Unlike some benefits, PIP has specific rules about when your entitlement starts. Understanding these rules helps you maximise what you’re owed.
Read more: See our Pip guide for a complete overview of this topic.
When PIP Entitlement Starts
| Situation | Start Date |
|---|---|
| New claim | Day after DWP receives your initial call/form |
| Review with increased award | Date the change occurred |
| Mandatory Reconsideration success | Backdated to the original decision date |
| Tribunal success | Backdated to the original claim date |
| Terminal illness (Special Rules) | Day of claim, fast-tracked |
Standard PIP Claims
The Process
- You phone DWP or claim online — this establishes your claim date
- DWP sends you a PIP2 form to complete
- You may attend an assessment
- DWP makes a decision
- If awarded, PIP is paid from the day after your claim date
The Waiting Period
There’s no minimum waiting period for PIP (unlike some older disability benefits). Your entitlement starts the day after your claim, not the day of the decision.
The Lump Sum
Because PIP claims take weeks or months to process, a successful claim results in a lump sum covering:
Lump sum = Weekly PIP rate × Number of weeks from claim date to decision
Example: You claimed PIP on 1 January. The decision is made on 1 May (4 months later). You’re awarded enhanced daily living (£108.55/week) and standard mobility (£28.70/week):
| Detail | Amount |
|---|---|
| Weekly total | £137.25 |
| Weeks backdated | ~17 weeks |
| Lump sum | ~£2,333 |
After this, you receive £137.25 per week (paid every 4 weeks as £549.00).
When Backdating Applies
After Mandatory Reconsideration
If your PIP was refused and you request an MR that succeeds, the award is backdated to your original claim date. This means you receive all the PIP you should have had from the start.
After Tribunal Appeal
If you win at tribunal, the award is typically backdated to your original claim date — potentially covering many months or even over a year of payments. Tribunal backdating can result in significant lump sums.
| Appeal Timeline | Approximate Backdated Lump Sum (Enhanced Daily Living + Standard Mobility) |
|---|---|
| 6 months from claim to tribunal | ~£3,577 |
| 9 months | ~£5,366 |
| 12 months | ~£7,155 |
| 18 months | ~£10,732 |
Supersession (Change of Circumstances)
If your condition worsens after your initial PIP award, you can report a change. If DWP agrees your award should increase, the higher rate is usually backdated to the date you reported the change.
When Backdating Doesn’t Apply
| Situation | Why Not |
|---|---|
| Didn’t know about PIP | Not a valid reason — you must actually claim |
| Condition existed before claim date | PIP only starts from when you claim |
| Delayed claiming due to illness | Unlike UC, PIP cannot be backdated for late claiming |
| Was on DLA and forgot to claim PIP | You must claim PIP separately when your DLA ends/migrates |
Special Rules for Terminal Illness
If you have a terminal illness with a life expectancy of 12 months or less:
| Feature | Standard PIP | Special Rules PIP |
|---|---|---|
| Start date | Day after claim | Day of claim |
| Assessment | Full assessment required | No face-to-face assessment |
| Processing time | 3-6 months | Usually within 2 weeks |
| Award | Based on descriptors | Usually enhanced rate for both components |
| Review period | 1-10 years | Typically 3 years |
| Who can claim | You | You, or someone else on your behalf |
Under special rules:
- Your GP, consultant, or nurse completes a DS1500 (now SR1) form
- DWP fast-tracks the decision
- You receive the enhanced rate of daily living automatically
- Mobility is assessed but often also awarded at enhanced rate
Protecting Your Claim Date
Because PIP cannot be backdated before you claim, it’s crucial to claim as early as possible:
- Claim the moment you think you might qualify — Even if you’re not sure
- Phone DWP to establish the date — Even before completing the PIP2 form
- Don’t wait for a diagnosis — You can claim PIP while awaiting diagnosis
- Don’t wait for evidence — Claim first, then gather evidence to submit with your PIP2
- Note the exact date and time of your call — This is your official claim date