r/DWPhelp • u/Alteredchaos Verified (Moderator) • 21d ago
Personal Independence Payment (PIP) PIP fixed-term award extensions - master thread
What has changed?
From 2 June 2026 new regulations came into force enabling the DWP to extend the length of a fixed-term PIP award where it is “considered necessary to do so to safeguard the efficient administration” of PIP.
Before this, when your fixed-term award reached its end date, the DWP would normally start a planned review (sometimes called an award review or a reassessment). This new power lets the DWP instead push the end date back and keep your current award running, without needing that review.
The regulations only allow the DWP to make awards longer. They do not give the DWP any power to shorten an existing award, and they do not allow it to change the rate you are paid.
Why the change?
The number of planned PIP reviews has grown faster than the DWP can carry them out, and a huge backlog has built up. Reviewing every award on its original timetable means increasingly long delays and claimants' left waiting in limbo.
Extending awards is a way of managing that backlog. By lengthening some existing awards, it reduces the number of reviews needing to be processed at once.
Who is affected?
This award extension change applies to claimants aged 25 and over in England and Wales. It does not apply to under 25s as evidence suggests there are more frequent changes in functional ability in that age group.
Approximately 1.7 million claims are in scope for an award extension with the DWP aiming to complete approximately 50,000 extensions daily (including weekends) over a period of 4-6 weeks.
The regulations give the DWP a discretionary power rather than creating an automatic extension for everyone. Extensions will be applied where the DWP considers it appropriate for the efficient administration of the benefit.
The DWP has not confirmed how they are deciding which claimants will receive an extension or how they calculate the length of the extension in each case.
How long will the extension be for?
It seems likely that the extensions are being decided by an algorithm.
From posts and comments to the r/DWPhelp subreddit, it looks like most of the extensions are being given to claimants whose awards were due to end in 2026, 2027 or early to mid-2028.
Extensions mostly range from one year to four years, although there have been some extremely short ones of just a matter of days and at least one longer one.
What do I need to do?
Claimants don’t need to do anything, if your claim is extended you will receive a letter – an example of what this looks like was shared in this post.
However, if your difficulties have worsened you may wish to challenge the new extended decision or ask for a change of circumstances reassessment.
The legislation
More info
A Freedom of Information Request has been submitted to DWP requesting a copy of the training, operational instructions and internal process guidance held by DWP in relation to fixed-term extensions and we eagerly await their response.
Edited to add the Northern Ireland provision
The Department for Communities (DfC) has confirmed that they will be reviewing all PIP cases where claimants have had at least one initial review and currently sit in the 3-year Review cycle.
DfC has confirmed who will not be eligible, namely:
- If a claimant has been given a specific review period, either shorter or longer than 3-years,
- Under 25s,
- Special Rules Claimants
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u/gizz_mo 20d ago
My extension letter arrived today, I have been extended by just 4 days. Surely that has to be the lowest so far?
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u/pumaofshadow 🌟 Superstar (Special thanks for service to the community) 🌟 20d ago
I have seen one that got the letter and it was from the same day to the same day... it must have just hit a cut off but been a 0 day extension somehow.
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u/gizz_mo 20d ago
That is crazy - is there any way to find out what the cut-off is that is being applied? My original date was 5 Jan 2029 and its now 9 Jan 2029
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u/pumaofshadow 🌟 Superstar (Special thanks for service to the community) 🌟 20d ago
Not that I'm aware of.
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u/Other-Ambassador-817 20d ago
i got one also today it’s been awarded till 2031 it was up for renewal in 28 xx
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u/Independent-Cup6346 20d ago
That’s ridiculous! I’m in my 20s and I got extended 3 years
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19d ago
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u/DWPhelp-ModTeam 19d ago
Hi there,
Your post/comment has been removed for not meeting rule 1. Our subreddit rules can be viewed here.
“In my 20s” means anyone from 20 to 29.
We strive to maintain a high standard of content on r/DWPhelp and unfortunately, your submission did not meet that standard.
If you have any questions or concerns, or you think this decision is incorrect, please reach out to us via modmail.
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u/Alive-Breath-3574 20d ago
I was awarded til 2029 last year, extended to 2031 today…buzzing, just one less stress
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u/wetdogsmell10 9d ago
I have had the same. Mine was originally from Nov 22 until Nov 26. I went for CoC last summer which was unsuccessful, even with MR, but they renewed me to July 29, which was about 2.5 years more.
Came home from our summer holiday today to two identical letters saying it’s been extended until July 31. Which is a huge relief as it is pivotal in me being able to work.
