Last updated:
22/06/2020

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 Communities (DfC) 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 more extended period.

You need to be aware that if you challenge a PIP decision, there is a possibility that the DfC will reduce the amount you receive or award it for a shorter period if they believe they made a mistake first time around.

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 DfC, 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 DfC 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 DfC to look at the decision again.

The DfC 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 DfC 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 DfC 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 DfC 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.