PIP review form (AR1): what to include
If you already receive PIP and DWP reviews your award, you may receive a Personal Independence Payment Review form, commonly known as AR1.
What the review asks
- Review questions explore whether your health and support needs have stayed the same, improved or become worse.
- An unchanged diagnosis does not necessarily mean that the practical impact is unchanged; explain your own circumstances accurately.
If nothing has changed
- Do not feel pressured to invent a change. Explain honestly where things remain the same and clarify the help you still need.
- Where useful, give a concise example showing what a typical activity looks like now.
If your needs have changed
- Describe which activities are affected, when the changes began, whether they fluctuate and what additional help or aids you need.
- Provide supporting information you have not previously supplied where it is relevant.
Sending the review back
- Follow the deadline and instructions in your review letter. Contact DWP promptly if you need more time.
- PIP normally continues while an award is being reviewed, but the eventual decision can increase, reduce, maintain or end the award.
What 'the same' should mean in your answers
- If the support you need is unchanged, say so accurately, but explain enough detail to show your ongoing difficulties.
- A one-word answer may leave out context about prompting, safety, aids or physical assistance.
- Do not claim improvement or worsening because you think DWP expects either.
Example of a meaningful change
- Rather than 'my walking is worse', state your real approximate distance now and previously, what changed, and whether you need an aid or help.
- If the change is gradual or fluctuating, explain the pattern and whether it affects most days.
- Do not copy the example unless the facts are true in your case.
What to gather
- Current treatment or support records relevant to the change or ongoing needs.
- A short diary of activities and what assistance someone provides.
- Your previous decision letter or form, if available, to help explain what is different.
What happens next
- DWP may make a decision on the written evidence or arrange further assessment.
- A review may maintain, increase, reduce or end a benefit; the outcome is individual.
- Our current paid packages may not include AR1 writing. Check the live product description before purchasing.
Check the official guidance
PIP information and official contact details can change. These are relevant GOV.UK resources.
You may also find these guides useful
Need help with your PIP review?
The AR1 review service is in development. For now, use our free guidance and check available package terms before purchasing.
See available PIP packagesIndependent paid support is optional. We are not the DWP and cannot guarantee an award.
We help you explain your difficulties clearly and correctly. We cannot guarantee award outcomes — those decisions are made by the DWP.