What to Do If Your PIP Claim Goes to Tribunal
If you’ve recently had a PIP claim decision that you don’t agree with, don’t worry—PIP tribunals exist to give you the opportunity to appeal and have your case reexamined. The tribunal is an independent panel that will review your claim to ensure that the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) made the right decision.
In this blog, we’ll take you through the PIP tribunal process, including what happens during the appeal, how to prepare, and how PIP Ready can help you through this crucial stage.
What is a PIP Tribunal?
A PIP tribunal is part of the appeals process for those who have received a decision on their PIP claim that they feel is wrong or unfair. If your claim is rejected or you don’t agree with the level of support awarded, you can request a mandatory reconsideration (MR). If the MR doesn’t result in a better decision, the next step is to take the case to a PIP tribunal.
The tribunal is an independent panel made up of:
A judge who leads the panel.
A doctor or healthcare professional with expertise relevant to your condition.
A disability or welfare expert (often with knowledge of how disabilities impact daily living).
They will look at your PIP claim to determine whether the DWP’s decision was correct based on the evidence you’ve provided.
How Does the PIP Tribunal Process Work?
Requesting a Tribunal: Once the mandatory reconsideration (MR) doesn’t result in a favourable outcome, you have the right to appeal to the tribunal. This must be done within one month of receiving the MR decision. You will need to fill out the appeal form (SSCS1) and send it to the HMCTS (Her Majesty's Courts and Tribunals Service). The tribunal will then assess whether you have a strong case to take to the panel.
Preparing for the Hearing: You’ll be notified of the tribunal hearing date, and it’s essential to prepare thoroughly. PIP Ready can help you organize your evidence, making sure that all the relevant medical documentation, personal statements, and any additional proof of how your condition affects you is in order. We can also guide you on how to present your case clearly during the hearing.
The Tribunal Hearing: During the hearing, you (the appellant) will be given the opportunity to explain why you disagree with the DWP’s decision. You’ll answer questions from the panel, and the DWP may also provide their evidence. The panel will take into account how your condition impacts your day-to-day life and mobility. The tribunal will usually give its decision at the end of the hearing, though in some cases, it might take a few weeks to receive the outcome.
What to Expect During Your PIP Tribunal Hearing
The tribunal panel will take an unbiased approach, focusing solely on the facts and the evidence presented. Here’s what you can expect:
Arriving at the Tribunal: You will usually attend the hearing in person, although some tribunals may be held over the phone or virtually, especially if you have health concerns that prevent you from attending in person.
Giving Evidence: You will need to explain in detail how your condition affects your ability to carry out daily tasks and get around. Be honest and specific—highlighting the exact difficulties you face in daily life. The panel will ask questions to ensure they have all the necessary information to make a fair decision.
Medical Evidence: This is one of the most important parts of your case. You will need to provide medical reports, letters from your GP, specialist doctors, or any supporting evidence that shows how your condition impacts your ability to carry out everyday activities.
How to Prepare for Your PIP Tribunal
Review Your Case: Go over the documents you submitted in your original claim and the mandatory reconsideration. Make sure you know the details of your case, as the tribunal panel will ask you questions about it. If you feel there’s been any misunderstanding, be sure to clarify it.
Gather Supporting Evidence: Additional medical evidence can significantly strengthen your case. For example, if your condition has worsened since your initial claim or MR, gather recent medical reports, treatment records, or letters from healthcare professionals.
Prepare to Explain How Your Condition Affects You: Focus on how your condition impacts your ability to carry out specific tasks—like walking, dressing, preparing meals, or managing your medication. The more specific you can be about how your life is affected, the stronger your case will be.
How PIP Ready Can Help You With Your Tribunal
Going to tribunal can be intimidating, but PIP Ready is here to support you every step of the way. Here’s how we can help:
Advice on Appeal Process: We’ll explain the entire PIP tribunal process, so you’re not left in the dark about what to expect. We can help you fill out the appeal form and ensure all necessary paperwork is submitted correctly and on time.
Gathering Evidence: PIP Ready can assist you in obtaining and organizing all the necessary medical reports, personal statements, and other supporting documents to strengthen your case.
Guidance on Presenting Your Case: Although we do not represent you at the tribunal, we will provide helpful advice on how to clearly explain your condition and how it affects your daily life during the hearing. We’ll help you organize your thoughts, so you’re confident in answering questions from the tribunal panel.
Conclusion
If your PIP claim is going to tribunal, you’re not alone. The process can seem overwhelming, but with the right support and preparation, you can give yourself the best chance of success. PIP Ready is here to guide you through every step—from preparing your evidence to helping you understand the tribunal process.
Don’t let a decision you disagree with keep you from the support you deserve. Get in touch with PIP Ready today, and we’ll help you navigate the PIP tribunal process with confidence.
