DWP Faces Backlash as Over 330,000 CLAIMANTS See PIP Payments Stopped or Denied

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has rejected over 330,000 Personal Independence Payment (PIP) claims in the 2023/24 financial year, according to newly released data.

This represents 46% of all processed claims, sparking concerns among disability rights advocates and policymakers about the fairness of the assessment process.

PIP is a critical financial support for individuals living with long-term physical or mental health conditions, helping them manage additional living costs.

However, the high rate of disallowed claims has led to increased appeals and legal challenges, with thousands successfully overturning initial DWP decisions.

In this article, we examine the reasons behind these PIP rejections, how claimants can appeal, and the wider impact of DWP’s strict assessment process.

Why Are PIP Claims Being Rejected?

According to the latest DWP data, 332,800 PIP claims were disallowed at the assessment stage in 2023/24, meaning claimants failed to meet eligibility criteria or did not provide sufficient evidence to support their claims.

Some of the main reasons for rejection include:

• Insufficient Medical Evidence: Many claims are denied because medical documentation is considered incomplete or insufficient.
• Failure to Attend an Assessment: Missing an in-person or phone-based PIP assessment appointment often leads to automatic disqualification.
• Assessment Scoring System: Many applicants are scored too low during their PIP assessment to qualify for financial support.
• Changes in Condition Not Updated: Some claimants fail to report changes in their health that might affect their eligibility.
• Review Forms Not Submitted on Time: Claimants must renew their claims by submitting a review form—failing to do so results in benefit termination.

What Can You Do If Your PIP Claim Was Denied?

If your PIP application was rejected, you have the right to challenge the decision through a process called Mandatory Reconsideration.

Step 1: Request a Mandatory Reconsideration

• This must be done within one month of receiving your decision letter.
• The DWP will review the case and determine whether an error was made.
• More than 34% of reconsiderations result in a changed outcome.

Step 2: Appeal the Decision

If the reconsideration does not change the decision, claimants can appeal to an independent tribunal.

• Over 455,000 claimants have successfully appealed their PIP decisions in the past five years.
• Success rates for appeals are high, with many decisions overturned in favor of the claimant.
• You may wish to seek legal advice or assistance from organizations like Citizens Advice.

Delays and Challenges in the Appeals Process

One major issue with PIP rejections is the long wait times for appeals.

• In December 2023, the average wait time for a Mandatory Reconsideration was 37 days.
• By July 2024, the average wait had nearly doubled to 71 days.
• Some tribunal appeals take up to a year to be heard, leaving many without essential financial support.

The DWP acknowledges these delays and states that they are working to improve processing times.

DWP’s Response to the High Rejection Rate

Following public criticism, the DWP has committed to reviewing its decision-making process.

• Reassessment of PIP Claims – In 2025, a new administrative exercise will review PIP claims, focusing on cases that may have been incorrectly denied.
• Supreme Court Ruling on “Social Support” Definition – A 2019 court ruling changed the way PIP defines “social support”, meaning thousands of claimants could be owed back payments averaging £5,285 per person.
• New Guidelines for Medical Assessments – The DWP is working with assessment providers to ensure that medical evidence is given more weight when reviewing claims.

How to Avoid PIP Claim Rejection

If you are applying for PIP, follow these best practices to increase your chances of approval:

• Provide strong medical evidence – Ask your GP or specialist for detailed reports on your condition.
• Attend your assessment – If you cannot attend, reschedule as soon as possible.
• Describe your daily struggles clearly – Be specific about how your condition affects your mobility and daily activities.
• Submit review forms on time – Always respond promptly to DWP requests for information.

Conclusion

The DWP’s crackdown on PIP claims has led to over 330,000 rejections in the past year, leaving many disabled people without financial support.

However, thousands of claimants have successfully appealed their denials, proving that challenging the system can lead to positive outcomes.

If your claim was rejected, act quickly, gather strong evidence, and consider appealing. The PIP system is under review, but until reforms take effect, claimants must navigate the complex process carefully.

This article has been carefully fact-checked by our editorial team to ensure accuracy and eliminate any misleading information. We are committed to maintaining the highest standards of integrity in our content.