Seek Advice for your PIP Decision

If you’ve had an unfavourable benefit decision on Personal Independence Payment (PIP), you can challenge it. The process has two stages: first a mandatory reconsideration, then (if needed) a PIP appeal to an independent tribunal. Appealing a PIP decision means formally contesting the outcome through the official process. Challenging the decision involves following these steps to seek a fair review. If you disagree with the decision, you have the right to appeal and explain your reasons. A representative can also act on your behalf during the appeal process, handling communication and paperwork. Friends or family can support you throughout the process. Here’s how it works and how we help at each step.

1) Start with mandatory reconsideration (MR)

Before you can appeal, you must usually ask the DWP to look at the decision letter again. This is called a mandatory reconsideration. In most cases you should request MR within one month of the date on your decision letter (late requests may still be accepted if you have a good reason, such as illness or bereavement, and you should explain your good reason clearly when submitting a late request). The DWP will send you a Mandatory Reconsideration Notice (MRN) with the new outcome.

How we help:

• We draft a clear MR request setting out where the decision is wrong on the facts and law.

• We plan and gather medical evidence (GP/consultant letters, OT reports, medication lists, care diaries, carer statements) that shows how your difficulties meet the PIP rules.

• We ensure the MR focuses on function and the reliability criteria (can you do the activity safely, to an acceptable standard, repeatedly and within a reasonable time).

• We make sure all forms are complete and guide you through completing them accurately to avoid delays or rejection.

2) If MR doesn’t fix it, submit an appeal

If you’re still unhappy after MR, you can lodge an appeal form to HM Courts & Tribunals Service (HMCTS). Appeals are heard by the independent tribunal service (Social Security and Child Support Tribunal), completely separate from the DWP. It’s free to appeal. You normally have one month from the date on your Mandatory Reconsideration Notice to submit the appeal (online or using form SSCS1). You also have the option of appealing online, which is convenient and provides step-by-step guidance for submitting your appeal.

What we file for you:

• A targeted submission that references your MRN and explains why the benefit decision is wrong.

• A tailored evidence pack, including up-to-date medical evidence and detailed day-to-day examples.

• A detailed written submission with clear writing to present your case effectively to the tribunal.

• (Where helpful) a request for an oral hearing by video/phone or in person, so you can explain your needs directly to the tribunal.

Providing more points and strong evidence can increase your chances of receiving a higher award or a better pip award. If your appeal is successful, you may be paid a higher award than originally offered. If you cannot pay for representation, legal aid may be available to help with the costs of appealing.

3) Understanding PIP points and activities

PIP is based on points across two components: Daily Living and Mobility. You score points from specific descriptors for everyday activities (for example: preparing food, washing and bathing, engaging with other people, planning and following journeys, moving around).

• Standard rate: 8–11 points

• Enhanced rate: 12+ pointsYou can qualify for one or both components at different rates.

For the Mobility component, your mobility problems are assessed based on how they affect your ability to plan and follow journeys or move around. It is important to document specific mobility-related difficulties in detail to support your case. Including evidence from previous pip claims can strengthen your appeal by showing a consistent record of your difficulties. The tribunal will only consider your condition as it was at the time of the original decision and will not take into account if your condition has become worse since then.

Crucially, the tribunal must consider whether you can perform each activity reliably—that is, safely, to an acceptable standard, repeatedly and in reasonable time. If you cannot meet all four parts, you should be treated as unable to do the activity and awarded the appropriate points. We make sure your evidence speaks to these tests.

4) Preparing for the tribunal hearing

Once HMCTS registers your appeal, the DWP prepares an appeal “bundle”. We review this page-by-page and write your statement of case, highlighting assessment errors (for example in the PA4 report), gaps in evidence, and misapplied descriptors. At the hearing, an independent judge (and usually a medical member) considers your case afresh and can increase, decrease or confirm your award. After considering all the evidence, the tribunal will decide the outcome of your appeal. If the tribunal does not find in your favor, there is a risk you could lose your benefits or award.

On the day, we help you to:

• Give clear, concrete examples of difficulties across a typical week, including good and bad days.

• Explain variability, pain, fatigue, risks (falls, confusion, exacerbations), and why prompts/supervision or aids are required.

• Address planning and following journeys (e.g., overwhelming psychological distress) and moving around(distance, pace, stops, safety).

Tracking Your Appeal

Once you’ve submitted your Personal Independence Payment (PIP) appeal, it’s vital to keep track of its progress to make sure your claim is moving forward and you don’t miss any important steps. The easiest way to do this is by using the “Track your appeal” service on the GOV.UK website. If you submitted your appeal form online, you can log in to your account at any time to check the status of your PIP appeal. This service will send you email updates and reminders, so you’ll know when the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) responds, when a tribunal hearing is scheduled, or if you need to provide further evidence.

If you submitted a paper appeal form, you can still stay updated by contacting the Tribunals Service directly. You’ll find their contact details on the GOV.UK website or in the letter you received acknowledging your appeal. When you get in touch, have your National Insurance number and your appeal reference number ready—this helps the service quickly locate your PIP claim and provide accurate information about your appeal’s progress.

It’s important to keep an eye out for any letters or emails from the Tribunals Service or the DWP. For example, you might receive a letter with the date, time, and location of your tribunal hearing, or a request for more evidence about how your condition affects you. Sometimes, the DWP may offer you a lower award before the hearing. If this happens, you have the choice to accept the lower award or continue with your appeal. Before making any decisions, it’s a good idea to seek advice from a benefits expert or representative to make sure you’re getting the support you’re entitled to.

Keep all correspondence—letters, emails, and forms—in a safe place. This will help you keep track of your appeal, respond to any requests on time, and provide more detail if needed. If you’re unsure about any part of the process, or if you need help responding to a letter or preparing for your tribunal hearing, don’t hesitate to contact the Tribunals Service or seek advice from a benefits specialist.

By actively tracking your PIP appeal, you can make sure your claim is handled efficiently and that you’re ready to act if you need to submit further evidence, attend a hearing, or respond to a new decision. Staying organised and informed gives you the best chance of receiving the correct Personal Independence Payment award.

Time limits at a glance

• Mandatory reconsideration: usually within one month of your decision letter date (can be accepted late with reasons).

• Appeal to HMCTS: usually within one month of the mandatory reconsideration notice (you can appeal late with reasons, but it may not be accepted).

If you’re close to a deadline, send us your details now—we can lodge the appeal form on time and follow up with evidence.

Why use our service?

• Expert drafting: We translate your day-to-day difficulties into the legal language of PIP descriptors and points.

• Evidence strategy: We help obtain focused medical evidence and practical corroboration (care diaries, witness statements).

• Representation: We prepare you for questions and support you through the tribunal before HM Courts & Tribunals Service (HMCTS)—the independent tribunal service.

• No-win-no-fee: No upfront costs; our focus is on getting the decision changed.