ask for medical evidence to support your request.

Before the assessment

You can take someone with you to the health assessment, such as a friend, family member or carer.

If your assessment is at an assessment centre, plan your journey before the day. Your appointment letter includes directions. If you need help getting there, call the number in your appointment letter.

Travel costs

You can claim back reasonable travel costs after your assessment.

You can claim for:

• Public transport, such as a bus, tram or train
• Fuel costs if you or the person travelling with you drives to the assessment centre.

You cannot claim taxi fares unless your health assessment provider agrees to pay for it before you go.

Recording your assessment

Your face-to-face or telephone assessment will be automatically audio recorded (video assessments cannot be recorded). You can ask if your assessment is being recorded just to be sure.

Recordings can be helpful if you disagree with something included in your health assessment report.