The First Tier Social Security Tribunal, also known as the Social Security and Child Support Tribunal, handles welfare benefit appeals independently of the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP), HMRC, and Local Authorities. The tribunal ensures fairness and allows you to fully participate in your PIP appeal or other benefit disputes.
For official government guidance on appealing a benefit decision, visit gov.uk.
Your appeal, whether against a decision by HMRC or the DWP, will be heard by the First Tier Tribunal (Social Entitlement Chamber). The Tribunal Appeals Service will offer you the choice of:
Oral Hearing – You attend in person, give oral evidence, and your representative can present your case.
Written Hearing – The tribunal reviews your appeal based on submitted documents without your presence.
Research suggests that oral hearings increase your chances of success. You or your representative can explain your case directly to the tribunal judge and medical panel. Some tribunals also offer hearings via phone or video call.
If you’re wondering, “Do I have to attend a PIP tribunal?” – the answer is no, but attending is recommended for better outcomes.
The DWP, HMRC, or Local Authority must submit a bundle of evidence supporting their case to both you and the First Tier Tribunal. Once received by HM Courts and Tribunals Service (HMCTS), your hearing date will be scheduled – this process may take a few months.
To strengthen your appeal:
Submit a written submission outlining your arguments.
Provide expert medical evidence from your GP or medical consultants.
Submit your medical assessment report if relevant.
You will be notified of your hearing 2-4 weeks in advance and must receive at least 10 days’ notice unless you agree to a short-notice hearing (not advised if you need extra time to gather evidence).
If you cannot attend on the scheduled date, contact HMCTS immediately to request a postponement. Requests must be in writing and clearly explain your reason. The Tribunal Judge will decide whether to grant the postponement. If you do not receive confirmation that your request has been approved, you must attend the hearing; otherwise, the tribunal may proceed in your absence.
The First Tier Tribunal is relatively informal. It typically takes place in a small room rather than a traditional courtroom.
The tribunal panel members depend on the benefit being appealed:
Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) Appeals – A Judge and a Doctor.
Disability Living Allowance (DLA) and Personal Independence Payment (PIP) Appeals – A Judge, a Doctor, and a disability specialist.
Other non-medical tribunals – Usually just a Judge.
Judge – Address as “Judge”.
Medical Panel Members – Address as “Sir” or “Madam”.
Tribunal Clerk – Assists with administration and travel expense claims.
Presenting Officer (DWP Representative) – Represents the DWP or Local Authority but ensures legal and evidential clarity.
The tribunal panel will review all documents before the hearing. Make sure your evidence is sent at least 7 days in advance. If submitting late evidence, check with the Tribunal Clerk to ensure it has been received. Bring spare copies of important documents just in case.
The tribunal will ask you specific questions to clarify your case. Answer accurately and concisely.
After questioning, the judge will ask if you have anything to add. This is your opportunity to highlight key points not previously discussed.
Once the tribunal has all the necessary information:
You will be asked to leave the room while a decision is made.
You will usually be called back in and given a Decision Notice summarising the ruling.
In some cases, a decision is reserved and will be sent to you by post within a few days.
You can track your appeal status via the HMCTS appeal tracking service.
If you believe the tribunal made an error, you can challenge the decision if:
You were not present at the hearing (despite requesting to attend).
There was a procedural irregularity.
The tribunal erred in law.
To appeal further, you must request a Statement of Reasons within one month of the decision. This document explains how the tribunal reached its decision. Also, request the Record of Proceedings (handwritten notes of the hearing). Late requests may be considered, but approval is not guaranteed.
If you need help with a PIP appeal, ESA appeal, or other benefit tribunal, I provide expert legal assistance, including:
Drafting tribunal submissions to challenge DWP decisions.
Ensuring compliance with relevant case law and regulations.
Representation at tribunal hearings.
With over 20 years of experience, I specialise in:
Universal Credit Appeals
Housing Benefit Appeals
I am well-versed in the PIP points system and can assist with completing appeal forms such as SSCS1 or registering the appeal online.
Since legal aid is no longer available for welfare benefit appeals, I offer fixed-fee services with no hidden costs, so you know exactly what you’ll pay.
As a fully qualified and regulated solicitor, I provide services through Scott-Moncrieff & Associates Ltd Solicitors, an award-winning national firm. I can assist clients across England via phone, email, Zoom, or Microsoft Teams, with face-to-face meetings available if required.
From mandatory reconsideration’s to final appeals, I will guide you every step of the way, ensuring compliance with all appeal deadlines.
For expert assistance with your PIP appeal or any DWP tribunal, get in touch by calling or using the contact form today.