How to appeal a PIP decision to a tribunal

You need a mandatory reconsideration notice first

You usually need to ask for mandatory reconsideration before you can appeal. Your decision letter will say if you can appeal without it. (source: GOV.UK)

Not done this yet? Read how to ask for a PIP mandatory reconsideration.

How to appeal and the deadline

Appeal to the tribunal within one month of getting your mandatory reconsideration decision. (source: GOV.UK)

If you start your appeal after a month, you will have to explain why you did not do it earlier. Your appeal might not be accepted. (source: GOV.UK)

You can start a PIP appeal online. You will need your National Insurance number and your mandatory reconsideration notice. (source: GOV.UK)

To appeal by post, use form SSCS1, "Appeal a social security benefits decision (Notice of appeal)". (source: GOV.UK)

Paper or oral hearing

You choose whether you want to go to the tribunal hearing to explain your appeal in person. If you do not attend, your appeal is decided on your appeal form and any supporting evidence you provide. (source: GOV.UK)

Going to the hearing gives you the chance to explain your case and answer questions. A paper decision relies only on what you have written and sent.

Set out your case descriptor by descriptor

A clear way to explain your appeal is to go through each activity where you disagree with the points. For each one, write down:

• the descriptor and points the DWP chose
• the descriptor you think applies, and its points
• why, with real examples of what happens on a typical day and on bad days
• whether you can do it safely, to an acceptable standard, as often as needed and in a reasonable time
• the evidence that backs this up

Use the free PIP points calculator to work out which descriptors you think apply. The descriptors guide lists every one, for example preparing food or moving around.

What happens at the hearing

A judge and one or two experts decide the case. They are impartial and independent of government. (source: GOV.UK)

You will have the chance to explain your appeal, and the judge or the experts may ask you questions about your condition or circumstances. (source: GOV.UK)

The department that made the original decision may also be at the hearing. They may ask questions, but they are not part of the tribunal and do not decide the result. (source: GOV.UK)

If you live in Scotland

If you live in Scotland you apply for Adult Disability Payment instead of PIP. (source: GOV.UK)

Adult Disability Payment decisions are made by Social Security Scotland, not the DWP, and have their own route.

In Scotland, the first stage of challenging an Adult Disability Payment decision is called a re-determination. You have 42 days to ask for one. A late request may be accepted if you have a good reason and ask within one year of the decision letter. (source: mygov.scot)

If you still disagree, you can ask for an appeal to the First-tier Tribunal within 31 calendar days of getting the re-determination decision. (source: mygov.scot)