What People Say About Me

Asha
Great experience

Prakash Ruparelia was extremely knowledgeable about my benefits issue, where other firms had not been able to help me. He was communicative and reassuring, and provided sound advice that helped me to avoid issues further down the line. I would recommend his services.

Elisabeth
Pensions advice

I highly recommend Prakash Ruparelia from Scott-Moncrieff & Associates. He helped my mother to find a prompt and cost-effective way of resolving her case. At each stage of legal process Prakash gave clear and concise advice and provided an honest appraisal about the merits of our case. This helped us to make informed decisions about what steps to take. Always calm and well-prepared, Prakash worked tirelessly to achieve a brilliant result for us.

Mussarat
M. Zeban

I was very fortunate to have found Prakash Ruparelia to help me. I was going through a bad time physically and mentally to deal with my claim.he made the process so easy and efficient. He is a very honest and professional at what he does . I’m very appreciative of his help.

Julian
PIP 1st Tier Tribunal Appeal

I would like to thank Prakash Ruparelia for preparing appeal and representing my son at the PIP Tribunal last week. It was really helpful to have his expert guidance and reassurance throughout what has been a difficult and stressful process. The appeal was successful.

Anna
Pip appeal / Tribunal

I had a fantastic experience with Scott-Moncrieff & Associates, my named solicitor was Prakash Ruparelia, he was very knowledgeable/ experienced in the process of personal independence payments appeals, he guided me through the process, reassuring me at all times. He was professional and communication was key for me, he always responded to any queries I had.

I would highly recommend their services and wouldn’t hesitate to use them again.

Personal Independence Payments (PIP Appeals)

Understanding Personal Independence Payments PIP (Appeals)

 

What is Personal Independence Payments (PIP)?

 

Personal Independence Payments (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 Payments (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 payments criteria that the DWP considers when assessing your application is crucial to making sure you get a positive result with your personal independence payments appeal.

Assessments focus on how your condition affects your ability to carry out specific tasks, grouped under daily living and mobility components. The PIP points system is used to determine eligibility for both the daily living component and mobility award based on specific descriptors.

It is important to be aware of potential grounds of appeal when considering how to appeal a PIP decision.

How to appeal a Personal Independence Payment (PIP) Decision

If your PIP claim has been refused or your award reduced, you can challenge the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) decision by appealing against pip decision. 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 and time limits.

What Steps Can You Take if You Disagree with a Personal Independence Payment (PIP) Decision?

If you don’t agree with the DWP’s decision on your Personal Independence Payment, here’s what you can do:

  1. Request a Mandatory Reconsideration – Ask the DWP to review their decision and provide supporting evidence. This is also known as a PIP MR.
  2. Request a Statement of Reasons – This document explains the reasoning behind the decision and helps you understand your next steps.

Act promptly, as the deadline for challenging a decision is just one month.

Requesting a Personal Independence Payment (PIP) Mandatory Reconsideration

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.

You can submit a PIP mandatory reconsideration form or make your request online through PIP mandatory reconsideration online services.

It’s important to note that even if you receive 0 points for your PIP mandatory reconsideration, you can still proceed with an appeal.

How long does a mandatory reconsideration take for PIP? While it varies, it typically takes 4-6 weeks. During this time, you may need to provide additional evidence or a PIP mandatory reconsideration letter to support your case.

Personal Independence Payment (PIP) Tribunal Process

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.

Understanding what happens at a PIP tribunal is crucial for preparing your case effectively. The PIP tribunal 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.

The Tribunal Panel

The tribunal is an independent panel that will review your case and make a decision. It typically consists of three members:

  • Judge: A legally qualified individual who oversees the hearing and ensures it follows proper procedures.
  • Medical Professional: A healthcare expert (e.g., a doctor, nurse, or occupational therapist) who provides insights into how your condition may affect your daily life and mobility.
  • Disability Expert: A person with knowledge of how disabilities affect people’s ability to carry out daily activities.

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. Further information about how the first tier social security tribunal works can be found  here: First Tier Social Security Tribunal 

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.

