PIP tribunals
If a mandatory reconsideration doesn't change a PIP decision, you can appeal to an independent tribunal. In April to June 2026, tribunals decided 66.9% of the PIP appeals they cleared at a hearing in the claimant's favour. The Ministry of Justice marks that quarter provisional.
Source: Ministry of Justice: Tribunals statistics quarterly: April to June 2026, published 10 September 2026. Sheet SSCS_3. Cleared at a hearing includes some appeals withdrawn on the day.
Before you can appeal
Before you can appeal, you usually need to ask for a mandatory reconsideration. Your decision letter says if you can appeal straight away. Appealing is free. Appeal to the tribunal within one month of getting your mandatory reconsideration decision. If you appeal later you'll have to explain why, and the appeal might not be accepted.
Source: gov.uk: Appeal a benefit decision. Checked 11 October 2026.
How to appeal
You can appeal online or by post on form SSCS1, once you have your mandatory reconsideration notice. You choose whether to go to the hearing; if you don't, the tribunal decides on your appeal form and evidence. Anyone can represent you, including friends and family.
It usually takes at least 6 months for an appeal to be heard. You get the decision by post, or sometimes on the day if you go to the hearing.
Sources: gov.uk: Appeal a benefit decision, submit your appeal; gov.uk: Appeal a benefit decision, after you submit your appeal. Checked 11 October 2026.
Tribunals received 27,452 PIP appeals in April to June 2026, a figure the Ministry of Justice marks provisional.
Source: Ministry of Justice: Tribunals statistics quarterly: April to June 2026, published 10 September 2026. Sheet SSCS_1.
At the hearing
Appeals go to the Social Security and Child Support Tribunal, which is independent of government. A judge and one or two experts decide. DWP may send someone, who can ask questions but isn't part of the tribunal.
You may be able to claim reasonable expenses for going to the hearing: public transport fares, or 45p a mile if you drive; meals if you're away more than 5 hours; loss of earnings of £43.10 for up to 4 hours or £83.83 for 4 hours or more; and care costs up to the National Minimum Wage. The clerk helps you claim on the day.
Sources: gov.uk: Appeal a benefit decision; gov.uk: Appeal a benefit decision, at the hearing. Checked 11 October 2026.
If you disagree with the tribunal
If you think the tribunal got the law wrong, for example by not giving proper reasons, you can ask for permission to appeal to the Upper Tribunal. First ask for a statement of reasons within one month of the decision.
Source: gov.uk: If you're unhappy with the tribunal's decision. Checked 11 October 2026.
The trend in appeal outcomes, and DWP's own figures, are on the PIP appeal success rate.
Questions people ask
How do I appeal a PIP decision to a tribunal?
You can appeal online or by post on form SSCS1, once you have your mandatory reconsideration notice. You choose whether to go to the hearing; if you don't, the tribunal decides on your appeal form and evidence. Anyone can represent you, including friends and family. Appealing is free. Appeal to the tribunal within one month of getting your mandatory reconsideration decision. If you appeal later you'll have to explain why, and the appeal might not be accepted.
How long does a PIP tribunal take?
It usually takes at least 6 months for an appeal to be heard. You get the decision by post, or sometimes on the day if you go to the hearing.
Who decides a PIP appeal?
Appeals go to the Social Security and Child Support Tribunal, which is independent of government. A judge and one or two experts decide. DWP may send someone, who can ask questions but isn't part of the tribunal.
Can I claim expenses for a PIP tribunal?
You may be able to claim reasonable expenses for going to the hearing: public transport fares, or 45p a mile if you drive; meals if you're away more than 5 hours; loss of earnings of £43.10 for up to 4 hours or £83.83 for 4 hours or more; and care costs up to the National Minimum Wage. The clerk helps you claim on the day.
What can I do if I lose at tribunal?
If you think the tribunal got the law wrong, for example by not giving proper reasons, you can ask for permission to appeal to the Upper Tribunal. First ask for a statement of reasons within one month of the decision.
We are not the DWP and can't see your claim. For help with an appeal, Citizens Advice and Scope give free advice.