Challenging personal independence payment decisions
Next date
About this course
Personal independence payment (PIP) was introduced on the same day as universal credit back in 2013 and PIP is now the main disability benefit for working age claimants.
The DWP’s record of PIP decision-making accuracy is possibly the worst of all social security benefits, with nearly 70% of appealed decisions reversed by tribunal judges in favour of claimants. On the downside, many claimants elect not to appeal poor refusal decisions.
This training course looks at how to ensure that a PIP revision or appeal should work to the best advantage of claimants. A good PIP challenge means getting the PIP entitlement arguments right. A well-argued and well-structured revision or appeal should also mean fewer improper refusals. In this way, many claimants will not have to wait 6 months or so before having to go through a formal PIP hearing. To help achieve the best level of success at challenge, this course looks at the full use of available PIP regulations, case law and guidance.
The course covers:
- Summary: How the PIP rules operate, assessment criteria, finding the law
- The primacy of regulations 7 and 4(2A) in relation to PIP
- Where things go wrong in relation to PIP decision making
- The failure of PIP2 and poor Health Professional assessments
- How to ensure good medical evidence to support challenges
- Legal mechanisms to challenge PIP decisions
- How to draft an effective PIP challenge – naming the errors and making the case
This training course is aimed at advisers who have a responsibility to ensure that a PIP revision or appeal has the best chance of success.
Method of delivery and timings
This full-day equivalent, standard-level course, is delivered online via Zoom over two consecutive mornings. It runs from 10am to 1pm on each day, with a half hour break between 11.15-11.45.
It is a practical course delivered using a combination of trainer presentation, exercises and group discussion. Participants will need a Wi-Fi connection and a suitable device to access the internet. It is not recommended to join via a mobile phone.