Since 2023, we've worked with University House (UH), a legal advice centre and access to justice clinic in Tower Hamlets, to help individuals navigate the disability benefits appeal process. You can read more about the context to, and impact of, this work here.
During March 2025, we successfully supported three more pro bono clients in their appeals to the First-Tier Tribunal of the Social Entitlement Chamber regarding their Personal Independence Payment (PIP) allowances.
Background
Our first and second clients had chronic health conditions they'd been suffering from for many years (in one instance, decades). These conditions caused severe pain and mental health problems, which presented constant challenges that impacted every aspect of their daily lives.
Our third client had been suffering from various mental health conditions, including ADHD which affected them the most. It caused them physical and mental challenges and impacted all aspects of their life, from making it difficult to engage with other people to planning and following journeys. They also suffered from anxiety, depression, and complex post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Our first client had previously been awarded both components of PIP – the enhanced rate for the mobility component and the standard rate for the daily living component. However, that entitlement was subsequently reviewed and reduced by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) in 2024 to the standard rate of the daily living component and nothing awarded for the mobility component at either rate.
Our second and third clients, despite navigating the complex application process (involving a lengthy form, multiple pieces of medical evidence, and medical assessments), had their initial PIP applications declined in their entirety by the DWP on the basis that they didn't meet the necessary criteria.
All three clients subsequently approached UH for legal assistance. They each appealed for full hearings before the First-Tier Tribunal and were then referred to our volunteer lawyers who represented them in their appeals.
Case summaries
Our lawyers prepared and filed written submissions to the First-Tier Tribunal in advance of the appeal hearings.
Unusually, our first client's appeal succeeded based on the papers without the need for a hearing, and they were awarded the enhanced rates for both elements of PIP.
Our second and third clients' appeals resulted in awards of the standard rates for both elements of PIP. Notably, our third client's award was for five years and backdated to 2022 – meaning their PIP payments will continue until 2027.
These cases demonstrate the importance of access to legal assistance in this process. Our first client was able to avoid an extremely stressful and daunting process in front of a tribunal. The arguments on paper were enough to demonstrate the client's entitlement to the enhanced rate of PIP.
The sums awarded to all three clients will help them to regain a sense of dignity and improve their day-to-day lives.
Legal assistance in the PIP appeal process is not mandatory. However, lawyers offering assistance on a pro bono basis are an invaluable source of support in what can otherwise be a confusing and emotional time. The results so far demonstrate the positive impact that having legal representation can offer individuals going through the appeal process: in the last year, UH has seen a 98% success rate at the First-Tier Tribunal.
Our team: Elizabeth Montpetit (Partner, Disputes & Investigations); Sophia Louw (Senior Associate, Disputes & Investigations); Nicole Baldev (Associate, Disputes & Investigations); Matt Wishart (Senior Employment Adviser, Employment); Luke Harrison (Solicitor Apprentice, Disputes & Investigations).
