Quick answer: If you disagree with a PIP decision, first ask DWP for a mandatory reconsideration, usually within one month of the date on your decision letter. If the decision is not changed, appeal to the independent Social Security and Child Support Tribunal within one month of your mandatory reconsideration notice. Both steps are free. Focus on the activities where you think points were missed.
Checked on 10 October 2026 against GOV.UK: mandatory reconsideration and GOV.UK: appeal a benefit decision. Time limits matter, so check your own decision letter and the official pages.
Being turned down for PIP, or getting a lower award than you expected, is upsetting, especially when arthritis affects you every day. It does not have to be the end of the matter. You have the right to challenge the decision, it is free, and an independent tribunal is not bound by DWP's view. This guide explains each stage for England and Wales, with the differences for Scotland and Northern Ireland, and shows how to build the strongest possible case.
Before you start: read your decision letter carefully
Your PIP decision letter lists the points awarded for each of the 12 activities and the reasons. GOV.UK notes that for PIP the decision letter already includes a written statement of reasons. Go through it with a highlighter and note:
- the date of the decision (your time limit runs from this)
- which activities scored 0 or fewer points than you expected
- any statements that are wrong, for example "can walk 200 metres without difficulty" or "no difficulty with dressing"
- evidence that seems to have been missed or misunderstood
Advisers often recommend asking DWP for a copy of the health professional's assessment report too, so you can see exactly what was recorded. If you need help understanding the decision, GOV.UK says you can call the benefits office that dealt with your claim.
Can a challenge reduce my award?
A reconsideration or appeal looks at the whole decision, not only the part you disagree with. So if you already get some PIP, the award could go up, stay the same or, in some cases, go down. This is why it is worth talking to an adviser before you challenge an existing award. If you got nothing, there is less risk.
Stage 1: mandatory reconsideration
Mandatory reconsideration (MR) means asking DWP to look at the decision again. You usually have to do this before you can appeal.
- Time limit: usually within one month of the date on your decision letter. If you write, your letter or form must arrive by then.
- Late requests: GOV.UK says you can ask after one month if you have a good reason, for example being in hospital or a bereavement. You must explain why the request is late.
- How: by phone, by letter, or using the form for asking for mandatory reconsideration. Contact details are on your decision letter.
- Cost: free.
Even if you phone, follow it up in writing so you have a record and can explain your reasons properly.
What to put in your reconsideration request
GOV.UK advises explaining what part of the decision is wrong and why, and sending evidence that supports your reasons. A clear structure helps:
- Your name, date of birth, National Insurance number and the date of the decision.
- A sentence saying you are asking for a mandatory reconsideration of your PIP decision.
- For each activity you disagree with: the descriptor you think applies, why, and a real example.
- Any points in the assessment report you think are wrong, and why.
- A list of the evidence you are enclosing.
A short worked example (illustrative only):
Activity 6, dressing and undressing. I was awarded 0 points. I believe descriptor 6d applies (needs assistance to dress or undress the lower body). On most days, my hands and knees are too stiff for me to put on socks, tights or shoes, and my partner helps me. The report says I "dressed independently", but I only removed my coat at the assessment. My diary for 1 to 28 September shows I needed help on 19 of 28 days.
Write your full name, date of birth and National Insurance number on every piece of evidence, as GOV.UK asks.
Evidence that helps at reconsideration
- A diary covering several weeks. Use our free PIP evidence diary templates.
- Letters from your rheumatology team, GP, physiotherapist or occupational therapist that describe your function, not only your diagnosis
- Your prescription list, including injections such as methotrexate or biologics, and side effects
- A statement from someone who helps you
- Photos or a list of aids and adaptations you use
Only send evidence that supports your reasons. It is better to send a few relevant documents than a large pile.
The mandatory reconsideration notice
When DWP has reconsidered, you get a letter called a mandatory reconsideration notice (MRN). It explains whether the decision has changed, the reasons and the evidence used. Keep it safe: you need it to appeal.
Stage 2: appeal to the tribunal
If you still disagree, you can appeal to the Social Security and Child Support Tribunal. GOV.UK describes it as impartial and independent of government. It is supported by HM Courts and Tribunals Service (HMCTS).
- Time limit: within one month of the date of your MRN. If you appeal later, you must explain why and it might not be accepted.
- How: online on GOV.UK, or by post using form SSCS1. You need your National Insurance number, your MRN and your representative's details if you have one.
- Cost: free.
- Hearing or paper: you choose whether to attend the hearing. If you do not, the tribunal decides on your appeal form and evidence.
- How long: GOV.UK says it usually takes at least 6 months for an appeal to be heard.
Attending a hearing (in person, by phone or by video) gives you the chance to explain how arthritis affects you and answer questions. Many advisers recommend attending if you can.
Writing your grounds of appeal
Your grounds can be shorter than your MR request. Say which activities you disagree with, which descriptors you believe apply and why, and refer to your evidence. If DWP has misunderstood something, say what actually happens. Avoid general statements such as "the decision is unfair"; focus on specific activities.
Getting someone to help
You can appoint a representative to help prepare your evidence and act on your behalf. GOV.UK says anyone can be a representative, including friends and family. Free help may be available from:
- Citizens Advice (England and Wales), Citizens Advice Scotland, or Advice NI
- your council's welfare rights service, a law centre, or a local disability advice group
- Turn2us, Scope and Disability Rights UK for information
We are not connected to these organisations. If you are offered paid help, check carefully, as free help is widely available.
