The most recent data from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) reveals that the vast majority of Personal Independence Payment (PIP) assessments are currently being carried out remotely by telephone.

However, under the new welfare reform plans, the number of face-to-face assessments is set to ramp up from this month.

Minister for Social Security and Disability, Sir Stephen Timms has previously stated that the DWP “will increase the number of health professionals in assessment centres” in order to “increase the number of face-to-face, rather than remote, PIP assessments”.

The latest figures indicate in September last year, some 68,000 (77.5%) PIP assessments were conducted over the phone, 12,000 (13.8%) were paper-based, 4,400 (5%) in person and 3,300 (3.%) by video call.

Sir Stephen disclosed the figures after shadow work and pensions spokesperson for the Conservatives, Helen Whately, questioned the proportion of PIP assessments being conducted face-to-face, reports the Daily Record.

In his written response, the DWP Minister explained: “In the recent Autumn Budget, the government re enforced a commitment it made in the Pathways to Work Green Paper, to increase face-to-face assessments for disability benefits. All assessment suppliers have contractual requirements to raise the proportion of assessments conducted in person, and are expected to plan and manage recruitment accordingly, with progress regularly reviewed.

“The department is working closely with suppliers to boost capacity, with a key focus on recruiting suitably qualified health professional to support delivery in assessment centres Through these measures, the department will meet the government priority to increase the proportion of face-to-face Personal Independence Payment (PIP) assessments to 30 per cent from 5% in 2024.”

PIP weekly rates 2026/27

Daily Living component

• Enhanced: £114.60 (from £110.40)
• Standard: £76.70 (from £73.90)

Mobility component

• Enhanced: £80.00 (from £77.05)
• Standard: £30.30 (from £29.20)

The new payment rates start on April 6.

PIP assessments in a nutshell

More than 3.9 million people across England and Wales are now receiving PIP payments of between £30.30 and £194.60 each week, some £121.20 or £778.40 every four-week pay period.

The PIP assessment is an opportunity for you to discuss how your condition affects your daily life – it is not a diagnosis of your condition or a medical examination. The DWP will take into consideration evidence from the assessment to decide if you should be awarded PIP.

A health professional will carry out your assessment, compile a report and forward it to the DWP decision maker.

If you are awaiting a review, it is advisable to have a copy of your PIP evidence form to hand for phone, video and face-to-face assessments. This means you can refer back to it, particularly if it was completed a few years ago.

Talking about how your condition affects you

A useful guide on the Citizens Advice website advises that you should be ready to discuss how your condition impacts your daily life, even if you have already outlined this on your PIP evidence form (the PIP2 document).

This can be challenging, but it will greatly assist your case if you are able to speak about:

• the sorts of things you struggle with, or are unable to do at all – for example, climbing steps without assistance or remembering to attend appointments
• how your condition affects your day-to-day life
• what a particularly difficult day looks like for you – for example, ‘On a bad day, I can’t walk at all because my injured leg hurts so much’ or ‘On a bad day, I’m so depressed I can’t concentrate on anything’

Observations on what you say and do during the assessment

The assessor will take into account the information provided on your PIP claim form, but will also form judgements based on your behaviour and responses on the day. For instance, they may enquire how you travelled to the centre for a face-to-face assessment – if you mention taking the bus, without further explanation, they could record that you are capable of travelling alone on public transport – unless you make clear that this is not the case.

You may also be requested to perform certain physical tasks during the face-to-face assessment. Do not feel pressured into doing things you would not ordinarily be capable of. If you complete them on assessment day, the assessor may assume you can always do so – if you are uncomfortable with anything, make sure you say so. During the telephone assessment you may be asked to describe how you carry out simple tasks such as preparing and cooking food, getting washed and dressed and how you move around outside the home. Don’t rush to respond, bear in mind they are looking at your claim form and asking the same questions you have already answered.

Pause, reflect and reply

Break your answer down and walk them through how you complete tasks step-by-step to paint an accurate picture of how your disability or health condition affects you.

What may seem like a lengthy process for you, will demonstrate precisely how you accomplish tasks to the assessor – so don’t attempt to speed up or oversimplify how you get things done.

The assessor will also make a note of your mental state during the assessment – for example, they will record whether you appear or sound depressed or happy, tense or relaxed and how you manage social interaction.

Things to remember during the assessment

• Don’t let the assessor rush you and try not to just answer ‘yes’ or ‘no’ to their questions
• Always try to explain how doing something would make you feel afterwards and the impact it can have on you if you had to do it repeatedly in a short period of time

You can have somebody with you while you complete the assessment over the phone, on the video call or in person, just remember to put the call on loudspeaker and inform the assessor who is present with you.

Taking someone with you to a face-to-face assessment for support The DWP provides guidance on attending an assessment, which is available on the GOV.UK website. You are permitted to bring someone aged 16 or over into the assessment with you — this could be anybody who helps you feel at ease, such as a friend, family member or carer. If you wish, they can contribute to discussions and take notes on your behalf.

Before attending a face-to-face assessment

Confirm with your assessment provider that your assessment centre has all the facilities you require – if not, you can request them. This can help ensure you feel more comfortable on the day.

Here are several examples:

• enquire whether you’ll need to go upstairs, and if there’s a lift suitable for wheelchairs if required
• ask about the space available at the centre if you experience anxiety in confined areas – if the rooms or corridors are cramped, inform them this could trigger anxiety and explore what alternatives they can provide
• request an interpreter or signer if necessary – do this at least two working days ahead of your assessment to allow time for arrangements
• ask for the assessor to be the same gender as you, if this matters to you
• enquire whether you can make an audio recording of the assessment – you must request this three days beforehand and check your provider’s rules regarding recording equipment

Changing the venue

Should the venue for your face-to-face assessment be more than 90 minutes away by public transport, and you struggle with long-distance travel, you may be offered an alternative location or a home visit.

As before, consult the published guidance on GOV.UK, as it contains travel restriction advice for England, Scotland and Wales.