PIP appeal process: How long does it take for a PIP appeal?
PIP, Personal Independence Payments, are benefits for people who need extra financial assistance due to a disability or long-term health condition. But, how long does it take for a PIP appeal to be decided?
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If you are unhappy with the outcome of your PIP claim, what you are able to do about it depends on which part claimants are displeased with. This could include asking the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) to look at the claim again, an appeal for the claim, or taking the decision to a tribunal.
You are allowed to challenge a decision if you think it is wrong according to the rules of PIP.
Beware that if you challenge a decision, however, it can also be changed to make the amount of PIP you get lower than before.
The decision about your PIP will be set out in a letter from the DWP.
This is called the decision letter, and the date displayed on the letter classes as the decision date for future reference.
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How can I challenge a PIP claim?
Mandatory reconsideration is the first step of challenging a PIP claim by asking the DWP to look at their final decision again.
You normally have to ask for a mandatory reconsideration within one month of the decision date.
You may be able to ask for it later on if you:
- Requested a written statement of reasons
- Have a good reason for the delay
Appealing to a tribunal is the second step of challenging your decision by asking an independent tribunal to look at the claim.
You can normally only do this after you have received a mandatory reconsideration notice.
Appeals normally have to take place within one month of the date you received the reconsideration notice.
Claimants may be able to appeal later if the reconsideration notice was received less than 13 months ago and there is good reason for the delay.
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If you have exhausted all options and still don’t believe your PIP decision is fair, it might be worth reaching out to your MP.
You could write them a letter detailing why you feel the decision is unfair and how you’d like the situation to be rectified.
In addition, claimants can try applying for a judicial review.
The purpose of a judicial review is to assess whether a decision was made wrongly or in a very unfair way.
How long does it take for a PIP appeal?
Before you start any appeal proceedings, the first thing to do is apply for the reconsideration notice.
The DWP doesn’t have a deadline or time limit, unfortunately, for sending out the notices.
Some reconsiderations take two weeks, while some can take several months to be returned to claimants. If you haven’t received your mandatory reconsideration notice, it’s a good idea to call the DWP after:
- Two weeks to check they have logged the notice
- Eight weeks to check how much longer it will take
- 12 weeks to chase up on the matter again
If you feel like the notice is taking too long to get to you, complain to the DWP or tell your local MP.