What if my claim is unsuccessful?
When a decision is made about your claim for a benefit, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) will write to tell you about the decision and why it was made. If you are not happy with the outcome and you decide to challenge a benefits decision, the next steps need to happen in the following order, and you need to respond quickly (usually within one month) at each stage.
1. Challenge the benefits decision - ask for mandatory reconsideration.
2. Appeal the benefits decision if you are unhappy with the mandatory reconsideration decision. For more about mandatory reconsideration and appeals
For more about mandatory reconsideration and appeals visit
Manage an existing benefit, payment or claim - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk) or
Challenging benefit decisions - Citizens Advice
Information produced: March 2023
What do I need to think about when claiming benefits for my epilepsy?
If you are applying for a benefit, you will need to complete a form about how your condition affects you. Depending on the benefit you are applying for, the form may be online, or you may need to request a form by phone.
Completing the form
Some people with epilepsy can claim health-related benefits, such as Personal Independence Payment (PIP), Attendance Allowance, and Employment Support Allowance.
Organisations that can help
If you are applying for benefits for the first time,
reapplying after a change in your circumstances,
or appealing a benefits decision, here are some
organisations that may be able to help you.
Want to know more?
Download our benefits factsheet (PDF 693KB)