PIP Tribunal: What Actually Happens (From People Who've Been)
By the RightfulUK team • • 5 min read • Reviewed for accuracy
The word "tribunal" sounds terrifying. Court. Judges. Legal stuff.
But here's what people actually say after attending:
*"It was nothing like I expected. They were kind."* *"I wish I'd done this months ago instead of worrying."* *"They actually listened, unlike the DWP."*
Let's break down exactly what happens.
It's Not a Courtroom
Forget what you've seen on TV. A PIP tribunal is:
- Usually in a small meeting room - No wigs, no gowns, no dock - A conversation, not an interrogation - Video hearings are now common (from your home)
You can bring someone for support. They can speak for you if you struggle.
Who's in the Room
The panel usually has:
- A judge, legally qualified, runs the hearing - A doctor, medical member who understands conditions - A disability expert, sometimes included
There's NO ONE from the DWP in the room. They don't attend. It's just you, the panel, and your support person.
What They'll Ask
They've read your file. They'll ask about:
- Your conditions and how they affect you - Your daily routine, what a typical day looks like - Specific activities, "Tell me about preparing meals" - Your worst days, "What happens on a bad day?" - Who helps you and how
They're not trying to catch you out. They're trying to understand your reality.
How Long It Takes
- Waiting beforehand: 15-30 minutes usually - The hearing itself: 30-60 minutes - The decision: Often given on the day, or within a few weeks
If you need breaks, say so. If you need to stand up, sit differently, or take medication, tell them. They'll accommodate you.
The Success Rate
73% of PIP appeals succeed at tribunal.
That's not a typo. Nearly three-quarters of people who appeal win.
The tribunal sees what the DWP missed. They apply the law properly. They listen.
What to Bring
- Your tribunal bundle (they'll send you one) - Any new evidence - A written summary of your key points - Someone for support (friend, family, advocate) - Water - Any medication you might need
You don't need a representative, but you can have one.
Related Articles
- PIP Help UK: Free Help With Your PIP Claim, Appeal & Tribunal (2026) — 6 min read
- PIP Eligibility: Who Can Claim PIP in 2026? (Simple Checklist) — 4 min read
- Government Help for Disabled People UK: Every Scheme & Support Available (2026) — 6 min read
- Universal Credit Sanction: What to Do If You've Been Sanctioned (2026) — 5 min read
Related Tools & Guides
- Free PIP Eligibility Checker — estimate your likely points
- Mandatory Reconsideration Letter Builder — challenge the DWP decision
- Tribunal Preparation Tool — practice panel questions
- PIP Condition Guides — descriptors for your condition