How to Write a PIP Appeal: A Step-by-Step Guide

If your Personal Independence Payment (PIP) claim has been rejected, or you've been awarded fewer points than you believe you deserve, you have the right to challenge the decision. Many people successfully overturn PIP decisions on appeal — in fact, around two-thirds of PIP appeals that reach tribunal are decided in the claimant's favour.

This guide explains the appeals process and how to prepare an effective submission.

Understanding the PIP Appeals Process

There are two stages to challenging a PIP decision:

Stage 1: Mandatory Reconsideration — You must first ask the DWP to look at their decision again. This is a legal requirement before you can appeal to a tribunal.

Stage 2: Appeal to Tribunal — If mandatory reconsideration is unsuccessful, you can appeal to the First-tier Tribunal (Social Security and Child Support). This is an independent body, separate from the DWP.

Stage 1: Mandatory Reconsideration

Time Limits

You must request a mandatory reconsideration within one month of the date on your decision letter. If you miss this deadline, you can still request one with a good reason for the delay, but it's best to act quickly.

How to Request a Mandatory Reconsideration

You can request a mandatory reconsideration by:

• Calling the PIP enquiry line on 0800 121 4433
• Writing to the address on your decision letter

While you can simply phone to request one, it's strongly recommended that you also submit a written statement explaining why you disagree with the decision.

What to Include in Your Written Statement

Your mandatory reconsideration request should:

• Clearly state that you are requesting a mandatory reconsideration
• Include your National Insurance number and the date of the decision
• Explain specifically which descriptors you disagree with and why
• Describe how your condition affects you on a typical day
• Address any inaccuracies in the assessor's report
• Include any new medical evidence if available

Stage 2: Appealing to the Tribunal

If your mandatory reconsideration is unsuccessful (or you receive a "mandatory reconsideration notice" upholding the original decision), you have one month from the date of that notice to appeal to the tribunal.

How to Submit Your Appeal

You'll need to complete form SSCS1, which you can:

• Download from GOV.UK
• Complete online via the government's appeals service
• Request by post from HMCTS

Preparing Your Tribunal Submission

Your tribunal submission is your opportunity to explain your case fully. A well-prepared submission can make a significant difference to the outcome.

Your submission should include:

1. A detailed statement explaining how your condition affects your daily life. Go through each activity (preparing food, washing, dressing, etc.) and describe your difficulties honestly and specifically.

2. Evidence to support your case:

• Medical records and letters from consultants
• GP notes and prescription history
• Letters from specialists, therapists, or support workers
• Care plans or social services assessments
• Statements from family members or carers who help you

3. A response to the assessor's report — Point out any inaccuracies, things taken out of context, or observations that don't reflect your typical situation.

The PIP Descriptors

PIP is assessed against specific "descriptors" for daily living and mobility activities. When preparing your submission, address each relevant descriptor and explain which one applies to you and why.

The daily living activities are:

• Preparing food
• Taking nutrition
• Managing therapy or monitoring a health condition
• Washing and bathing
• Managing toilet needs or incontinence
• Dressing and undressing
• Communicating verbally
• Reading and understanding signs, symbols and words
• Engaging with other people face to face
• Making budgeting decisions

The mobility activities are:

• Planning and following journeys
• Moving around

Attending the Tribunal Hearing

You'll be offered the choice of a paper hearing (decided on documents alone) or an oral hearing (where you attend in person or by video). In most cases, an oral hearing gives you a better chance of success because you can explain your situation directly and answer questions.

At the hearing:

• A panel (usually a judge, doctor, and disability expert) will ask you questions
• You can bring someone for support
• The atmosphere is less formal than a court
• You'll usually receive the decision on the day

Tips for a Successful Appeal

Be specific. Instead of saying "I struggle to cook," explain exactly what happens: "I cannot stand for more than five minutes due to pain, I have dropped pans because of weakness in my hands, and I have forgotten food cooking and burned it three times in the past month."

Describe your worst days. PIP is about what you can do reliably, repeatedly, and safely. If you can only manage an activity on good days, or it takes you much longer than normal, or you need help, make this clear.

Get supporting evidence. Medical evidence carries significant weight. Ask your GP, consultant, or other healthcare professionals to provide letters describing your condition and its effects.

Keep a diary. If your condition varies day to day, keeping notes of your difficulties over a few weeks can provide useful evidence.

Don't give up. Many people succeed at tribunal who were unsuccessful at mandatory reconsideration. The statistics show tribunals overturn a significant proportion of PIP decisions.