Woman looking at her finances, featured image for blog around reapplying for PIP

I’ve been refused personal independence payment (PIP) – shall I reapply?

I have been declined personal independence payment (PIP), even after appeal. Would you advise applying a waiting period before starting a new claim? With hindsight I don’t believe I articulated my symptoms very well and would like to apply again and explain them in more detail.

Technically speaking, you do not need to wait any specified time to start a new PIP claim, certainly if you feel there are changes to how your condition affects you or you feel you didn’t explain in enough detail how MS affects you day-to-day.

Before you complete a new form, have a look at our following top tips for completing your PIP form

  1. Familiarise yourself with the PIP scoring system, the PIP rules around ‘fluctuating conditions’ and the DWP’s ‘reliably’ test
  2. Familiarise yourself with the language and terms that the DWP use by checking the ‘glossary’ section of the Disability Rights UK ‘Guide to making a claim’.
  3. Remember the person reading the application does not know you or may not necessarily be very knowledgeable about MS. Try to ‘paint a picture’ of your day-to-day life. What might be everyday to you, would be considered differently by others. Be realistic over your condition and very much let them see the ‘real picture’ – do not overestimate your abilities, but also do not lie and overstate your need. It is suggested that you complete the form with consideration of your most ‘average’ day but do let them know what your worst days are like and how frequently these issues and bad days occur.
  4. Use a diary of your symptoms and issues. You can submit a diary as part of your evidence if you feel it would give the DWP and their assessors a good understanding of your level of need and how your MS impacts on your independence.
  5. Collect your evidence statements from others about your condition and refer to them in your form if needed. It is preferred for this to be evidence from professionals however statements from family and friends will still be helpful. For example, if you rely on others to cook for you and your partner or family carer has written a statement to that effect, it would be good to reference this in your section about cooking and preparing meals.
  6. Enclose the copies of all your supporting evidence with your application (not appointment letters). Do not send the originals as you may need them later.
  7. Keep a check on the time you take to complete the form. You have one month to complete and return the form and the time runs from the date on the top of the form. This will be the date of your first contact.
  8. If you feel you may need an extension, you can request one. The DWP will normally allow a two-week extension if you have a good reason (such as seeking help from an advisor).
  9. Make a copy of the completed form and any documents prior to sending them. This way you can look back on what you have sent to the DWP prior to your assessment.
  10. Send your form to the DWP by recorded or special delivery, that way you have proof of postage and will be able to track it if required.

It is a good idea to focus on compiling all your evidence before you complete the form, so you have everything you need. As mentioned, take a look at the scoring so you can get an insight into where you feel you should score your points.

Familiarising yourself with the DWP’s reliably test is important and will likely make you think more deeply about how you answer your questions. You can read more about the reliably test on the MS-UK website, along with further information about PIP.

www.ms-uk.org/personal-independence-payment