The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) disallowed 332,800 Personal Independence Payment (PIP) claims in the 2023/24 financial year, accounting for 46% of all processed applications. Of these, 13,500 were later approved following an appeal, according to official figures.
Widespread Rejections of PIP Claims Raise Concerns
Newly released data from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has revealed that nearly half of all Personal Independence Payment (PIP) claims assessed in the 2023/24 financial year were rejected.
The figures, shared by Work and Pensions minister Sir Stephen Timms, indicate that out of 721,100 processed claims, a total of 332,800 (46%) were disallowed at the assessment stage.
These findings have reignited debate over the accessibility and fairness of the PIP system, which provides financial support for individuals with long-term disabilities and health conditions.
With thousands of cases successfully overturned on appeal, concerns have been raised about the accuracy of initial assessments and the burden placed on applicants who must navigate a complex appeals process.
Thousands of PIP Claims Overturned on Appeal
Despite the high rejection rate, a significant number of initially disallowed claims were later awarded PIP following an appeal.
According to Sir Stephen Timms, 13,500 applicants successfully had their claims reinstated after challenging the DWP’s decision. This equates to 4% of those initially rejected, with a further 18,900 appeals still awaiting resolution.
The figures also highlight the role of “lapsed appeal“—cases where the DWP revises its decision before a tribunal hearing. This suggests that some applicants may have been wrongly assessed at the initial stage, only receiving support after a prolonged appeals process.
These findings align with concerns previously raised by disability rights groups, who argue that the PIP assessment system is flawed and places undue stress on applicants. With thousands of appeals still pending, campaigners continue to call for reforms to ensure that those entitled to support receive it without unnecessary delays.
Unpublished Data Suggests Figures May Change
The DWP has urged caution in interpreting these figures, noting that they are unpublished and subject to future revisions. The data covers assessments and appeal outcomes up to September 2024, but additional appeals could still be lodged and resolved in the coming months.
Sir Stephen Timms stated that the statistics had been rounded to the nearest hundred and percentages to the nearest whole number, which may result in slight variations in reported outcomes. He also emphasised that the number of successful appeals may continue to rise as cases are processed.
