Where a Universal Credit award is revised, established processes ensure that any resulting debt impact is communicated to Debt Management so that recovery action can be updated promptly.

Such decisions are processed through established appeals and decision-making processes, and where a claimant’s liability changes, the relevant information is recorded on DWP systems and communicated to Debt Management so that any necessary recovery action can be updated.

Data are not held centrally for analysis and reporting purposes on how many appeals in the First-tier Tribunal (Social Entitlement Chamber) (SSCS) which are outstanding and awaiting a hearing had a listing for a hearing, and those which did not; and the average waiting time between appeal lodgement and first listing of appeals.

Data on the total number of PIP, ESA and UC appeals outstanding and awaiting a hearing in SSCS in each month between July 2024 and March 2026 (the latest period for which data are available are set out in the table below:

1 In January 2026, a data quality issue was identified affecting open caseload for SSCS, with caseload being potentially over-reported by ~5k cases. This is currently being investigated.

2 The open caseload counts for SSCS reflects what is held on the database at the time of extraction. This means that the open caseload is not a simple summation of the previous month’s open caseload figures with receipts and disposals.

3 Includes cases which are ready to be listed or listed for hearing.

4 Data includes Employment and Support Allowance and Incapacity Benefit reassessment. Employment and Support Allowance was introduced in October 2018 and Incapacity Benefit reassessment followed in October 2010.

5 Personal Independence Payment (New Claim Appeals) which replaces Disability Living Allowance was introduced on 8 April 2013, also includes Personal Independence Claims (Reassessments).

Data on the average waiting time between appeal lodgement and final disposal for appeals in SSCS is published at https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/hmcts-management-information

Data on the number of PIP, ESA and UC disposals, together with whether they were allowed or dismissed is published at Tribunals statistics - GOV.UK. Data on whether they were withdrawn or otherwise disposed of is set out in the table below:

1 Withdrawn:withdrawn at hearing and appeals withdrawn prior to hearing

2 Other disposals: disposals lapsed, struck-out and other disposals.

3 Data includes Employment and Support Allowance and Incapacity Benefit reassessment. Employment and Support Allowance was introduced in October 2018 and Incapacity Benefit reassessment followed in October 2010.

4 Personal Independence Payment (New Claim Appeals) which replaces Disability Living Allowance was introduced on 8 April 2013, also includes Personal Independence Claims (Reassessments).

From April 2023, the SSCS Tribunal started to list cases using a new scheduling and listing solution. This, alongside HMCTS migrating to a new strategic data platform, has resulted in some cases heard and decided using this new listing solution not currently being included in the data above.

Data are not held centrally for analysis and reporting purposes on how many appeals in the First-tier Tribunal (Social Entitlement Chamber) (SSCS) which are outstanding and awaiting a hearing had a listing for a hearing, and those which did not; and the average waiting time between appeal lodgement and first listing of appeals.

Data on the total number of PIP, ESA and UC appeals outstanding and awaiting a hearing in SSCS in each month between July 2024 and March 2026 (the latest period for which data are available are set out in the table below:

1 In January 2026, a data quality issue was identified affecting open caseload for SSCS, with caseload being potentially over-reported by ~5k cases. This is currently being investigated.

2 The open caseload counts for SSCS reflects what is held on the database at the time of extraction. This means that the open caseload is not a simple summation of the previous month’s open caseload figures with receipts and disposals.

3 Includes cases which are ready to be listed or listed for hearing.

4 Data includes Employment and Support Allowance and Incapacity Benefit reassessment. Employment and Support Allowance was introduced in October 2018 and Incapacity Benefit reassessment followed in October 2010.

5 Personal Independence Payment (New Claim Appeals) which replaces Disability Living Allowance was introduced on 8 April 2013, also includes Personal Independence Claims (Reassessments).

Data on the average waiting time between appeal lodgement and final disposal for appeals in SSCS is published at https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/hmcts-management-information

Data on the number of PIP, ESA and UC disposals, together with whether they were allowed or dismissed is published at Tribunals statistics - GOV.UK. Data on whether they were withdrawn or otherwise disposed of is set out in the table below:

1 Withdrawn:withdrawn at hearing and appeals withdrawn prior to hearing

2 Other disposals: disposals lapsed, struck-out and other disposals.

3 Data includes Employment and Support Allowance and Incapacity Benefit reassessment. Employment and Support Allowance was introduced in October 2018 and Incapacity Benefit reassessment followed in October 2010.