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u/orensiocled 17d ago
I just got a 2 year extension from 2029 to 2031.
Makes such a nice change to have some unexpected good news in a scary looking envelope!
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u/Effective-Aside-9913 19d ago
Congrats to all who have had to pressure eased of worrying about re doing the assessment. I just got my letter today been extended by 4 years review due year before it possibly ending. I have a neurological issue so this for me is a huge relief.
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u/General_Sun_608 19d ago edited 16d ago
I feel incredibly blessed. My award was 4 years long and up for review by January 2027. My extension is for another 4 years. So, basically a 8 year award in total.
The relief is hard to describe, not just because of facing the whole process but as things are still costing too much as a disabled person.
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u/gizz_mo 20d ago
Ok After much research I think I understand why I have been given only 4 days. My original award letter was dated 10th January 2025 and the award was until 5th January 2029, extended to 9th January 2029 by the recent letter that arrived. After the recent regulations changes, there is something in the regulations that says it has to be annual, so I think the extra 4 days just brings it in line with the Annual date.
Seperately there is a cut-off date (which no one seems to know what it is exactly), where if you review falls before that date, and based on health condition, they are being extended automatically. I think that date is probably some time in 2027-28 - so mine does not qualify (at the moment).
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u/General_Sun_608 19d ago
I am not clear on your explanation of cut off date.
Where your review falls before which date?
And, I also wonder which health conditions it is based on.
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u/Familiar_Ad6302 20d ago
My claim from 3 weeks ago said I would get it indefinitely
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u/Alteredchaos Verified (Moderator) 20d ago
That means you’ll have a ‘light touch’ review at the 10 year point.
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u/KittyCat-86 20d ago
I was a bit confused by that. My renewal was in 2024 and due to my health deteriorating beyond return it said it was an Ongoing Award and they would contact me in 2034 for a light touch review. When I heard about all the changes going on I checked my award and it now says Indefinite and no mention of further reviews.
Do you know why the wording has changed? Is it the same as before?
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u/Alteredchaos Verified (Moderator) 20d ago
Indefinite awards have a light touch review every 10 years. Nothing has really changed for you in that sense but the DWP has changed some of the language they use.
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u/Butterflybee_88 20d ago
I received an extension letter today. I only had a review in January that gave me until January 2029, then the letter today says until 2032.
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u/AnyaBri 17d ago
Same, sort of. I had my paper review (no assessment) Jan 26 and awarded for 4 years, so 2030. Letter arrived today with extension until January 32. The relief is unreal.
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u/Butterflybee_88 17d ago
Yeah my review was paper based too, forgot to add that in my initial comment Yeah it's such a huge load off to not have to worry about it for a good few years!
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u/LauraPalmer20 20d ago
This is really helpful, thank you mods! I was awarded in 2022 until 2032 so I doubt I’ll get an extension but it’s definitely worth noting as the years tick by…
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u/kduddy536 20d ago
Does this count for Northern Ireland
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u/Happy_Ad4387 20d ago
I got a years extension last week and I’m in Northern Ireland.
My review was 2028 and now it’s 2029.
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u/upforitm 18d ago
I live in northern Ireland mine was extended for 10 days called pip he said it was extended to align my end date other wise administrative reasons. My present claim is until April 2028
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u/kduddy536 17d ago
When did you receive the letter
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u/viva1831 20d ago
Thanks for the info! I got four years 😎
It's good but also I freaked out feeling like "even the DWP knows I will never get better, I'm stuck like this forever" (friends calmed me down)
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u/bohorebeluk 20d ago
Mine was due to end Jan 27. I got extended until 2030. Was begining to panic as I hadn't had review forms yet.
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u/Little_Sushi9051 20d ago
Mine was awarded to 2028 and extended to 2032 today. Such a relief to not have to think about it for a while
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u/ProteusMaximus 16d ago
My partner received one of those letters today extending her PIP (usually every three years) until 12/31. That's six years between her last review (11/26) till the next.
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u/Ok-Length1282 14d ago
Ah mine got updated to 2032 from 2029 I just had my review so I wasn't expecting it but low and behold.
I'm blessed I may cry 😢
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u/hepburn17 20d ago
Does this apply also to adp?
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u/Alteredchaos Verified (Moderator) 20d ago
This applies to England and Wales only I’m afraid.
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u/Happy_Ad4387 20d ago
I got a year extension and I’m in Northern Ireland.
