Guides / PIP and benefit appeals
PIP appeal checklist: mandatory reconsideration to tribunal
PIP and other benefit appeals in England and Wales. Here is a practical way to organise your papers so you, the other side and the judge can find everything quickly.
The quick version
- Keep every document in one binder, split into the sections below.
- Write down every date and deadline the moment you get it.
- Give each piece of evidence a reference and use it everywhere.
- Number the pages and keep an up-to-date index at the front.
Get the ready-made pIP and benefit appeals binder on Etsy, or build a personalised sample online.
Dates and deadlines to track
- Decision letter date
- Reconsideration requested (within 1 month)
- Reconsideration decision received
- Appeal sent (within 1 month of reconsideration)
- Evidence sent
- Hearing date
Always use the exact dates in your court or tribunal letters and orders. Count working days with our free working days calculator.
How to section your binder
What this binder is for
Case Ready is a document organisation and preparation tool that helps you present your case materials clearly. This edition is designed with reference to benefit appeals such as Personal Independence Payment (PIP) in England and Wales.
- Organise documents logically
- Keep materials in order
- Prepare for hearings and deadlines
What this binder is not
Case Ready:
- Does not provide legal advice
- Does not tell you what arguments to make
- Does not guarantee any outcome
If you need legal advice, speak to Citizens Advice, a welfare rights adviser or another free advice service.
The appeal steps (GOV.UK)
- Mandatory reconsideration: ask for the decision to be looked at again, normally within one month of the date on your decision letter.
- Appeal: send your appeal to the tribunal within one month of getting your mandatory reconsideration decision. A late appeal needs an explanation and might not be accepted.
- Appealing is free. You can send evidence to the tribunal online after you appeal.
- The tribunal hears both sides and makes a decision.
Where this applies
This edition follows the GOV.UK process for England and Wales. In Scotland, Adult Disability Payment has replaced PIP for most people, and Northern Ireland has its own appeals service.
Using the diary
Fill in the daily living and mobility diary over several weeks. Note what you could not do, the help you needed, how long things took and any pain, tiredness or risk. Include good days and bad days.
Chronology & evidence
Chronologies and evidence logs are commonly used to assist judges, tribunal panels and mediators. They help decision-makers understand:
- What happened
- When it happened
- Where supporting documents can be found
Hearings & practicalities
On the day of your hearing:
- Bring the copies you have been asked for
- Keep this binder with you
- Use it to find documents quickly
Judges, tribunal members and staff expect parties to be organised and to follow procedure.
Before your hearing
- Documents are filed in the right sections
- Pages are numbered in sequence
- Evidence is labelled and easy to reference
- The chronology is clear and up to date
- Court orders and deadlines are recorded
- Documents are in date order unless directed otherwise
- Confidential material is kept separate
- Copies are ready for the hearing
- The binder is easy to navigate quickly
Save time with Case Ready
Case Ready is a printable, fillable case binder for pIP and benefit appeals: front sheet, dividers, key dates sheet, evidence index and more, with your case details on every page. Type into it on screen or print it at home.
This binder is a general organisational aid. Procedure varies by court, tribunal and case type. You are responsible for following the rules, orders and directions that apply in your case. Nothing in this binder is legal advice.