Personal Independence Payment (PIP) is a benefit designed to support people aged 16 to 64 who face additional costs due to a long-term disability or health condition.
Unlike other benefits, Personal Independence Payment (PIP) focuses on the help you need in your daily life and mobility rather than your specific medical condition or medication.
Understanding the personal independence payment criteria that the DWP considers when assessing your application is crucial to making sure you get a positive result with your personal independence payment appeal.
Assessments focus on how your condition affects your ability to carry out specific tasks, grouped under daily living and mobility components.
If your PIP claim has been refused or your award reduced, you can challenge the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) decision by submitting a PIP appeal.
Additionally, you may also appeal if you’ve lost access to the Motability Scheme Vehicle because of a change to your PIP award.
Seeking advice early in the process ensures your case is handled effectively and meets all necessary deadlines.
If you don’t agree with the DWP’s decision on your Personal Independence Payment, here’s what you can do:
Act promptly, as the deadline for challenging a decision is just one month.
To challenge a decision, you must submit a mandatory reconsideration request within one month of receiving your decision letter. If you have missed the deadline you can request a mandatory reconsideration up to 13 months from the date on your decision letter if you can show good cause for the delay.
This is the first step in appealing a PIP decision and, if successful, the DWP can reinstate your payments.
The DWP may contact you during this process to discuss your case. If your request is denied, you’ll receive a mandatory reconsideration notice, which is required to proceed to the next stage of appeal.
If your mandatory reconsideration is unsuccessful, you can appeal to an independent Social Security Tribunal.
This is an impartial panel that will review your case and make a fair decision.
The tribunal is an independent panel that will review your case and make a decision. It typically consists of three members:
A DWP presenting officer may also attend to explain why the Department for Work and Pensions made their original decision. If they attend, they may ask you questions or respond to your evidence.
To file an appeal:
After submitting your appeal, the DWP will send you a tribunal bundle, which includes their evidence and decision rationale. Preparing for this stage is critical to improving your chances of success.
Navigating the appeals process for Personal Independence Payment can feel daunting. With over 20 years of experience in welfare benefits law, I can help you:
Visit my reviews section for case studies that demonstrate how I have helped clients successfully appeal their PIP decisions.
I provide flexible services across England and Wales. Most consultations are conducted via phone or email, but I also offer virtual meetings through Zoom or Microsoft Teams. Face-to-face appointments are available when required.
As legal aid is no longer available for welfare benefits appeals, I offer a fixed fee service. This ensures that you know the cost upfront, with no hidden charges.
My services are provided through Scott-Moncrieff & Associates Ltd Solicitors, an award-winning national firm known for its expertise in welfare benefits law.
Supporting evidence, such as reports from medical professionals, occupational therapists or physiotherapists, can make a significant difference to your appeal. This evidence helps demonstrate how your condition impacts your daily life and mobility.
If you are struggling with a Personal Independence Payment (PIP) decision? I can help. Contact me for a free initial consultation to discuss your case and explore your options.
Understanding the PIP appeal process and working with an experienced qualified solicitor can significantly improve your chances of success.
Take the first step today by reaching out via the contact form below or by calling our office for a free initial consultation.