How to challenge a PIP decision | 2025

Personal Independence Payment (PIP) is a UK government benefit that financially helps people aged 16 to State Pension age who have a long-term physical or mental health condition or disability.

If you have applied for PIP and are not happy with either your claim being rejected or your payment award being too low, you do have the right to appeal against the decision.

Key points

Understand your decision: Carefully read your PIP decision letter to see how points were awarded and what evidence was used.

Request a Mandatory Reconsideration: Ask the DWP (Department for Work and Pensions) to review their decision within one month if you believe it’s wrong, and explain why clearly.

Gather strong evidence: Support your case with medical reports, care plans, or personal statements showing how your condition affects daily life.

Appeal if needed: If the decision doesn’t change, appeal to an independent tribunal. Around 65–70% of PIP appeals succeed.

What is PIP for?

PIP is designed to support people who find it difficult to manage everyday tasks or get around because of their condition. It is not means tested. Assessors look at your mental and physical condition not your income or employment status.

How many people receive PIP?

The latest Personal Independence Payment (PIP) statistics show that on 31 July 2025 there were 3.8 million claimants entitled to PIP in England and Wales.

This is a 2% increase on the number on 30 April 2025.

A total of 37% received the highest level of PIP award, the same level as in April 2025.

How many PIP appeals are successful?

Around 5% of PIP decisions are appealed, according to the DWP (Department for Work and Pensions), based on a review of award reviews between October 2019 and September 2024.

Approximately 65-70% of PIP appeals are successful when they get to the tribunal stage, according to the DWP.

Step by step guide to challenging a Personal Independence Payment (PIP) decision

So you have applied for Personal Independence Payment (PIP).

• You have called the DWP and completed a PIP2 form and completed a health assessment.

• After waiting for around 20 weeks, you have received a letter.

• The letter informs you that either:

1. They are rejecting your claim.

2. You are being given a lower rate than you were expecting

3. You don’t feel the award is for a long enough period of time

Step 1: Read the DWP letter very carefully

When you receive your PIP decision letter from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), read it carefully.

It will explain:

• How many points you scored for daily living and mobility.

• What evidence the DWP used to make its decision.

• When your award starts and ends.

It’s important to understand exactly why the DWP made its decision before you go ahead and challenge it.

Step 2: Ask for a Mandatory Reconsideration (MR)

The first formal stage is called a Mandatory Reconsideration. This means the DWP looks at your claim again.

How to request a Mandatory Reconsideration:

• You must do this within one month of the date on your decision letter.
• You can ask for it by phone, by post, or online.
• Clearly explain why you think the decision is wrong.

If you miss the one month deadline, you can still ask for mandatory reconsideration. But you will need to give a good reason to why you are applying after the deadline.

Be specific and give details on how your condition affects your daily life and mobility.

Example:

“I cannot prepare a meal safely due to tremors and weakness in my hands. I need help every time I cook, so I believe I should have scored higher for the ‘Preparing food’ activity.”

Step 3: Send supporting evidence

The DWP often makes decisions based on limited information. Strengthen your case with clear and relevant information backing up your case.

• Letters from your GP, consultant, or occupational therapist.
• Medical test results or care plans.
• Statements from family, friends, or carers.
• A daily diary describing how your condition affects you.

The more detailed your evidence, the better your chances will be of success.

Step 4: Wait for your Mandatory Reconsideration Notice

The DWP will review your case and send you a Mandatory Reconsideration Notice. This will explain whether they’ve changed their decision.

If you still disagree with their decision, you can appeal to an independent tribunal.

Step 5: Appeal to the independent tribunal

If the DWP doesn’t change its decision, you can appeal to the Social Security and Child Support Tribunal. This tribunal is independent. It is not part of the DWP.

How to start your PIP appeal:

• You must appeal within one month of the date on your MR notice.
• Submit your appeal online via gov.uk/appeal-benefit-decision or use form SSCS1 by post.
• Include your MR notice and explain why you think the decision is wrong.

Step 6: Prepare for your PIP tribunal hearing

You can attend your hearing in person, by video, or by phone.

During the hearing:

• A panel (a judge, doctor, and disability expert) will ask you questions.
• You can bring a representative, friend, or family member.
• Be honest and describe your worst days, not your best ones.

PIP appeal success rate:

Recent statistics show that around 65–70% of people who attend a PIP tribunal win their appeal. This means it’s well worth continuing if you believe your decision is wrong.

Step 7: Get free help and support

You don’t have to face this process alone. Challenging a PIP decision can be stressful and emotionally draining and support at this time can be valuable.

Free advice is available from:

• Citizens Advice
• Disability Rights UK
• Scope
• Local welfare rights services or council advice teams

They can help you write your MR request, prepare for the tribunal, and gather the right evidence.

Step 8: Keep records and meet deadlines

Keep copies of:

• All letters, forms, and medical evidence you send.
• The dates you send or receive anything from the DWP.
• Notes from phone calls or meetings.

If you need more time, contact the DWP or tribunal office. They will grant extensions in exceptional circumstances.

Remember you have every right to challenge their decision!