Check a PIP decision

Before you challenge a Personal Independence Payment (PIP) decision, it can help to understand how the decision was made and whether it is likely to be correct.

If you think the decision is wrong, you may want to start challenging it straight away because you normally have to begin the process within one month of the decision date.

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) sends you a decision letter explaining the decision about your PIP claim. The date on this letter is called the decision date.

Check the decision yourself

If you are unsure whether the decision is right, you can use the Turn2us PIP Helper to check:

• Whether you are likely to qualify for PIP
• Which activities and descriptors may apply to you
• How many points you are likely to score
• What level of award you may be entitled to

Use the Turn2us PIP Helper

Ask the DWP to explain the decision

If you don’t understand the decision, you can ask the DWP to explain it. 

You don’t have to get an explanation before challenging a decision. If you already think the decision is wrong, you may prefer to ask for a Mandatory Reconsideration straight away.

To ask for an explanation, contact the DWP using the details in your decision letter. It is a good idea to keep a record of when and how you contacted them.

You can also ask for a copy of your assessment report so you can see the information the DWP used to make their decision.

The DWP can explain the decision over the phone or in writing. If your decision letter does not include a written explanation, you can ask for a written statement of reasons.

Read the Ask for Mandatory Reconsideration page for more information.

Written statements of reasons and time limits

The normal deadline for asking for a Mandatory Reconsideration is one month from the decision date (the date on the decision letter). The deadline can be extended if you ask for a written statement of reasons. 

If you ask for a written statement of reasons and you receive it before the normal deadline, you have an extra two weeks to ask for a Mandatory Reconsideration .

If you ask for a written statement of reasons and you receive it after the normal deadline, you have two weeks from the date of the statement to ask for a Mandatory Reconsideration . 

Get advice

If you are still unsure about the decision or what to do next:

• use the Turn2us PIP Helper to check whether the decision matches the PIP rules, or
• use our Find an Adviser tool to find local advice and support if you need help understanding the decision or challenging it.