How to challenge a PIP decision

Before challenging a PIP decision, it’s important to understand how the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) came to their decision.

Carefully read your decision letter as it should include an explanation of how the decision was made. Check if anything important has been left out about your condition, and whether how your condition affects you might have been misunderstood. You can also call the DWP to ask them to explain their decision over the phone.

Not all benefit decisions come with a full explanation. If you did not receive a full explanation, you can ask for one. This is known as a ‘written statement of reasons.’

If you decide to challenge the amount or length of your PIP award, the DWP may look at your whole claim again. This means they can keep your award the same, increase it, or in some cases, reduce it. If you’d like support or guidance before you challenge the decision, you can contact us or Citizens Advice.

If you think the decision is wrong, you have one month from the date of your decision letter to ask the DWP to look at it again. This is called a mandatory reconsideration.

You can ask for a mandatory reconsideration by:

• Phoning the DWP using the phone number on your letter
• Filling in and returning a form online
• Writing to the DWP using the address on your decision letter

You can ask for more time if:

• You have asked for a written statement of their decision reasons
• You have a good reason for the delay

If you ask for a written statement, you’ll have two weeks to ask for a mandatory reconsideration from the day it arrives – even if that’s longer than the usual one-month deadline.

There’s no time limit for how long the DWP can take to get back to you after you request a mandatory reconsideration, but you can contact them to ask for an update.

If you’ve missed the deadline

If you’ve missed the one-month deadline to ask for a mandatory reconsideration, you can still ask for one as long as:

• You asked for the mandatory reconsideration as soon as possible
• The decision date was less than 13 months ago
• You have a good reason for being late

Explain why you could not ask for a mandatory reconsideration sooner, especially if it’s because of your disability or your caring responsibilities.

For example:

• You needed help to collect your post
• You’ve been caring for a partner, child, or relative who has been unwell
• You’ve been mentally or physically unwell
• You needed help to understand the decision, which took time

What to say or write in your mandatory reconsideration request

When you ask for mandatory reconsideration, whether by phone or letter, you will need to tell the DWP:

• Your name and address
• Your date of birth
• Your National Insurance number
• The date on your decision letter
• Why you feel the decision is wrong

You can send evidence to support your appeal, but it’s not necessary at this stage. It’s important to clearly say what you think was not considered about your disability and give examples of things that they should now consider.

For example: ‘the report said I could chop vegetables, but my consultant letter stated that I have a very weak grip and I’m unable to hold a knife safely.’

Once the DWP has reconsidered your decision, you will get a letter called a ‘mandatory reconsideration notice.’ This will tell you if they have changed their decision or not. It will also explain the reasons for the decision and the evidence it was based on.

If you disagree with their decision, you can take the next step and appeal. We know that it can be frustrating to have to challenge it again and we’re here if you need support.

If you think the decision in the mandatory reconsideration notice is wrong, you can appeal to the tribunal service. The tribunal is independent of the government and is run by HM Courts and Tribunal Service (HMCTS).

You cannot appeal against the following:

• How and when your benefit is paid
• If your claim is suspended while they check if you’re eligible for benefits

An appeal needs to be made within one calendar month of the date on the mandatory reconsideration notice. You can submit your appeal online, by post, or you can appoint someone to represent you and help with your appeal.

To submit your appeal, you will need:

• Your National Insurance number
• The details of your representative (if you are using one)
• Your mandatory reconsideration notice
• To explain why you’re appealing
• To choose if you want to attend the tribunal hearing in person

The tribunal service will review your appeal submission and decide whether your appeal can go ahead.

Explain why you’re appealing

Explaining why you are appealing is the most important part of the application. You will need to give specific reasons why you disagree with the decision. You can use your decision letter and statement of reasons to highlight which of the statements you disagree with and why.

Give facts, examples, and medical evidence (if you have any) to support your appeal.

Waiting for a hearing date

If you’ve been told your appeal will go to tribunal, it can take up to six months to have your appeal heard. We know this wait can be stressful but more than half of the people who appeal their PIP decision win at tribunal.

The length of time it takes to get a date depends on where you live and how busy your local service is. In your application form you can put any dates or times you’re not available due to childcare or caring responsibilities. It’s important to add these as once your hearing date is booked, it’s difficult to change it.

If you have any evidence you want to share with the tribunal, send it in advance rather than on the day. This gives them time to review it.

Read all the information that has been sent to you so that you know what to expect. You may be able to claim some expenses, such as travel to the hearing, which should be included in the information sent to you.

Make sure you prepare everything you’ll need, such as your appeal papers, notes on what you’d like to tell the tribunal, and any receipts for expenses the tribunal service has already approved.

Attending the tribunal hearing

It can feel intimidating to attend your tribunal in person, but you can take someone with you for support. It’s an informal hearing, where you will be given the chance to explain how your condition affects you in your own words and may give you a better chance of winning.

What to expect on the day

Attending a tribunal is not like attending a formal court. The venue should be accessible, and the clerk of the court will be there to assist you and to explain what will happen.

The tribunal panel is made up of a judge and two other independent people – including a doctor.

The DWP can send a presenting officer to put forward their position and challenge the points you’ve made in the appeal document. This is standard practice and is not anything to worry about.

The panel will then ask a series of questions based on what you’ve put on your form and any additional supporting information you’ve provided.

Take your time and do not feel rushed – this is your chance to explain to them how your condition affects you daily. Once everyone has had the chance to speak, you’ll be asked if there’s anything more you’d like to say. Do not be afraid to speak up if you feel you need to make a point or make something clear.

You will then be asked to leave the room whilst a decision is made. You might be called back and told the decision right away or you may need to wait up to a week to receive a decision letter.

If you win your appeal

If you win your appeal, you will get an official letter in the post, and you’ll start receiving your benefits. The DWP will also have to backpay your benefits from the date of your claim. It can take four to six weeks for the money to come through.

If you lose your appeal

If you’re unsuccessful, you’ll get an official notice with your options. It may be possible to appeal to a higher level of tribunal – but only if you can show that the tribunal made a legal error and not just because you disagree with their decision. You can get advice from your local Citizens Advice service.

Even if your appeal is unsuccessful, you can apply for PIP again in the future. You can reapply if your condition has got worse, your needs have changed, or you have new evidence.

If you’re unsure whether to reapply or want support with your claim, you can get in touch with us or get help from an adviser at your local Citizens Advice. We’re here to help you understand your options.

Author: Muscular Dystrophy UK
Last reviewed: July 2025
Next review due: July 2028