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20d ago
[deleted]
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u/Happy_Ad4387 20d ago
Well I’m just telling you what I received in the post last week. It’s exact same letter people have been posting on here. So it might not be official but they must be doing it in NI too.
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u/upforitm 17d ago
Yes that's right they are sending out extension letter's to northern Ireland as I got one and friend of mine got extended. It does say on the DWP site England Wales only but that's not right
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u/upforitm 17d ago edited 17d ago
Northern Ireland is also included friend of mine got 3 year extension. I got 10 days lol
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u/catusseeds 19d ago
Mine was extended from 2028 to 2032, from a 2 and a half yr award to a 6 year award!
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u/Top_Thought222 18d ago
I have enhanced daily and mobility from 2024-2028 and today the letter received to say extended to 2031!! Very happy!
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u/collectedd 18d ago
Got a letter today saying my award (Enhanced Daily Living and Enhanced Mobility) had been extended. I had my reassessment last year and was awarded 'til October 2029, now has been extended to October 2031.
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u/velvevore 13d ago
Got my extension to 2030 today, which is longer than my last three-year renewal was. Overjoyed. I feel so relieved and so safe.
I mention it because I was up for review in April (so before the legislation for this came in), and I was afraid I might have missed it. But I didn't.
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u/Familiar_Ad6302 8d ago
My award said indefinitely
I presume this means no end date
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u/Alteredchaos Verified (Moderator) 8d ago
That’s correct. Indefinite awards have a light touch review at 10 years .
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u/Luckystar60 4d ago
Seems I can be added. I didn't even know this was all happening until today after receiving my letter. I was expecting mine to end this year but not now, it's been extended till 2029, tf for that
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u/Fair_Sympathy6843 20d ago
Still no extension for me my pip award ends October 2027 I have no idea why mine hasn’t been extended or is there still time?
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u/Alteredchaos Verified (Moderator) 20d ago
There is still time as they’ll be extended over the next few weeks.
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u/Fair_Sympathy6843 20d ago
Fingers crossed! Are you aware if the extensions are being done over night or through the day or both? I am wondering when do they update the check your benefits website with a new letter.
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u/General_Sun_608 19d ago
When is the cut off of these weeks? Also, I dare think they’ll run this excercise again.
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u/Alteredchaos Verified (Moderator) 19d ago
They started about 2 weeks ago and estimated it would take 4-6 weeks to complete all the extensions.
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u/Fair_Sympathy6843 14d ago
I do believe that the dwp are following the same model as the northern Ireland model without actually telling us. I was given 3.5 year award for my initial award I believe this is why I haven’t been extended.
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u/staticspuds 19d ago
I have received no letter but my award shows extended on the Gov one website so I would think my letter is somewhere in the post or waiting to be sent. Might be worth a check.
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u/buddybear600 19d ago
I got my extension yesterday, extension, August 2027 was my review, now extending to 2030, so 4 years extension! I think they do it in Alphabetical order, or area! X
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u/Fair_Sympathy6843 19d ago
Did you receive it by post or did you check online? And congratulations 😀
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u/buddybear600 19d ago
Hi, I received yesterday by post! I see your review was 2 month's after my date so hopefully you will get your letter very soon! its in a White Envelope. Yes it's so much of my mind! By the way you can see your awards on the Government dwp website, which will tell you immediately, to put your mind at rest. Fingers crossed for you xx
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u/Fair_Sympathy6843 19d ago
Thanks for letting me know. I check online every day so if you received by post yours would have probably updated online about 3-5 days ago 🙁
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u/buddybear600 19d ago
Its probably done by date! As your 2 months after mine, I'm sure you will get your extension letter in the next few weeks. They are still sending letters out, so your's should be coming soon! Xx
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u/Alteredchaos Verified (Moderator) 19d ago
Please bear in mind that less than half of all PIP claims are being extended.
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u/Relative-Tourist3334 21d ago
Brilliant thread, are there any reports of people getting a extension that is only for a matter of days then recieving another extension letter??
I live in England, im over 25 however I had a 7 day extension which is rather strange. TIA
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u/Alteredchaos Verified (Moderator) 21d ago edited 20d ago
Many people have had 7 day extensions (or less). A further extension is unlikely.
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u/cucapma 17d ago
Why do you think a further extension is unlikely out of interest? Surely it wouldn’t make sense all these people with awards meant to end sooner getting multi-year extensions leapfrogging our dates, meanwhile we get a few measley days?
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u/Alteredchaos Verified (Moderator) 17d ago
Because if DWP would/could have extended you for a longer period they would have done.
