PIP Renewal and Review: Surviving the AR1 Form (2026)
1. The "Award Review" Process
Most PIP awards are given for a fixed period (e.g., 2, 3, or 5 years). About 6 to 12 months before your award ends, the DWP will send you an AR1 Review Form (also known as the "Award Review" form).Critical Warning: Do not treat this as a simple update. The DWP will use this form to decide if your award should continue, increase, or stop entirely.
2. "No Change" is a Dangerous Answer
The AR1 form asks if there has been "any change" in your ability to do the 12 activities.- The Trap: If you simply tick "No Change" for every box, the DWP may decide you no longer need an assessment and might lower your score based on "improvement" in medical treatments.
- The Expert Strategy: Even if your condition is the same, re-describe your struggles. Use phrases like: *"My condition remains as severe as when I first claimed. I still cannot wash myself reliably because [Reason]..."*
3. Gathering Fresh Evidence
The DWP already has your old evidence. They want to see what has happened since your last assessment.- Prescription Lists: Show that you are still taking medication.
- Appointment Letters: Show you are still under the care of a specialist.
- Daily Diary: Keep a fresh 3-day diary to show that your functional limitations are still present.
4. The Risk of a New Assessment
Most reviews still result in a phone or video assessment.- Be Prepared: The assessor will compare what you say now to what you said 3 years ago. If there are contradictions, they will mark you down.
- Review your old form: If possible, read your original PIP2 form before filling in the AR1. Ensure your story is consistent.
5. What if my award is ending and I haven't had a form?
In 2026, the DWP has a significant backlog of reviews.- Automatic Extensions: If your award is about to expire, the DWP will usually send you a letter extending your current payments for 12 months while they process the review.
- Contact them: If you are within 3 months of your award ending and haven't heard anything, call the PIP helpline to ensure your claim hasn't been closed by mistake.
6. If your Award is Reduced or Stopped
If the review results in a lower award: 1. Mandatory Reconsideration: You have one month to challenge the decision. 2. Continue Payments: If you go to Appeal, your payments will not continue at the old rate. However, if you win, you will be backdated the difference.Expert Tip: Many people find the AR1 review harder than the original claim because the DWP is looking for "signs of recovery." Be very clear that "managing" a condition is not the same as "recovering" from it.