Receiving a decision from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) about your Personal Independence Payment (PIP) can be a stressful experience. If you believe the decision is wrong, don't lose hope. The good news is that you have the right to ask for a reconsideration. This article will guide you through exactly How to Write a Reconsideration Letter for Pip, ensuring you present your case clearly and effectively.
Understanding Your PIP Reconsideration Request
If you disagree with a PIP decision, the first step is to request a mandatory reconsideration. This is a free service where the DWP will look at your claim again. It is vital to act quickly, as there are strict time limits for requesting a reconsideration.
When preparing your request, gather all relevant documents that support your case. This could include:
- Medical evidence from your GP or specialists
- Reports from care workers or support groups
- Diaries or logs detailing your daily struggles
- Photographs or videos showing your difficulties
You can present your reasons for disagreement in a letter or email. Structure your points clearly. It can be helpful to use a table to outline the original decision against your actual needs:
| Original Decision (Activity) | Your Actual Ability | Why You Disagree |
|---|---|---|
| Can prepare and cook a simple meal (e.g., using a microwave) unaided. | Requires significant help due to severe tremors and chronic fatigue. | The assessment focused on theoretical ability, not practical reality. |
How to Write a Reconsideration Letter for Pip: New Medical Evidence
Subject: Mandatory Reconsideration Request - [Your Name] - National Insurance Number: [Your NI Number] - Claim Number: [Your PIP Claim Number]
Dear Sir/Madam,
I am writing to request a mandatory reconsideration of the decision made on [Date of Decision Letter] regarding my Personal Independence Payment (PIP). I believe the decision does not accurately reflect the extent of my health conditions and the support I require.
Specifically, I wish to draw your attention to new medical evidence which was not fully considered during my initial assessment. My Consultant Neurologist, Dr. [Doctor's Name], has provided a report dated [Date of Doctor's Report] which details the significant progression of my [Condition]. This report highlights my increased difficulties with [Specific Difficulty 1] and [Specific Difficulty 2], which directly impact my ability to perform the daily living and mobility activities assessed.
I have enclosed copies of this new report from Dr. [Doctor's Name] for your review. I believe this crucial information demonstrates that my needs are greater than previously assessed and would qualify me for [Enhanced Rate of Daily Living/Mobility Component, or appropriate increase].
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
How to Write a Reconsideration Letter for Pip: Disputed Assessment Findings
Subject: Mandatory Reconsideration Request - [Your Name] - National Insurance Number: [Your NI Number] - Claim Number: [Your PIP Claim Number]
Dear Sir/Madam,
I am writing to request a mandatory reconsideration of the decision made on [Date of Decision Letter] concerning my PIP claim. I disagree with several findings made during my assessment on [Date of Assessment] and believe they do not accurately reflect my day-to-day experiences.
During the assessment, it was stated that I can [Specific Activity Assessed] within a reasonable time period. However, this is not accurate. My condition, [Your Condition], causes [Describe the Impact, e.g., severe fatigue, significant pain, cognitive impairment], meaning that while I might be able to perform this task once, it leaves me [Describe the Consequence, e.g., completely exhausted for the rest of the day, unable to function for several hours, prone to errors]. My daily care notes, which I have attached, show that I require assistance for this activity at least [Frequency] times a week due to these debilitating effects.
Furthermore, the assessment failed to adequately consider the impact of [Another Condition/Factor] on my ability to [Another Specific Activity Assessed]. This has a significant impact on my independence and requires me to have [Describe Support Needed].
I urge you to re-evaluate my claim based on the realities of my daily life, not just isolated observations during a short assessment. I have enclosed supporting documentation, including statements from my [e.g., carer, family member], to further illustrate my difficulties.
Thank you for your attention to this matter.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
How to Write a Reconsideration Letter for Pip: Missed Important Information
Subject: Mandatory Reconsideration Request - [Your Name] - National Insurance Number: [Your NI Number] - Claim Number: [Your PIP Claim Number]
Dear Sir/Madam,
I am writing to request a mandatory reconsideration of the decision dated [Date of Decision Letter] regarding my PIP claim. I believe that crucial information relating to my health conditions and their impact on my daily life was not fully considered during the decision-making process.
In my initial application and during my assessment, I detailed how my [Condition] causes me to experience [Specific Symptom, e.g., unpredictable severe pain, extreme anxiety attacks]. While this was mentioned, the DWP's decision did not adequately reflect the frequency and severity of these episodes, nor their significant impact on my ability to [Specific Activity, e.g., leave my home, manage my personal care].
