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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
National
Albert Toth

Warning issued over ‘unacceptable delays’ in benefit claimants’ tribunal decisions

  • Official Ministry of Justice data reveals that benefit applicants are facing average waiting times of nearly nine months for tribunal decisions.
  • The Social Security and Child Support tribunal caseload rose by 60 per cent to 129,000 cases in the year to June 2026, driven largely by PIP appeals.
  • Tribunal appeals have a 60 per cent overturn rate for unsuccessful benefit claims, compared to 20 to 25 per cent during the initial DWP internal appeal stage.
  • Disability charity Scope warned that “unacceptable delays” in accessing lifeline benefits leave disabled people vulnerable to financial crisis.
  • The government stated it is addressing tribunal backlogs by recruiting up to 1,000 tribunal members annually, maximising sitting days, and opening a dedicated tribunal centre.

IN FULL

Benefit claimants wait nearly nine months for decisions amid ‘accelerating’ backlog

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