Which Personal Independence Payment phone number do you need?
The right number depends on whether you are starting a claim, asking about an existing award or calling from Northern Ireland. GOV.UK lists separate DWP contact routes for new and existing PIP claims in England and Wales.
| Reason for calling | Phone number | Who should use it? |
|---|---|---|
| Existing PIP claim or award | 0800 121 4433 | People in England or Wales asking about a claim, decision, payment, review or change of circumstances |
| Start a new PIP claim | 0800 917 2222 | People in England or Wales who need to make a new claim by telephone |
| Existing-claim textphone | 0800 121 4493 | Textphone users contacting the DWP about an existing claim |
| New-claim textphone | 0800 917 7777 | Textphone users starting a new claim |
| Relay UK | 18001 followed by the relevant number | People who cannot hear or speak on the telephone |
These numbers are published by GOV.UK. Check the current PIP contact page before calling because opening hours and service arrangements can change.
Important: Never give bank details, passwords or security codes to an unexpected caller claiming to be from the DWP. End the call and dial the official GOV.UK number yourself if you are unsure.
Call the correct service for your part of the UK
PIP is administered by the DWP in England and Wales. In Scotland, most new disability benefit applications are for Adult Disability Payment through Social Security Scotland rather than PIP.
Northern Ireland has its own PIP service. Nidirect lists 0800 587 0932 for PIP enquiries and 0800 587 0937 for textphone enquiries; confirm these details on nidirect before acting.
- England or Wales: use the GOV.UK DWP numbers in the table above.
- Scotland: check whether you should contact Social Security Scotland about Adult Disability Payment.
- Northern Ireland: use the Department for Communities contact information published by nidirect.
If disability-related costs are putting pressure on your household budget, see SupportFund's disability benefits guidance for other support that may be relevant.
What to have ready before calling PIP
Preparing first can reduce delays and help the call handler locate your record. For an existing claim, have your National Insurance number and the latest PIP letter available.
- Your full name, date of birth and address
- Your National Insurance number
- The reference and date shown on the relevant DWP letter
- Your bank or building society details if GOV.UK says they are needed for a new claim
- Contact details for your GP or other health professional when starting a claim
- Dates of hospital stays, care-home stays or time abroad, where relevant
Practical tip: Note the date and time of the call, the adviser’s name and what was agreed. Ask for important instructions or decisions in writing, particularly where a deadline or change of circumstances is involved.
You can ask someone to sit with you during the call. The DWP may need your permission before discussing personal information with another person, unless that person is formally authorised to act for you.
When to use the enquiry line — and when not to
Use the existing-claim line for questions about a submitted application, an assessment, a decision letter, payment problems, an award review or a change in your needs. Tell the DWP promptly if a change could affect entitlement rather than waiting for the next review.
A telephone call does not automatically replace a form, written challenge or supporting evidence. If you disagree with a decision, follow the mandatory reconsideration instructions and deadline shown on your decision notice, and retain proof of anything you send.
Deadline warning: Do not assume that difficulty reaching the helpline pauses a reconsideration, appeal or form-return deadline. Check the decision letter, contact the DWP as soon as possible and seek independent welfare-rights advice if time is short.
For a wider explanation of eligibility and related help, visit SupportFund's PIP guide. You can also use the benefits calculator guide to identify other means-tested support, although a calculator cannot determine PIP entitlement.
Alternatives if you cannot manage a phone call
GOV.UK provides Relay UK and a video relay service for eligible British Sign Language users. Availability and operating arrangements can change, so use the accessibility links on the official PIP contact page rather than relying on an old bookmarked service.
For existing claims, the postal address is normally printed on the most recent DWP letter. Use that address because different PIP teams may handle different stages of a claim, and keep copies plus proof of posting.
If your health condition makes telephone contact difficult, explain the adjustment you need. Citizens Advice, a local welfare-rights service or another trusted adviser may help you prepare, but only share personal documents through a secure and verified channel.
Rates, contact arrangements and accessibility services can change. Confirm current information on GOV.UK before making a claim or acting on a deadline.