Specifically, I feel that the following points were overlooked or understated:
- The need for constant supervision due to [Reason, e.g., my tendency to wander, risk of falls].
- The impact of my medication, [Medication Name], which causes [Side Effect, e.g., drowsiness, nausea], making it difficult to [Specific Task].
- The need for significant prompting and reassurance due to my cognitive difficulties.
I have enclosed updated information from my [e.g., support worker, therapist] which further details these issues. I kindly request that you review my claim again, taking into account all the information provided, to ensure a fair and accurate decision is made.
Thank you for your time.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
How to Write a Reconsideration Letter for Pip: Change in Circumstances
Subject: Mandatory Reconsideration Request - [Your Name] - National Insurance Number: [Your NI Number] - Claim Number: [Your PIP Claim Number]
Dear Sir/Madam,
I am writing to request a mandatory reconsideration of the decision dated [Date of Decision Letter] regarding my PIP claim. Since the original decision, there has been a significant change in my circumstances which affects my ability to carry out daily living and mobility activities.
My health condition, [Your Condition], has recently deteriorated due to [Reason for Deterioration, e.g., a new complication, increased severity of symptoms]. This has led to a marked increase in my need for assistance with tasks such as [Specific Task 1] and [Specific Task 2]. Previously, I could manage these with some difficulty, but now I require constant support due to [Describe New Impact].
For example, I am now unable to [Specific Task Previously Able To Do] due to [New Reason]. This means I require [Describe New Support Needed].
I have attached supporting medical evidence from my GP, Dr. [Doctor's Name], dated [Date of Doctor's Report], which outlines this recent deterioration. I believe this new information warrants a reassessment of my PIP award.
Thank you for considering this urgent request.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
How to Write a Reconsideration Letter for Pip: Overlooked Mobility Issues
Subject: Mandatory Reconsideration Request - [Your Name] - National Insurance Number: [Your NI Number] - Claim Number: [Your PIP Claim Number]
Dear Sir/Madam,
I am writing to request a mandatory reconsideration of the decision made on [Date of Decision Letter] concerning my PIP claim. I believe the assessment did not fully capture the extent of my mobility limitations, particularly concerning my ability to undertake journeys.
The decision states I can undertake journeys. However, this fails to account for the significant distress, anxiety, and physical exhaustion I experience when attempting to do so. My [Condition] causes [Specific Symptom, e.g., severe dizziness, breathlessness, unpredictable muscle spasms] which make walking even short distances incredibly difficult and often unsafe. I require [Describe Support Needed, e.g., a walking stick and regular rest breaks, someone to accompany me for reassurance and physical support].
Furthermore, the assessment did not adequately consider the challenges posed by navigating unfamiliar environments or crowded spaces. These situations exacerbate my anxiety and physical symptoms, meaning I am often unable to leave my home independently. I rely heavily on my [e.g., carer, family member] to accompany me on essential journeys, and even then, it is a significant undertaking.
I have enclosed evidence from my physiotherapist, [Therapist's Name], dated [Date of Report], which details my current mobility limitations. I urge you to review my claim with a focus on these mobility challenges.
Thank you for your review.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
How to Write a Reconsideration Letter for Pip: Overlooked Daily Living Issues
Subject: Mandatory Reconsideration Request - [Your Name] - National Insurance Number: [Your NI Number] - Claim Number: [Your PIP Claim Number]
Dear Sir/Madam,
I am writing to request a mandatory reconsideration of the decision dated [Date of Decision Letter] regarding my PIP claim. I believe the assessment did not accurately reflect the significant difficulties I face with my daily living activities.
My condition, [Your Condition], severely impacts my ability to [Specific Daily Living Activity, e.g., dress and undress, wash and bathe, manage my medication]. The assessment stated that I can perform these tasks with minimal assistance. However, this overlooks the fact that I experience [Describe Difficulty, e.g., extreme pain when moving my arms, significant cognitive impairment that prevents me from remembering to take medication correctly, severe fatigue that makes it impossible to complete these tasks independently].
For example, to [Specific Daily Living Activity], I require:
- Assistance from another person to [Specific Part of Task].
- Specific adaptations or aids, such as [Name of Aid], which are not always available.
- Significant rest periods throughout the process, often taking [Duration] longer than a person without my condition.
