Appealing a PIP Decision

If you disagree with a Personal Independence Payment (PIP) decision, you have the right to challenge it.

Many people successfully challenge PIP decisions each year, particularly where additional information or evidence is provided. If you believe the decision does not accurately reflect how your condition affects you, it is important to seek advice and act promptly.

You can challenge a decision if:

• Your PIP claim has been refused.
• You think you should have received a higher award.
• You believe you should have been awarded a different component.
• You disagree with the length of your award.
• Your award has been reduced or stopped following a review.

Before you can appeal, you will usually need to ask the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) to review the decision.

A Mandatory Reconsideration (MR) is the first stage of challenging a PIP decision.

This involves asking the DWP to look at the decision again.

When requesting a Mandatory Reconsideration, you should:

• Explain why you think the decision is wrong.
• Describe how your condition affects you.
• Highlight any information that may have been overlooked.
• Provide any additional evidence that supports your case.

You should normally request a Mandatory Reconsideration within one month of the decision date.

Additional evidence can strengthen your challenge.

Useful evidence may include:

• GP letters.
• Hospital reports.
• Consultant letters.
• Occupational therapy reports.
• Care plans.
• Mental health support plans.
• Prescription records.
• Letters from carers, family members or support workers.

Evidence should focus on how your condition affects your daily living and mobility.

Before challenging a decision, it can be helpful to review:

• Your decision letter.
• The assessment report.
• The points awarded for each activity.

This can help identify where you disagree with the decision and where evidence may be needed.

If the DWP does not change its decision following a Mandatory Reconsideration, you can usually appeal to an independent tribunal.

The tribunal is separate from the DWP and will review all the evidence before making its own decision.

The tribunal may:

• Increase your award.
• Leave the decision unchanged.
  
• In some cases, reduce an award.

You should seek advice before appealing so you fully understand the potential outcomes.

Most tribunals are designed to be informal and accessible.

• A judge.
• A medical professional.
• A disability specialist.

You will have the opportunity to explain:

• How your condition affects you.
• Why you disagree with the decision.
• Any difficulties you experience with daily living or mobility activities.

The panel will ask questions to understand your circumstances fully.

You do not always have to attend, but attending can often improve your chances of success because the tribunal can hear directly from you.

If attending is difficult because of your health condition or disability, alternative arrangements may be available.

1. Read your assessment report carefully.
2. Focus on how your condition affects you rather than your diagnosis.
3. Give real-life examples.
4. Provide supporting evidence wherever possible.
5. Explain any safety issues, pain, fatigue or distress.
6. Keep copies of all documents.
7. Seek advice before submitting your appeal.

Remember that PIP looks at whether you can complete activities safely, to an acceptable standard, repeatedly and within a reasonable time.

Appeal times can vary depending on the complexity of the case and tribunal availability.

You should continue to keep copies of:

• Correspondence from the DWP.
• Medical evidence.
• Appeal documents.
• Any new information relating to your condition.

If your appeal is successful:

• Your PIP award may be increased.
• Your claim may be reinstated.
• You may receive backdated payments owed from the relevant date.

The tribunal's decision is normally binding on the DWP.

Our advisors can help you:

• Understand your PIP decision.
• Request a Mandatory Reconsideration.
• Gather supporting evidence.
• Prepare an appeal.
• Understand the tribunal process.

Contact our team for free, confidential advice and support.