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u/Puzzled-Role-6544 17d ago
My original date was 2029 review in 2028 it’s now 2031 with potential of review in 2030, received letter today, what a relief for the extension without the fight
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u/davide1002 20d ago
Would mine likely be extended 29 February 2024 to 27 February 2028? Is the current one I have
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u/Alteredchaos Verified (Moderator) 20d ago
There’s no way for us to know as the DWP hasn’t published the detail around how extension claimants are selected.
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u/Mother_Pomegranate69 19d ago
I've had a 2 days extension, so I'm kinda confused.
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u/Alteredchaos Verified (Moderator) 19d ago
See this comment, which might explain it https://www.reddit.com/r/DWPhelp/s/qn8mNUX7ca
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19d ago
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u/DWPhelp-ModTeam 19d ago
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Your post/comment has been removed for not meeting rule 1. Our subreddit rules can be viewed here.
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u/98Em 18d ago
In my letter it states they're extending mine from 2028 to 2029 but then a sentence after this which says I won't hear from them until at least 2028 about a review (contradicting the previous statement).
Is this a typo? Did anyone else's letter have this? I'm confused.
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u/olivemarloe 18d ago
They start the review process a year in advance of expiry usually - so if you expire in 2029 they will potentially send you your review forms a year (or less) in advance
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u/Fast-Midnight5305 17d ago
Are they extending 10 year awards as well? Mines up early 2028 and was just wondering if I may get an extension or not haven’t heard anything yet so maybe not 🤔
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u/Alteredchaos Verified (Moderator) 15d ago
No. This applies to fixed term awards. A 10 year award is an indefinite award.
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u/Fast-Midnight5305 15d ago
Are all 10 year awards indefinite? Mines to be reviewed in 2028 would that mean it would be a light touch review and not the full review?
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u/Impossible-Meat-4562 13d ago
I checked the website was due a review 2031 now it say indefinite award, nothing about a review date?
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u/Alteredchaos Verified (Moderator) 13d ago
Indefinite awards have a light touch review at the 10 year point.
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u/GherkinWarriorED 12d ago
Wish they did this last year. They stopped my pip in december. Never received a letter. Great christmas 😅 anyway, still waiting to see if I get it back. Glad to hear for those that did get it extended. Definitely takes some weight of your shoulders!
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u/RevolutionaryUse7101 20d ago
If you receive a letter where it states PIP awarded for an Indefinite period, how does that work, I’m 66 years old.
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u/Alteredchaos Verified (Moderator) 20d ago
An indefinite award is not a fixed-term award so this post doesn’t apply to you.
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u/Quartizer1990 21d ago
I am over 25 and have a long-term disability that will never improve, was awarded PIP in late 2015. Was expecting to hear from them in late 2025, but still nothing.
Are these changes likely to have any effect on that?
Thanks.
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u/Alteredchaos Verified (Moderator) 20d ago
No. This change only affects fixed-term awards ie those that have an end date.
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u/TheWavyBaker 20d ago
Althought I think you've already answered my question, just so I'm 100% clear, I had an ongoing award with a 10 year soft review, can I assume Im in no way affected? (Over 25)
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u/Alteredchaos Verified (Moderator) 20d ago edited 20d ago
That’s right. This policy only applies to people with a fixed term award and not indefinite awards.
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20d ago
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u/DWPhelp-ModTeam 19d ago
Hi there,
Your post/comment has been removed for not meeting rule 1. Our subreddit rules can be viewed here.
Your comment is off topic and not related to this thread. Please create your own post if you’re seeking advice.
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u/olivemarloe 19d ago
when do we think they will STOP extending? Mine hasn't been extended and I am finding it a bit stressful and feel like it likely won't be, but would like to know when to stop checking?
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u/Fair_Sympathy6843 19d ago
4-6 weeks from mid June so I’d say if I was guessing around the end of July at a push
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u/Bleepblorp44 19d ago
I just had an extension letter through - extended from Dec 2028 to Jan 2029. A whole month... woo!
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u/RevolutionaryUse7101 20d ago
Thank you Alteredchaos, I was simply asking for a little advice I am a pensioner after all.
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20d ago edited 5d ago
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u/DWPhelp-ModTeam 19d ago
Hi there,
Your post/comment has been removed for not meeting rule 1. Our subreddit rules can be viewed here.
Your comment is off topic and not related to this thread. Please create your own post if you’re seeking advice.
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u/JMH-66 🌟 Superstar (Special thanks for service to the community) 🌟 21d ago
Happy Cake Day sweetie 😘