Building your evidence for the tribunal
You can upload evidence online or send it by post after you appeal. GOV.UK says evidence can include a report or care plan from a specialist, therapist or nurse, and a letter from someone who knows you. Send it as soon as you can so the tribunal has time to read it.
| What you want to show | Useful evidence |
|---|---|
| How far and how well you can walk | A walking log with measured distances and times; physio or OT report; details of walking aids |
| Difficulty with dressing, washing and the toilet | Diary entries; OT report; statement from the person who helps you; list of aids |
| Preparing food | Diary showing time taken, rests, use of perching stool or microwave, dropped items, burns |
| Managing treatments | Prescription list; letter confirming injections; notes on help needed to open packs |
| How often difficulties happen | Several weeks of diary; flare log; clinic letters describing frequency of flares |
Use the "reliably" test
The DWP assessment guide says you should only count as able to do an activity if you can do it safely, to an acceptable standard, repeatedly and in a reasonable time (no more than twice as long as someone without your condition). For arthritis, these points often decide the case. For example, being able to walk 50 metres once is not the same as being able to do it again and again through the day. If doing something leaves you in severe pain for hours, or you need a long rest afterwards, say so.
What happens at the hearing
GOV.UK explains that a judge and one or two experts decide the case. Who the experts are depends on the benefit. Someone from DWP may also attend and ask questions, but they are not part of the tribunal and do not decide the result.
- You will be asked about your condition and how it affects each activity. Answer honestly and give examples.
- Describe a typical day, then a bad day, and say how often each happens.
- If you need to stand, move or take a break because of pain or stiffness, ask. You can request support such as an accessible room or hearing loop when you appeal.
- Take your diary and notes with you.
You may be able to claim reasonable travel expenses. You will usually get the decision by post, and sometimes on the day if you attend.
After the tribunal
- If you win, DWP must act on the tribunal's decision. Ask DWP, or your adviser, to confirm when payments and any arrears will be made.
- If you lose because of a mistake in the process, you may be able to ask for the decision to be set aside.
- If you think the tribunal made an error of law, you can ask for a statement of reasons within one month of the decision, then ask for permission to appeal to the Upper Tribunal (Administrative Appeals Chamber).
You can also make a new claim at any time if your condition gets worse.
Scotland and Northern Ireland
| Nation | Benefit | First step | Next step |
|---|---|---|---|
| England and Wales | PIP (DWP) | Mandatory reconsideration, usually within one month | Social Security and Child Support Tribunal, within one month of the MRN |
| Scotland | Adult Disability Payment (Social Security Scotland) | Request a re-determination within 42 calendar days, according to mygov.scot (online, by phone or on paper) | Appeal to the First-tier Tribunal for Scotland |
| Northern Ireland | PIP (Department for Communities) | Mandatory reconsideration within one calendar month, according to nidirect (phone, letter or form MR2(NI)) | Appeal to an independent appeal tribunal through The Appeals Service |
Practical tips that make a difference
- Put deadlines in your diary the day the letter arrives.
- Keep copies of everything and a log of phone calls (date, time, who you spoke to).
- Do not wait for "perfect" evidence before you ask for a reconsideration; send what you have and say more is coming.
- Keep your diary going until the appeal is heard.
- Look after yourself. Challenges can be stressful; talk to someone you trust, and ask your GP for support if your mood is low.
For how the points system works in detail, see our complete PIP guide. If you are thinking of a fresh claim instead, read how to build a strong PIP application.
When to get medical help
If your arthritis is getting worse while you wait, do not put off seeing your GP or contacting your rheumatology advice line. Get same-day advice from your GP or NHS 111 if a joint becomes suddenly hot, swollen and very painful, especially with fever. If stress about money or benefits is affecting your mood or sleep, tell your GP; in a crisis, call 999 or contact Samaritans on 116 123.
Frequently asked questions
How long do I have to ask for a PIP mandatory reconsideration?
Usually one month from the date on your decision letter. GOV.UK says you can ask later if you have a good reason, such as being in hospital, but you must explain why.
Can I appeal straight to a tribunal?
Usually not. You normally need a mandatory reconsideration notice first. Your decision letter will say if you can appeal straight away.
How long does a PIP appeal take?
GOV.UK says it usually takes at least 6 months for an appeal to be heard by the tribunal.
Do I have to go to the hearing?
No. You can ask for the appeal to be decided on the papers. Attending lets you explain your situation and answer questions, which many people find helpful.
Can my PIP be reduced if I challenge it?
Yes, it is possible, because the whole decision is looked at again. Get advice before challenging an existing award.
Is it worth appealing?
If you believe points were missed and you have evidence of how arthritis affects you, it is often worth challenging. Free advisers can help you decide.
Does it cost anything to appeal?
No. Mandatory reconsideration and tribunal appeals are free. You may be able to claim reasonable travel expenses for attending a hearing.
Sources and further reading
- GOV.UK: Challenge a benefit decision (mandatory reconsideration)
- GOV.UK: Appeal a benefit decision
- GOV.UK: Personal Independence Payment
- DWP: PIP assessment guide part 2 – the assessment criteria
- mygov.scot: How to challenge a Social Security Scotland decision
- nidirect: Personal Independence Payment (challenging a decision)
Educational information for people in the United Kingdom — not legal, financial or personal medical advice. Benefit rules and rates change, so always check GOV.UK (or mygov.scot / nidirect) and get free advice before you act. Charity no. 1218461. Pending clinical and editorial review. Everyone's situation is different, so always follow the advice of your own GP, pharmacist or rheumatology team. If you feel very unwell, call 999 or go to A&E. For urgent advice, contact NHS 111.
Continue with related help
- Complete PIP guide — eligibility, points and the form
- PIP evidence diary — free printable templates
- Building a strong PIP application — evidence tips
- Benefits and PIP hub — all money and benefits guides