PIP MR - reasons many fail and how to win? - Benefits and Work Forum (2024)

FAQs

How do you answer a PIP question successfully? ›

Don't let the assessor rush you and try not to just answer 'yes' or 'no' to their questions. Always try to explain how doing something would make you feel afterwards and the impact it can have on you if you had to do it repeatedly in a short period of time.

The Government's figure for the mandatory reconsideration success rate is under 20%. That is for any additional points being scored, never mind getting to the points that persons should have scored.

You need to give specific reasons why you disagree with the decision. Use your decision letter, statement of reasons and medical assessment report to make a note of each of the statements you disagree with and why. Give facts, examples and medical evidence (if available) to support what you're saying.

I've read that only 20% of people who submit a Mandatory Reconsideration for PIP are successful in getting an award.

In the comments box you need to express yourself concisely and without room for interpretation. If your back hurts, for example, say 'my back hurts 4 days a week' but do not say 'my back hurts sometimes' or 'my back hurts often'. Words such as 'sometimes' and 'often' are open to interpretation.

Psychiatric disorders

With 37% of people receiving PIP having a psychiatric disorder, it is the most common condition people receiving PIP claim for. Psychiatric disorders are mental health conditions that can affect how a person thinks and feels about themselves and/or the world around them.

Your chances of success at mandatory reconsideration stage are very poor. The latest statistics show that only around 14% of mandatory reconsiderations resulted in a better decision for the claimant.

How do I make a successful PIP claim? ›

To qualify for PIP, you need to show that you need help with the activities on more than half the days in a year. Make it clear on the form how often you have problems with the activities. If your health changes, explain how often this happens and the effect it has on you. It may help to keep a diary.

It's useful to include evidence from health professionals on how your condition affects you. It can give the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) a clearer picture of how your condition affects you and give you a better chance of being properly assessed.

The DWP does not have a deadline for doing the Mandatory Reconsideration. Some reconsiderations take two weeks, some take several months. If you have not received your Mandatory Reconsideration Notice, it is a good idea to call the DWP after: 2 weeks to check they have logged your Mandatory Reconsideration.

If you don't agree with a benefit decision, you can challenge it. To do this, you need to ask the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) or HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) to look at their decision again. This is called asking for a 'mandatory reconsideration'.

If you fail to improve after the first or final warning, this could ultimately lead to your dismissal based on your capability although you would usually be expected to have one final extension of time under a PIP (or new PIP) in which to improve.

To qualify for PIP, you need to show that you need help with the activities on more than half the days in a year. Make it clear on the form how often you have problems with the activities. If your health changes, explain how often this happens and the effect it has on you. It may help to keep a diary.