pip extension out of the blue

born_again

I know PIP often gets extended for a year often due to review workloads. (had that with last review)

But just come back from holiday to a letter from them. Advising that Mrs PIP has been extended from March 27 to March 2031, with a possible review contact date of around March 2030

At the time I did question the 3 year review time frame, given her condition (MS), asking for longer, as it will never improve. But they said no, as it could get worse (full payment on both) & I could not be bothered to MR that decision.

So this comes as great news, given she will be over pension age at that point.

The reason they have given is

We have how changed how often we review some PIP awards. This means we have extended her award.

So here's hoping others will also get the same good news 😍

peteuk

PIP assessments and awards are often reviewed due to either a change in policy and or law.

To me it sounds like due to a change your wife's PIP has been reviewed and extended to March 2031.

The other thought I initially had is that a paper assessment had taken place. However the letter would have indicated this.

HillStreetBlues

It's a change in the Regs
Bit about it here

NedS

And here is the legislation:

https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2026/457/regulation/2/made

2. After regulation 22 of the Universal Credit, Personal Independence Payment, Jobseeker’s Allowance and Employment and Support Allowance (Decisions and Appeals) Regulations 2013 (introduction)(1), insert—

Extension

22A. The Secretary of State may extend the length of a fixed term award of personal independence payment(2), where the Secretary of State considers it necessary to do so to safeguard the efficient administration of personal independence payment.”.

SnowWhiterThanWhite

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/6676159/pip-extension-out-of-the-blue

Had the same letter yesterday regarding a relative, he will also reach SPA before the next renewal date, a little relief as his health certainly won't improve

Starbright2

I'm due a review so I called the PIP enquiry line. She had a look and said no mine won't be extended I will be contacted anytime from now until March 2027.

So I guess my area is not as backed up as some or not conditions that they are choosing to extend the awards for.

NedS

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82069964#Comment_82069964

I would imagine DWP will have some clear internal guidance on which claims should/can be extended. For example, claims that are within 3 years of reaching SPA.

Robbie64

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82069964#Comment_82069964

Out of interest, what is the period of your current PIP award? I have wondered if awards of under 5 or 6 years in length are being given an extension and awards of 5+ or 6+ years are being left alone.

poppy12345

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82070759#Comment_82070759

That can't be true. My daughters was awarded for 6 years in 2021, with award ending in Feb 2027. Her award wasn't extended and I received the forms back in June.

NedS

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82071052#Comment_82071052

We don't currently know what the criteria are, so unless someone shares the criteria (or a FOI requests that information), we can only try to piece together patterns from others reporting their experiences. A FOI request is probably the easiest route.

Robbie64

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82071052#Comment_82071052

This backs up what I posted though perhaps I didn't explain it very clearly.

I'm wondering if awards of 5+ years are not being given an extension whereas awards of under this time frame are being given an extension.