It’s important to be prepared for PIP tribunal questions and answers. The tribunal will assess your case based on the evidence provided and may ask you questions about your condition and how it affects your daily life. If you’re unsure about what happens at a PIP tribunal, seeking PIP tribunal advice from a qualified PIP appeal solicitor can be invaluable. Understanding the PIP tribunal hearing process can help you feel more confident and prepared on the day of your hearing. Being well-prepared and having strong evidence can significantly improve your odds.

How long does a PIP appeal take? The process can vary, but it typically takes 3-9 months from the time you submit your appeal to the date of your hearing.

How I Can Help with Your Personal Independence Payment (PIP) Appeal

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:

  • Prepare a strong appeal submission with the correct case law and regulations.
  • Advise you on which evidence will be relevant to strengthen your case.
  • Represent you at the PIP tribunal, whether it’s an oral hearing or a written appeal.

Visit my reviews section for case studies that demonstrate how I have  helped clients successfully appeal their PIP decisions.

Appointments and How I Work

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.

 

Transparent Fixed Fee Service

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.

Strengthen Your Personal Independence Payment (PIP) Appeal with Evidence

Supporting evidence, such as reports from medical professionals, occupational therapists or physiotherapists, can make a significant difference to your appeal.

This written evidence helps demonstrate how your condition impacts your daily life and mobility. A medical assessment report or occupational therapist report can provide crucial insights into your condition and its effects on your daily activities.

Successful PIP tribunal appeals result in the appellant being awarded backdated payments after the tribunal to the time when they first claimed. The PIP appeal payment timeline can vary, but typically, you should receive your payment within 4-6 weeks of a successful appeal.

This evidence helps demonstrate how your condition impacts your daily life and mobility.   A successful PIP tribunal appeals result in the appellant being being awarded backdated payments after the tribunal to the time when they first claimed.

Track Your PIP Appeal

You can track your PIP appeal online using the ‘track your appeal service’ provided by HM Courts and Tribunals Service. This appeal tracking service allows you to stay updated on the progress of your appeal and helps you prepare for important dates, such as your tribunal hearing. To track PIP appeal online using the track your appeal service, you’ll need your National Insurance number and the reference number provided when you submitted your appeal form. This online PIP appeal tracking system is a convenient way to stay informed throughout the process.

PIP Decision Timeline

The PIP decision timeline can vary depending on various factors. After your assessment, it typically takes 8-10 weeks to receive a DWP decision. If you need to go through the mandatory reconsideration and appeal process, it can take several months. However, if your appeal is successful, you will receive backdated payments from the date of your original claim.

The PIP tribunal payment timeline can also vary, but you should typically receive your payment within 4-6 weeks of a successful appeal decision.

Contact Me for Help with Your Personal Independence Payment (PIP) Appeal

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.

If you’re wondering “refused PIP what next,” don’t let a refused PIP claim discourage you – with the right support and guidance, you can navigate the appeal process successfully. Remember, PIP tribunal attendance is crucial, and you have the right to bring a representative with you. If needed, you can request a sign language interpreter or other accessibility accommodations at the tribunal centre or court.

Should you disagree with the First Tier Tribunal’s decision, you may request a statement of reasons, which explains the tribunal’s decision in detail. This can be useful if you’re considering appealing to the Upper Tribunal on points of law.

Whether you need to reapply for PIP or appeal a DWP decision, remember that expert help is available to guide you through this complex process.

Take the first step today by reaching out via the contact form below or by calling our office to get PIP appeals help and a free initial consultation.

For a free initial consultation please call 0203 9729011 or complete the contact form below.

How to find us

London Office

Scott-Moncrieff & Associates Ltd Solicitors
Temple Chambers
3-7 Temple Avenue
London
EC4Y 0HP
Office: 0203 9729011
DX 116 LD
www.scomo.com

Leicester Office

Scott-Moncrieff & Associates Ltd Solicitors
New Walk House
108 New Walk
Leicester
LE1 7EA
Office: 0203 9729011