Personal Independence Payment (PIP) or Adult Disability Payment (ADP) in Scotland have almost entirely replaced Disability Living Allowance (DLA) for people aged over 16 and under State Pension age. However there are a very small number of claimants over State Pension age who will stay on DLA.

You can find out more about PIP in our guide Personal Independence Payment – an introduction, and if you live in Scotland, you can see our guide Adult Disability Payment – an introduction. 

Explain why you think their decision is wrong and send copies of any more evidence you’ve got if you think it will help your case.

When the Department for Work & Pensions (DWP) has looked at your decision again, they’ll send you two copies of a document called a mandatory reconsideration notice. This will let you know the result of the reconsideration. If you don't agree with this decision, you can appeal against it.

Download the CRMR1 form and notes about how to disagree with a decisionOpens in a new window on GOV.UK.

You can only appeal against a disability benefits decision when you’ve had a mandatory reconsideration notice - this is called a ‘re‑determination’ in Scotland. You request this by asking the office that made the decision to look at it again. 

To appeal, you then need to send the following to HM Courts & Tribunals Service (the address is on the form):

• A copy of the mandatory reconsideration/re-determination notice.
• Form SSCIOpens in a new window – which you can download from on GOV.UK.

If your award is reduced or stopped, the DWP will continue to pay your existing Disability Living Allowance (DLA) for at least four weeks. This is to give you extra, limited support.

This is to help you prepare for coping with less money.

You’ll need to work out if it’s possible to save any money or increase your income as soon as possible.

In Scotland, you can receive a temporary benefit called Short‑term Assistance (STA) while you challenge an Adult Disability Payment (ADP) decision. You are not financially penalised for asking for a re‑determination or appeal. 

There might be some help available if you need to find money quickly for an emergency or unexpected expense.

If you’re facing a sudden emergency and are on a very low income, you might be able to apply to your council’s local welfare scheme for vouchers to pay for essentials such as:

• food
• fuel
• clothing
• household items, such as cookers or fridges.

Each county in the UK runs its own scheme. To find out what’s available in your area, contact your local council.

If you live in England, find your local council on GOV.UKOpens in a new window

If you live in Scotland, find your local council or constituency on myGov.scotOpens in a new window

If you live in Wales, find your local authority on GOV.WALESOpens in a new window

If you live in Northern Ireland, find your local council on nidirectOpens in a new window

If you’ve been getting Pension Credit or Income-related Employment and Support Allowance for at least 26 weeks, you might be able to apply for a Budgeting Loan to pay for an emergency expense.

You’ll have to repay the amount you borrow within two years.

If you're claiming Universal Credit, you can apply for a Budgeting Advance instead. You'll usually have up to 24 months to pay the loan back. 

If your income has reduced, it’s important to make sure you’re getting all the benefits you’re entitled to.

You can use our Benefits calculator to check. 

Your local Citizens Advice can also carry out a full benefits check to make sure you’re getting everything you’re entitled to.

Find your nearest Citizens Advice branchOpens in a new window

It might be worth checking if you qualify for charitable help and grants.

You can get a reduction on your Council Tax bill if you’re disabled, and you need to live in an adapted home, or in a larger home than you would otherwise need. If you’re the only adult in your household, or you only share your home with a live-in carer (not related to you), you can get 25% off your Council Tax bill. 

If you live on your own and have a diagnosed severe mental impairment or live only with others who have this condition, or students, you might qualify for a 100% reduction on your Council Tax. You may lose the Severe Mental Impairment discount if you have lost the qualifying benefit.

If you would like help to find, or prepare for, work – there are organisations that can give you the support you might need if you have a disability or learning difficulty.

To find out more about support and advice to get you back into work, download the free factsheet ‘Careers and work for disabled people’Opens in a new window on Disability Rights UK.

If you have a disability, health or mental health condition, the government’s Access to Work scheme might be able to help you with the costs of getting into work or staying in work. Your local JobCentre Plus can also help with a Pathways to Work Scheme. 

If you have a spare room in your home, the first £7,500 a year from renting it out is tax-free.

If you’re coping with a sudden drop in income, it can be tempting to borrow money.

However, it’s important to be sure you’re able to pay the money back or you could end up in debt.

If you’re borrowing money to pay off debts, or to pay essential household bills or rent, it’s important to get free debt advice. This will help you find out how you can get back on track.