News

The latest statistics on social security and disability appeals have been published by HM Courts and Tribunals Service (HMCTS) for the period 1 July to 30 September 2011 in a report dated 12 January 2012.

In line with the general findings that the number of tribunals fell compared to previous years, there was a 20% decrease in social security and child support appeals compared to the same period in 2010-11.

The findings show that the numbers of disability living allowance (DLA), employment and support allowance (ESA), and incapacity benefit (IB) appeals have fallen, with ESA and IB appeals decreasing by 32%. The fall is explained in part at paragraph 5, page 10 of the report as a result of large falls in the number of ESA appeals (from 55,000 for the period July to September 2010 to 43,500 for the same period in 2011).

The length of time claimants are waiting for appeals to be heard can be found on pages 19 to 20 of the report. According to the figures from the Social Security and Child Support (SSCS) administrative service, 75% of appeals were dealt with within 34 weeks.

Decisions in favour of appellants at appeal are more or less consistent for both DLA and ESA appeals, 39% and 38% respectively, as are the percentages for decisions upheld by tribunals. The statistics for outcomes of appeals include withdrawals, but the actual number of withdrawals is not recorded.

Outcomes for all benefit appeals are listed on page 40.

The full report can be found here