How to challenge a PIP decision
If you believe the outcome of your claim for Personal Independence Payment (PIP) is incorrect, you can challenge the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) decision. We explain how to challenge a PIP decision.
When to challenge a PIP decision
You can challenge a PIP decision if you think the outcome is incorrect according to the rules. You should challenge a decision if you believe:
- You should have been awarded more points according to the descriptors
- Your award should have been for a longer period.
You need to be aware that if you challenge a PIP decision, there is a possibility that the DWP will reduce the amount you receive or award it for a shorter period if they believe they made a mistake first time around.
When you cannot challenge a PIP Decision
You cannot challenge a PIP decision if:
- The decision not to award you PIP was made before 6th April 2016.
- A tribunal has decided on your claim since 6th April 2016.
- You have been continuously receiving the enhanced rate of the daily living component of PIP since 6th April 2016.
You should seek advice from Citizen's Advice if your PIP claim falls into one of the above categories.
The stages of challenging a PIP decision?
We explain the different stages of challenging a PIP decision, so you know where you are at and what options are available to you.
Stage one: PIP decision letter
You have received your decision letter from the DWP, and you believe:
- You have been awarded the wrong amount or not at all
- Your award is not long enough.
You will have one month from the date of the letter to ask for a mandatory reconsideration – this is where they will look at the decision again.
If you expect to or have missed the deadline, you will need to ring the DWP to explain why and ask for an extension.
Stage two: Ask for a mandatory reconsideration
A mandatory reconsideration is the second stage of challenging a PIP decision. It is asking the DWP to look at the decision again.
Don't forget to ask for mandatory reconsideration within one month of the date on your PIP decision letter.
The DWP will look at your claim form again, the face-to-face assessment report, and any other evidence they have, to see if they will change the decision.
Read our detailed mandatory reconsideration PIP guide or use our mandatory reconsideration PIP letter template.
Stage three: Mandatory reconsideration decision
The DWP will send you two copies of their PIP reconsideration decision and will have either:
- Changed their decision
- Not reversed their decision.
If you are happy with the new decision, then you can stop your PIP challenge. If the DWP have not changed their decision, you will have one month from the date of the letter to appeal the PIP decision.
If you expect to or have missed the deadline, you will need to ring the DWP to explain why and ask for an extension.
Stage four: Ask to appeal a PIP decision
Appealing to a tribunal is the next stage of challenging a PIP decision. You are asking an independent tribunal to look at the decision. Read our detailed appealing a PIP decision guide.
Stage five: Prepare for an appeal
While you wait for details of your appeal hearing you should prepare for your PIP appeal. You can provide evidence to help the tribunal understand your condition or circumstances - you should send it as soon as you can, so the tribunal have time to read it before the hearing.
Read our guide on how to prepare for a PIP appeal tribunal.
Stage six: Appeal date hearing letter
You will receive a letter detailing when your appeal will be.
Stage seven: Appeal date hearing letter
An independent panel will hear your appeal. They will listen to all the evidence from you and the DWP and make a decision based on this.
If the panel decide the PIP decision was wrong, you will receive a letter from the benefit office confirming that the decision has changed. If the panel decide it can’t change the PIP decision, you will receive a letter confirming this.
