DLA and PIP: strong claims, decisions and appeals

Step by step

1. Read the decision and deadline first

   Keep the decision letter and note the date, award, rate, period and challenge deadline. Mandatory reconsideration is normally requested within one month of the decision. Tribunal appeal is normally within one month of the mandatory reconsideration notice.

2. Start claims promptly and keep a complete copy

   Use the current GOV.UK route and record the claim start date. Keep the completed form, supporting evidence, postage or submission proof and a dated diary. Ask for an accessible format or help where needed.

3. Compare the child with another child of the same age

   For child DLA, explain extra care, supervision or mobility needs compared with a child of the same age without the disability. Diagnosis can support the claim, but entitlement turns on the help, attention, supervision and mobility difficulty in everyday life.

4. Use concrete daily examples

   Describe what happens, how often, how long it takes, help given, prompting, supervision, night needs, safety, communication and recovery afterwards. Include good and difficult days without presenting only a best or worst day.

5. Check the award reasoning

   Compare the decision with the form and evidence. Identify missing facts, factual errors or the legal test applied incorrectly. Ask for the written reasons or report where useful, but do not miss the challenge deadline while waiting for extra documents.

6. Request mandatory reconsideration within one month

   Tell DWP which decision is challenged, why and what outcome is sought. Use the current form, letter, phone or approved route and keep proof. Late requests may be accepted with reasons, but get welfare-rights advice rather than relying on an extension.

7. Understand that the whole award can be reconsidered

   The whole award can be reconsidered. A challenge can result in an award increasing, staying the same, reducing or ending. This is not a reason to avoid a justified challenge, but it is a reason to check the whole award and seek advice where the current award may be at risk.

8. Make the reconsideration focused and evidenced

   Use headings that match the disputed care, mobility or PIP activities. Give two or three strong examples for each point, identify supporting pages and explain why the task cannot be done reliably, safely, repeatedly or within a reasonable time where that test applies.

9. Appeal after the mandatory reconsideration notice

   If the decision remains wrong, appeal to the independent tribunal, normally within one month of the notice. Use the current GOV.UK appeal route and include the decision, reasons and outcome sought. DWP complaints do not replace the appeal.

10. Choose an oral hearing where it is suitable

    Independent advisers commonly recommend taking part by phone, video or in person rather than asking for a paper-only decision, because the tribunal can ask questions. Get advice about the best format, accessibility and support for the individual case.

11. Build a clear evidence bundle

    Use the decision, claim form, diary, school or care records, professional evidence and short witness statements where relevant. Evidence should explain functional impact during the award period, not only list diagnoses or repeat general information.

12. Get advice about a late challenge

    Do not assume a missed one-month deadline ends the case. Late reconsideration or appeal may be possible within longer absolute limits if reasons are accepted. Contact a welfare-rights adviser promptly and explain the delay.

13. Prepare for the move from DLA to PIP at 16

    DWP normally writes before the child's 16th birthday. Follow the letter and claim by the stated date to protect continuity where the rules allow. Consider whether an appointee is needed, but support the young person to participate and decide wherever possible.

14. Separate decision challenge from service complaint

    Use mandatory reconsideration and appeal to challenge entitlement or rate. Use a complaint for poor administration, delay, accessibility or staff conduct. Ask for advice if both routes apply. This guide is information, not legal or welfare-rights advice.