PIP tribunal hearing process

A PIP tribunal is a hearing before the First-tier Tribunal (Social Entitlement Chamber) where you appeal against a decision by the Department for Work and Pensions about your Personal Independence Payment. Here is what to expect.

Before the hearing:

You will receive a notice telling you the date, time, and venue. Hearings usually take place at a tribunal venue local to you, though since the pandemic some are offered by telephone or video. You will also receive a copy of the DWP's response bundle, which includes the papers they are relying on. It is important to check this carefully and make sure your own evidence, such as medical reports, letters from consultants, support worker statements, or a personal statement, has been submitted in good time.

Who will be at the hearing:

The panel normally consists of three members. A tribunal judge, who is legally qualified and chairs the hearing. A medical member, who is a doctor. A disability-qualified member, who has experience of disability, either personally or professionally. A DWP presenting officer may attend but often does not. You can bring a representative, such as a welfare rights adviser from Citizens Advice or a friend or family member, and you can also bring a companion for moral support.

What happens during the hearing:

The judge will introduce the panel and explain the process. The hearing is intended to be informal and inquisitorial rather than adversarial. This means the panel will ask you questions rather than you having to present a case. They are trying to understand how your condition affects your daily life and mobility. Expect questions about each of the PIP activities and descriptors, such as preparing food, washing and bathing, managing medication, planning and following journeys, and moving around.

You should answer honestly and describe your worst days, not your best. Many people understate their difficulties because they feel self-conscious or want to appear capable. The tribunal is interested in what you can do reliably, which means safely, to an acceptable standard, repeatedly, and within a reasonable time. If you can only do something on a good day or with significant difficulty, say so.

The medical member may ask specific questions about your condition, treatment, and how it affects you physically or mentally. The disability-qualified member often asks practical questions about your daily routine and the support you need.

How long it takes:

Most hearings last between 30 minutes and an hour, though some are shorter and a few run longer.

The decision:

The panel may give you the decision on the day, either in person or by telephone shortly after. In many cases the decision is sent by post within a few days. You will receive a written decision notice. If you win, the DWP must implement the award. If you lose, you can request a written statement of reasons within one month of the decision being sent, which is an important step if you want to consider a further appeal to the Upper Tribunal on a point of law.

Practical tips:

1. Prepare a personal statement in advance describing how each PIP activity affects you, focusing on variability, bad days, and the help you need.
2. Gather supporting evidence from your GP, consultants, mental health team, occupational therapist, or anyone who understands your condition.
3. Ask a welfare rights adviser to help you prepare if possible. Many local Citizens Advice offices, disability charities, and local authority welfare rights teams offer free tribunal support.
4. If you cannot attend on the given date, contact the tribunal as soon as possible to request a postponement.
5. If you feel too unwell to attend in person, you can request a telephone or video hearing.
6. You do not need to dress up or be formal. The tribunal is used to seeing people who are unwell or distressed.

Success rates at PIP tribunals are relatively high, with a significant proportion of appeals being allowed. The tribunal takes a fresh look at all the evidence, including anything that has happened since the original decision, so it is well worth attending and presenting your case.