Quick answer: For a new PIP claim, call 0800 917 2222, Monday to Friday, 8am to 5pm.
For an existing claim — including payments, change of circumstances, or a Mandatory Reconsideration — call the PIP enquiry line on 0800 121 4433, Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm. If you live in Northern Ireland, both numbers are different — see below.
What most people get wrong about the PIP contact number
The old 0345 number isn’t a current DWP line
If you’ve seen an 0345 number listed for PIP, it isn’t one DWP currently publishes. Use 0800 917 2222 for a new claim or 0800 121 4433 for an existing one — both are free from mobiles and landlines, and both are the numbers GOV.UK lists today.
PIP, DLA and Attendance Allowance are different benefits with different numbers
This is where most of the confusion actually comes from. PIP, Disability Living Allowance (DLA) and Attendance Allowance are three separate benefits, and DWP’s own contact page splits them in a way that catches people out: if you already have a PIP claim and want to ask about DLA, you call the PIP number, not a DLA one. But if you’ve never claimed PIP and only have DLA, you need a different number entirely — and that number depends on your date of birth. Attendance Allowance has its own number again. The full breakdown is below.
Scotland uses Adult Disability Payment, not PIP
If you live in Scotland, PIP has been replaced by Adult Disability Payment (ADP), administered by Social Security Scotland rather than DWP. None of the numbers on this page apply — you’ll need to contact Social Security Scotland instead.
PIP new claims contact number
To start a new PIP claim, call 0800 917 2222, Monday to Friday, 8am to 5pm. The call usually takes around 20 minutes, and you can ask someone to make it on your behalf or sit with you while you do.
Before you call, have ready: your National Insurance number, your date of birth, your GP or health professional’s contact details, your bank details, and dates of any time spent in hospital, a care home, or abroad in the last few years.
If you can’t hear or speak on the phone
Use Relay UK. Dial 18001 followed by 0800 917 2222, either through the Relay UK app or a textphone.
If you use British Sign Language
A BSL video relay service is available through GOV.UK. This connects you to an interpreter, who relays the conversation to a DWP adviser.
PIP enquiry line (existing claims)
For anything relating to a claim you’ve already made — checking progress, asking about a payment, reporting a change in your circumstances, or requesting a Mandatory Reconsideration — call the PIP enquiry line on 0800 121 4433, Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm. The textphone number is 0800 121 4493.
This is also the number to call if you’ve been asked to report a hospital or care home admission. PIP stops after 28 days in hospital, or 28 days in a local-authority-funded care home, so letting DWP know promptly matters.
Requesting a Mandatory Reconsideration
There isn’t a separate number for this — call the same PIP enquiry line and tell the adviser you want to challenge a decision. You have one month from the date on your decision letter to ask for a Mandatory Reconsideration.
If your Mandatory Reconsideration doesn’t change the decision
The next step is an appeal to an independent tribunal, which is run by HM Courts and Tribunals Service (HMCTS), not DWP. This isn’t a phone-first process in the same way — you appeal using form SSCS1 or online, and the number to use for questions about an existing appeal is on the paperwork HMCTS sends you once your appeal is registered.
PIP, DLA and Attendance Allowance: which number to call
These three benefits are often confused because they’re all administered from the same part of DWP, but each has its own line.
If you already have a PIP claim and want to ask about DLA
Call the PIP enquiry line, 0800 121 4433 — not a separate DLA number.
DLA helpline, if you don’t have a PIP claim
If you’re asking about Disability Living Allowance and have never claimed PIP, the number depends on your date of birth:
- Born after 8 April 1948: 0800 121 4600, Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm
- Born on or before 8 April 1948: 0800 731 0122, Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm
Attendance Allowance
Call 0800 731 0122, Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm — the same number as the older DLA line, but a different benefit.
Northern Ireland: Personal Independence Payment Centre
If you live in Northern Ireland, PIP is administered by the Department for Communities rather than DWP directly, through the Personal Independence Payment Centre. Neither of the GB numbers above will connect you to the right service.
New claims in Northern Ireland
Call 0800 012 1573, Monday to Friday, 9am to 4pm. Textphone: 0800 587 0937.
Existing claims and enquiries in Northern Ireland
Call 0800 587 0932, Monday to Friday, 9am to 4pm. Textphone: 0800 587 0937 — the same textphone number covers both lines.
If you use British Sign Language or Irish Sign Language
A video relay service is available through the Personal Independence Payment Centre, in the same way as the GB BSL service.
If you need extra support to make a claim, the Make the Call service can help.
Other ways to contact PIP
Your PIP online account
In some areas, you can start and track a PIP claim online rather than by phone. If you’ve already registered, sign in to check progress rather than calling — it’s usually faster for straightforward queries.
Your assessment provider
If your query relates specifically to an assessment appointment — rearranging it, or asking about the process — that’s handled by the private company DWP has contracted to carry out assessments in your area, not DWP itself. The correct number for this is on your assessment invitation letter, since it varies by region and provider.
Appeals: contacting HMCTS
Once a Mandatory Reconsideration has been completed and you want to appeal further, that’s with HM Courts and Tribunals Service, not DWP. Contact details for an existing appeal are provided once HMCTS has registered it.
When to take action
- Use 0800 917 2222 for a new PIP claim, not the enquiry line.
- Use 0800 121 4433 for anything about an existing claim, including a Mandatory Reconsideration request.
- Check which benefit you actually need before calling — PIP, DLA and Attendance Allowance have different numbers, and DLA’s depends on your date of birth.
- Use the Northern Ireland numbers if you live there — the GB lines won’t connect you to the right service.
- Have your National Insurance number ready before you call, whichever line you’re using.
Frequently asked questions
What is the PIP contact number?
For a new claim, call 0800 917 2222, Monday to Friday, 8am to 5pm. For an existing claim, call the PIP enquiry line on 0800 121 4433, Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm.
Is there still a PIP 0345 number?
No. DWP’s current published numbers for PIP are 0800 917 2222 for new claims and 0800 121 4433 for existing claims — both freephone.
What’s the difference between the PIP number and the DLA number?
If you already have a PIP claim, you use the PIP number to ask about DLA too. If you’ve never claimed PIP and only have DLA, you need a separate DLA helpline, and which one depends on your date of birth — before or after 8 April 1948.
How do I request a Mandatory Reconsideration?
Call the PIP enquiry line, 0800 121 4433, within one month of the date on your decision letter, and tell the adviser you want to challenge the decision. There’s no separate number for this.
What’s the PIP number for Northern Ireland?
New claims: 0800 012 1573. Existing claims and enquiries: 0800 587 0932. Both are open Monday to Friday, 9am to 4pm, and are run by the Department for Communities rather than DWP.
What should I have ready before I call?
Your National Insurance number, and for a new claim, your date of birth, GP or health professional’s details, bank details, and dates of any hospital, care home or overseas stays in the last few years.