Facing a Personal Independence Payment (PIP) appeal can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re unsure what evidence will make a difference. The tribunal’s decision will rest on how well you demonstrate the impact of your condition on your daily life and mobility. This guide will help you understand what counts as strong evidence, how to collect it, and how to present it effectively.

Why Evidence Is So Important

Evidence is the foundation of your appeal. The tribunal isn’t just interested in your diagnosis—they want to see how your health affects your ability to carry out specific daily living and mobility tasks. For example, it’s not enough to say you have fibromyalgia; you need to show how it stops you from preparing meals, bathing, or walking to the shops. The more clearly you link your evidence to the PIP descriptors, the stronger your case will be.

Understanding the PIP Criteria

PIP is awarded based on how your condition affects your ability to perform certain activities, such as washing, dressing, communicating, and moving around. Each activity is scored using descriptors, and your evidence should address these directly. For instance, if you struggle to manage medication, your evidence should show why and how often you need help.

What Counts as Good Evidence?

The best evidence is specific, recent, and directly related to the PIP activities. Here are some contextual examples:

• Medical evidence:

  • A letter from your GP stating, “Maria cannot walk more than 20 metres without severe pain and needs to rest frequently.”

  • A hospital discharge summary showing you needed help with personal care after surgery.

  • A physiotherapist’s report detailing your difficulties with movement and balance.

• Non-medical evidence:

  • A statement from your carer: “I help David shower every morning because he cannot lift his arms above his head.”

  • A diary entry: “On Monday, I tried to make breakfast but dropped the kettle due to hand weakness. My neighbour had to help.”

  • A letter from a friend who regularly assists you with shopping or housework.

• Other supporting documents:

  • Photographs of adaptations in your home, such as grab rails, shower seats, or a stairlift.

  • A letter from your employer explaining adjustments made at work, or why you can no longer work.

  • Social services reports or occupational therapy assessments.

How to Gather Medical Evidence

When requesting letters or reports from healthcare professionals, be specific about what you need. Ask them to describe how your condition affects your ability to perform daily tasks, not just your diagnosis. For example, “Sarah needs help getting in and out of the bath due to severe back pain, and this has been ongoing for over a year.” If you don’t see your doctor often, explain why—perhaps you manage at home, or appointments are difficult to attend.

If you have prescription lists, care plans, or records of hospital visits, include these as well. They help to show the ongoing nature of your condition and the support you require.

Using Personal Statements and Daily Diaries

Your own account is vital. Write a personal statement describing a typical day, highlighting the challenges you face. Be honest and specific. For example, “I need help getting dressed every morning because I can’t manage buttons or zips due to arthritis in my hands.” Keep a daily diary for at least a few weeks, noting your symptoms, difficulties, and any support you receive. This paints a vivid picture for the tribunal.

Evidence from Family, Friends, and Carers

Ask those close to you to write statements. They should describe what they see, using real-life examples. For instance, “I visit John every morning to help him dress, as he cannot manage buttons or zips due to his arthritis.” A carer might write, “I prepare all of Jane’s meals because she cannot stand for long enough to cook safely.” These statements should include who they are, how they know you, what they observe, and how often.

Other Useful Documentation

Don’t overlook practical evidence:

• Photographs of adaptations in your home, such as grab rails or a stairlift.

• Letters confirming attendance at support groups or therapy.

• Evidence of missed appointments or activities due to your condition.

• Receipts for mobility aids or specialist equipment.

Organising and Presenting Your Evidence

When you’ve gathered your evidence, organise it clearly. Start with a short summary explaining your main difficulties and how the evidence supports your case. Number each piece of evidence and refer to it in your summary. For example, “See page 3 for my GP’s letter about my mobility, and page 5 for my daily diary entries.” Cross-reference each item to the relevant PIP descriptor.

Avoiding Common Pitfalls

It’s easy to fall into the trap of submitting too much information, or evidence that doesn’t relate to the PIP criteria. Focus on quality, not quantity. Make sure every piece of evidence helps to answer the question: how does my condition affect my ability to carry out daily tasks? Avoid vague statements; be specific and detailed. Don’t overlook non-medical evidence, which can be just as powerful.

If You Don’t Have Formal Evidence

Don’t panic if you lack medical letters or reports. Your own statement, a detailed diary, and observations from those who know you well can still carry weight. Be honest about why you don’t have certain evidence, and focus on describing the impact on your life.

Preparing for the Tribunal

Before your hearing, review your evidence and practice explaining how it relates to the PIP activities. If you’re asked about a typical day, be specific—describe what you can and can’t do, and how often you need help. If you become anxious or forgetful under pressure, it’s perfectly fine to refer to your notes.

Final Checklist

Here’s a quick checklist to review before submitting your appeal:

• Have you addressed each relevant PIP descriptor?

• Is your evidence clear, specific, and well-organised?

• Have you included both medical and non-medical evidence?

• Is your personal statement detailed and honest?

Have you cross-referenced your evidence to the descriptors?

Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, tax, or medical advice. You should make decisions based on your own circumstances and, if needed, consult a qualified professional. The information provided is intended to help you understand the PIP appeal process, not to replace expert guidance.