Waiting a year for a Personal Independence Payment (PIP) tribunal hearing has left many claimants wondering, “How much longer will the wait be?”
It’s a common frustration. While tribunal wait times vary by region, delays of several months—even over a year—are becoming increasingly frequent. One individual turned to Reddit to ask about the average waiting period, sharing: “I’ve been waiting a year now, and I know it’s not uncommon, just wondering how much longer I have left.”
The response was less than encouraging: “Anywhere from nine to 20 months, unfortunately.”
READ MORE: UK Households Warned Over Cash Hoarding as Millions Risk Financial Decline
READ MORE: Met Office Issues New Snow Warning for Midlands Starting Sunday
According to official guidance on the UK government’s website, it typically takes up to six months for a PIP appeal to be heard by the tribunal. However, this timeline often extends, reflecting a backlog in the system.
If your appeal against a Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) decision is rejected at the mandatory reconsideration stage, you have the right to a tribunal hearing. The tribunal reviews your case and considers any evidence you provide to better understand your condition or circumstances. This evidence can include specialist reports or care plans from healthcare professionals, as well as personal letters from someone who knows you well.
To help avoid further delays, it’s important to submit all evidence promptly, attend your hearing on time if required, and register any representative you plan to use as early as possible.
While waiting is difficult, knowing what to expect can help you prepare for your tribunal and increase the chances of a fair outcome.