‘I didn’t get anything’

Some people in this situation feel like they should just give up, others feel furious. But the DWP often don’t apply the criteria correctly. Lots of people get zero points when they first apply but get the decision changed to the enhanced rate at either the mandatory reconsideration stage or by going to appeal. We believe every unfair decision should be challenged. Challenging the decision does take a long time, but everybody should get what the law says they are entitled to. Remember you have nothing to lose and everything to gain. Use our PIP mandatory reconsideration letter tool.

"I had to reclaim, and they gave me less than before"

You may still have a good case for a higher amount. Be sure that you understand how you qualify for PIP. Use our PIP mandatory reconsideration letter tool to check what award you think you should have got. If it’s not the same as you were awarded, use the tool to request a mandatory reconsideration. If they don’t change their decision, you should appeal.  

"I had to move over to PIP from DLA and they gave me less than they did before"

Lots of people in your situation find they get a lower award or no award at all when they move to PIP. The PIP system is less generous (and some would say less fair) than DLA. There is no equivalent rate of PIP to the lowest rate care component of DLA, and the rules for the mobility component are very different. But you may still have a good case for a higher amount – many people in your situation get a higher award after they appeal.

Be sure that you understand how you qualify for PIP. Use our PIP mandatory reconsideration letter tool. to check what award you think you should have got. If it’s not the same as you were awarded, use the tool to request a mandatory reconsideration. If they don’t change their decision you should appeal.  

“They’ve given me less than I think I should get”

Some people in this situation feel like they should just be happy they got something. But everybody should get what the law says they are entitled to, and the DWP often don’t apply the criteria correctly. 

Use our PIP mandatory reconsideration letter tool to check what award you think you should have got. If it’s not the same as you were awarded, use the tool to help you write a  mandatory reconsideration request that sets our your case. If the DWP doesn’t change the decision, use our guide to get started on your appeal as soon as you can and then get help from an adviser, if that is possible. If an adviser says you don’t have a strong case, you can always withdraw your appeal.