A 39-year-old male claimant suffering a disabling ankle injury received £13,000 in backdated Personal Independence Payments (PIP) from the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) after they initially refused the daily living component of his claim in June 2024. This decision was finally reached in February 2026 following an unsuccessful claim the year prior, and was made possible thanks to the continued support provided by Paladin Advice.
Refused Mobility Component of PIP
The claimant made his original PIP claim following his involvement in a road traffic accident in June 2018, during which he was knocked off his motorcycle. This caused severe damage to his right leg and foot, complicating his existing issues with spondylosis and hypermobility in his joints. His physical disability and constant neuropathic pain have exacerbated his mental ill health (undiagnosed ADHD), necessitating additional support from his personal assistant.
Despite these challenges to his physical and mental health, the claimant was disheartened to discover that his claim had been refused, preventing him from accessing the specialist services and equipment he needed to manage his conditions. Overwhelmed by the prospect of challenging this decision alone, he then approached Paladin Advice in the spring of 2024.
Making a New Personal Independence Payment Claim
As the time limit for challenging the previous decision had elapsed, we ordered a new PIP claim form in June 2024 and assisted him in completing it over the phone. This was followed by his healthcare assessment, which we attended alongside him to provide moral support.
When he received the decision on his second claim, he was disappointed to discover that he had only scored 10 points, entitling him to the standard rate of the Personal Independence Payment mobility component (8–11 points are required for the standard rate, 12 and above for the enhanced rate). However, he was only awarded 6 points for the daily living component of his claim, which meant that no additional PIP would be awarded despite him receiving direct payments from his local authority to employ his personal assistant for 19 hours a week.
This result was very discouraging for the claimant, and although he was reluctant to challenge this aspect of the decision, we were able to persuade him to request Mandatory Reconsideration. When this was similarly refused, we were able to convince him to pursue an appeal in February 2025.
Successful Appeal for our Claimant
The appeal was listed for February 2026. While the claimant was hesitant to attend in person, we reassured him that his financial advisor would accompany him as his representative. Paladin also prepared a written submission to support his appeal.
We received confirmation that his appeal had been granted, increasing the mobility component of his PIP to the enhanced level and awarding him the daily living component at the enhanced level, too. This meant that his 4-weekly entitlement to £116.80 (£29.20 a week) would increase to £749.80 (£187.45 a week), with an arrears payment to June 2024 totalling approximately £13,000.
The claimant states that he would not have pursued the challenge without the support of Paladin, as it would have been too difficult and overwhelming for him to undertake this alone.
As we came out of the court, he said, “I hope I never have to do this again – but hopefully they believed me.”
Seeking Support with Challenging a PIP Decision?
If your claim has been refused or you feel your award falls short of your needs, our team can help. From completing forms to representing you at an appeal, Paladin Advice provides a full welfare benefits review service, supporting clients every step of the way.
Contact us today to see how we can help you challenge your decision.
