Almost half a million people have won (PIP) after appealing decisions made by the (DWP).

New figures show 455,000 people who submitted a "mandatory reconsideration" within the last five years were successful in their challenge. This figure represents 34% of the 1.3million people that asked for the DWP to review its decision in relation to PIP.

In the last year alone, 7,000 people who received zero points in their PIP assessment went on to get both the enhanced daily living and mobility components. Over the past five years, 32,000 people originally awarded zero points went on to get enhanced PIP, according to a written response by disability minister Sir Stephen Timms.

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However, the length of time a "mandatory reconsideration" typically takes had almost doubled from 37 days in December 2023 to 71 days as of July 2024.

A DWP spokesperson said: "We support millions of people every year and our priority is they receive a supportive service and get the benefits they are entitled to as soon as possible. We are learning from appeals and working closely with our assessment providers to improve our processes and decision making.”

PIP is a benefit that is awarded to people who need help with their day-to-day living due to an illness, disability or mental condition. It is made up of two components - a daily living rate and a mobility rate - and you can be entitled to both or just one of these.

The maximum you can receive in PIP is £737.20 every four weeks. This is for someone claiming the higher rate of both the daily living and mobility components.

Most people normally need an assessment to determine if they're eligible for PIP, during which you'll be asked to explain how your condition affects your life.

You can ask the DWP to review your PIP decision through a "mandatory reconsideration" if you were turned down for PIP, or if you believe you should be on higher payments. You can ask for a "mandatory reconsideration" by contacting the DWP using the details on your decision letter. You normally need to do this within one month of the date on your decision letter.

You'll need to explain why you believe the decision is wrong, including evidence to back up your claim, along with your full name, date of birth and National Insurance number. The evidence you include can be new medical evidence or reports or care plans from specialists, therapists or nurses.

If your "mandatory reconsideration" isn't successful, you can . You do this until you get a response to your "mandatory reconsideration" back from the benefits office that is dealing with your claim.

It comes after charity Turn2Us launched a new PIP Helper tool that will tell you if you’re likely to be eligible for PIP, as well as how much you could be awarded in payments. It also offers personalised tips to help you fill out your PIP application form.

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If your "mandatory reconsideration" isn't successful, you can . You do this until you get a response to your "mandatory reconsideration" back from the benefits office that is dealing with your claim.

It comes after charity Turn2Us launched a new PIP Helper tool that will tell you if you’re likely to be eligible for PIP, as well as how much you could be awarded in payments. It also offers personalised tips to help you fill out your PIP application form.

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