I have enclosed a letter from my occupational therapist, [Therapist's Name], dated [Date of Report], which details my ongoing needs and the level of support I require for these activities. I trust that this will provide a clearer picture of my daily challenges.
Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
How to Write a Reconsideration Letter for Pip: Failure to Consider Fluctuating Conditions
Subject: Mandatory Reconsideration Request - [Your Name] - National Insurance Number: [Your NI Number] - Claim Number: [Your PIP Claim Number]
Dear Sir/Madam,
I am writing to request a mandatory reconsideration of the decision made on [Date of Decision Letter] regarding my PIP claim. I believe the decision did not adequately account for the fluctuating nature of my health condition, [Your Condition].
My condition is characterized by periods of significant symptom exacerbation, during which my ability to perform daily living and mobility activities is severely compromised. For instance, on days when my [Specific Symptom, e.g., pain flares up, fatigue levels are high], I am completely unable to [Specific Activity]. During these times, I require [Describe Support Needed, e.g., constant supervision, assistance with all personal care, help to move around my home].
The assessment report seems to have focused on my capabilities on a 'good' day, which is not representative of my typical experience. I have provided a diary covering the period from [Start Date] to [End Date], which details the frequency and impact of these fluctuating episodes. This demonstrates that my need for support is consistent over time, even if it varies from day to day.
I have also enclosed a letter from my GP, Dr. [Doctor's Name], dated [Date of Doctor's Report], which confirms the fluctuating nature of my condition and the impact this has on my daily life. I request that my claim be re-evaluated with due consideration for these fluctuations.
Thank you for reviewing this.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
How to Write a Reconsideration Letter for Pip: Inaccurate Assessment of Support Needs
Subject: Mandatory Reconsideration Request - [Your Name] - National Insurance Number: [Your NI Number] - Claim Number: [Your PIP Claim Number]
Dear Sir/Madam,
I am writing to request a mandatory reconsideration of the decision dated [Date of Decision Letter] concerning my PIP claim. I believe the assessment inaccurately evaluated the level of support I require for various activities.
During my assessment, it was concluded that I require [e.g., minimal assistance, no assistance] for [Specific Activity]. This is incorrect. Due to my [Condition], I require significant support with this task. For example, I need [Describe Specific Help Required, e.g., verbal prompting and physical assistance, someone to prepare the items for me, help with the fine motor skills involved]. This support is not just occasional; it is a consistent requirement to ensure I can complete the activity safely and effectively.
The assessment may have overlooked the need for assistance due to the fact that [Explain why the need might have been missed, e.g., my carer was not present during the assessment, the assessor did not ask specific questions about the duration of help needed].
I have attached a statement from my carer, [Carer's Name], who can attest to the level of support I require on a daily basis. I am confident that a review of this information will highlight the inaccuracies in the original assessment and lead to a revised decision.
Thank you for your attention.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
How to Write a Reconsideration Letter for Pip: Clarification on Specific Points
Subject: Mandatory Reconsideration Request - [Your Name] - National Insurance Number: [Your NI Number] - Claim Number: [Your PIP Claim Number]
Dear Sir/Madam,
I am writing to request a mandatory reconsideration of the PIP decision dated [Date of Decision Letter]. I wish to request clarification and reconsideration of specific points within the decision that I believe are based on a misunderstanding of my condition.
Specifically, I would like to address the finding regarding [Specific Activity or Point from Decision]. The decision states that [Quote or paraphrase the inaccurate statement]. I need to clarify that my difficulty with this activity stems from [Explain the actual reason for difficulty, e.g., the severe pain that occurs when I attempt it, the cognitive overload it creates, the risk of falling].
It is important to understand that while I might be able to physically attempt [Specific Activity], the process is extremely taxing, painful, and time-consuming, often requiring me to rest for [Duration] afterwards. This was not fully appreciated.
I have enclosed a supporting statement from [Name of person who can verify, e.g., my support worker, a family member] which provides further details on this specific point. I kindly request that you re-examine this aspect of my claim.
Thank you for your time and assistance.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
In conclusion, How to Write a Reconsideration Letter for Pip is about clearly and comprehensively presenting your case. By gathering strong evidence, being specific about your difficulties, and ensuring you address the points that led to the original decision, you significantly increase your chances of a successful reconsideration. Remember to stay calm, be thorough, and don't hesitate to seek support if you need it. Your right to a fair assessment is important.