How to appeal a PIP decision to a tribunal

Who decides?

The Social Security and Child Support Tribunal decides. It is fair and independent of the government. It listens to both sides. (GOV.UK: Appeal a benefit decision)

At the hearing, a judge and 1 or 2 experts decide. They are independent too. (GOV.UK: What happens at the hearing)

Before you appeal

You usually need to ask for mandatory reconsideration first. Your letter will say if you can skip it. (GOV.UK)

The deadline

Appeal within 1 month of your mandatory reconsideration decision. If you are later, you must say why. Your appeal might not be accepted. (GOV.UK)

Turn2us says you may still appeal later if your notice is less than 13 months old and you have a good reason. (Turn2us: Challenging a PIP decision)

What you need

To appeal online, you need:

1. your National Insurance number
2. details of anyone helping you (if you have someone)
3. your mandatory reconsideration notice, or the reason you did not need one (your letter says)

(GOV.UK: Submit your appeal)

How to appeal: step by step

1. Online: start on the GOV.UK Submit your appeal page. You can save it and come back.
2. Or by post: use form SSCS1. It is on the same GOV.UK page.
3. Choose about the hearing. Do you want to go and explain in person? If not, they decide using your form and evidence.
4. Send evidence early. This gives the tribunal time to read it. Everyone involved usually sees it. (GOV.UK)

Help with the online form

GOV.UK lists these (GOV.UK):

• Web chat in the online service (Chrome, Firefox or Safari only).
• Not online, or not confident? We Are Group: 03300 160 051, Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm. Or text FORM to 60777 for a call back.
• Benefit appeals helpline (England and Wales): 0300 123 1142, Monday to Friday, 9am to 4pm.
• Welsh speakers: 0300 303 5170. Scotland: 0300 790 6234.

Someone to help you

You can pick a "representative". This can be anyone, even a friend or family member. They can send your appeal, get evidence ready, speak for you and give advice. They will see all your papers, including medical ones. Name them when you appeal, or write to HMCTS later. (GOV.UK)

A local library or Citizens Advice may help you find one.

At the hearing

If you go (source):

• You can explain your side.
• The judge or experts ask about your health or life.
• DWP may be there and ask questions. They do not decide.
• You can ask for help, like an interpreter, a hearing loop or an easy-access room. Ask when you appeal. You cannot bring your own interpreter.

Find new places hard, or are you autistic? Say what would help when you appeal. Then the tribunal knows before the day.

Getting money back for costs

You may claim back costs of going (GOV.UK):

• bus or train fares, or 45p a mile if you drive (plus 5p a mile for up to 2 passengers)
• food: £4.25 if away over 5 hours, £9.30 over 10 hours, £13.55 over 12 hours
• lost pay: £43.10 for up to 4 hours, £83.83 for 4 hours or more
• care costs up to the National Minimum Wage, like a childminder

Keep your receipts. The clerk will help with the form on the day.

A free recording

You can ask for a free sound recording of your hearing. This works for in person, phone or video hearings. Ask within 18 months. (GOV.UK)

If you disagree with the tribunal

1. Ask for the decision to be "set aside" (cancelled). Your letter says how.
2. Or, if you think it was wrong in law, appeal to the Upper Tribunal. You may get legal aid for this.

(GOV.UK step by step)

Free help

Citizens Advice, Advicenow, Advicelocal. Northern Ireland and Social Security Scotland work differently. See GOV.UK.

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Information only. This page explains official guidance in plain English. It is not legal or medical advice. Rules can change. For advice about your own case, contact Citizens Advice or another free adviser.

Where this applies: England. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have different rules.

Written by Social Care Made Easy. Last checked: 25 October 2026.