Some 333,000 PIP claims were rejected over the course of a year (Image: Getty)
The DWP has provided figures regarding PIP (Personal Independence Payment) that show some 333,000 claims were turned down over the period of a year.
The department was asked in a parliamentary question for the latest data about how many applications were initially refused but accepted on appeal.
PIP supports those who live with a long-term health condition or illness that affects them in their ability to get around or in daily living tasks.
Whether you qualify and how much you get depends on how your condition affects you, with applicants commonly going through an assessment to determine their needs.
In response, Work and Pensions minister Sir Stephen Timms shared figures for the 2023/2024 financial year that showed 332,800 claims were “disallowed at assessment”.
This was of a total of 721,100 claims that were processed for the period, meaning 46% of the claims were initially turned down by assessors.
But Mr Timms provided further numbers for context. He said: “Of these, 13,500 were subsequently awarded PIP following an appeal, which is 4% of all who were initially disallowed while 18,900 appeals have not been cleared yet.”
What is the process if a PIP claim is refused?
You will get a decision letter from the informing you of the outcome of your application. If it is turned down, it will state if you can challenge your decision through a process called mandatory reconsideration, which you have to go through first before loding an appeal.
The letter will explain how to do this and it usually has to be requested within one month of the date of your decision letter. This is free to request.
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If you go through this process and your application is still unsuccessful, you can then file an appeal. This can be done online .
To lodge your appeal, you will need to provide several details along with your evidence, including:
- Your National Insurance number
- Details of the representative helping you if you have aone.
- Your mandatory reconsideration notice, or the reason why you do not need mandatory reconsideration.
You can choose for your appeal to be dealt with online on the basis of your appeal form and any supporting eveidence, or you can make your case in person at a tribunal hearing, before a panel of experts and a judge. You may be able to for your travel and other costs.
How much is PIP?
PIP includes a mobility element and a daily living, with a lower and higher rate depending on how much help you need in these two aspects.
These are the current payment rates:
Mobility part
- Lower rate – £28.70
- Higher rate – £75.75.
Daily living part
- Lower rate – £72.65
- Higher rate – £108.55.
PIP is paid in four-weekly instalments, so if you are on the highest rate, you would get £737.20 each pay period.