Carers in touch
It’s important to know what your rights are should a decision not go your way. Here we consider what to do if your claim for the Personal Independence Payment is rejected
The Personal Independence Payment (PIP) is available if you need extra help because of an illness, disability or mental health condition and replaced the Disability Allowance. PIP is not based on the condition you have or the medication you take, but the level of help you need because of how your condition affects you. If you’ve had your
application rejected you can ask for the decision to be looked at again – this is called mandatory reconsideration. It’s important to consider this if you think the office dealing with your claim has made an error or missed important evidence, if you disagree with the reasons for the decision, or if you want your request to be looked at again. However, some decisions cannot be reconsidered – it’ll say this on your decision letter.
How do I ask for mandatory reconsideration?
Call the DWP (Department for Work and Pensions) within one month of the date on your decision letter and tell them you want to ask for mandatory reconsideration. If you write to them, ensure this will arrive within the same timeframe.
When calling, you’ll need to supply the date of the decision, your name and address, date of birth, National Insurance number and to explain which part of the decision is incorrect and why.
What happens next?
Once your claim has been reconsidered, you will receive a mandatory reconsideration notice detailing their decision and reasoning. Following this, your benefit may increase but be warned that your benefit could also decrease or even stop.
If you still disagree, you can appeal within one month to the Social Security and Child Support Tribunal.
■
Find the appeal form on www. gov.uk by typing SSCS1A into the search bar. For help filling out the form call 0300 123 1142