4 Personal Independence Payment (New Claim Appeals) which replaces Disability Living Allowance was introduced on 8 April 2013, also includes Personal Independence Claims (Reassessments).

From April 2023, the SSCS Tribunal started to list cases using a new scheduling and listing solution. This, alongside HMCTS migrating to a new strategic data platform, has resulted in some cases heard and decided using this new listing solution not currently being included in the data above.

Data are not held centrally for analysis and reporting purposes on how many appeals in the First-tier Tribunal (Social Entitlement Chamber) (SSCS) which are outstanding and awaiting a hearing had a listing for a hearing, and those which did not; and the average waiting time between appeal lodgement and first listing of appeals.

Data on the total number of PIP, ESA and UC appeals outstanding and awaiting a hearing in SSCS in each month between July 2024 and March 2026 (the latest period for which data are available are set out in the table below:

1 In January 2026, a data quality issue was identified affecting open caseload for SSCS, with caseload being potentially over-reported by ~5k cases. This is currently being investigated.

2 The open caseload counts for SSCS reflects what is held on the database at the time of extraction. This means that the open caseload is not a simple summation of the previous month’s open caseload figures with receipts and disposals.

3 Includes cases which are ready to be listed or listed for hearing.

4 Data includes Employment and Support Allowance and Incapacity Benefit reassessment. Employment and Support Allowance was introduced in October 2018 and Incapacity Benefit reassessment followed in October 2010.

5 Personal Independence Payment (New Claim Appeals) which replaces Disability Living Allowance was introduced on 8 April 2013, also includes Personal Independence Claims (Reassessments).

Data on the average waiting time between appeal lodgement and final disposal for appeals in SSCS is published at https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/hmcts-management-information

Data on the number of PIP, ESA and UC disposals, together with whether they were allowed or dismissed is published at Tribunals statistics - GOV.UK. Data on whether they were withdrawn or otherwise disposed of is set out in the table below:

1 Withdrawn:withdrawn at hearing and appeals withdrawn prior to hearing

2 Other disposals: disposals lapsed, struck-out and other disposals.

3 Data includes Employment and Support Allowance and Incapacity Benefit reassessment. Employment and Support Allowance was introduced in October 2018 and Incapacity Benefit reassessment followed in October 2010.

4 Personal Independence Payment (New Claim Appeals) which replaces Disability Living Allowance was introduced on 8 April 2013, also includes Personal Independence Claims (Reassessments).

From April 2023, the SSCS Tribunal started to list cases using a new scheduling and listing solution. This, alongside HMCTS migrating to a new strategic data platform, has resulted in some cases heard and decided using this new listing solution not currently being included in the data above.

Data are not held centrally for analysis and reporting purposes on how many appeals in the First-tier Tribunal (Social Entitlement Chamber) (SSCS) which are outstanding and awaiting a hearing had a listing for a hearing, and those which did not; and the average waiting time between appeal lodgement and first listing of appeals.

Data on the total number of PIP, ESA and UC appeals outstanding and awaiting a hearing in SSCS in each month between July 2024 and March 2026 (the latest period for which data are available are set out in the table below:

1 In January 2026, a data quality issue was identified affecting open caseload for SSCS, with caseload being potentially over-reported by ~5k cases. This is currently being investigated.

2 The open caseload counts for SSCS reflects what is held on the database at the time of extraction. This means that the open caseload is not a simple summation of the previous month’s open caseload figures with receipts and disposals.

3 Includes cases which are ready to be listed or listed for hearing.

4 Data includes Employment and Support Allowance and Incapacity Benefit reassessment. Employment and Support Allowance was introduced in October 2018 and Incapacity Benefit reassessment followed in October 2010.

5 Personal Independence Payment (New Claim Appeals) which replaces Disability Living Allowance was introduced on 8 April 2013, also includes Personal Independence Claims (Reassessments).

Data on the average waiting time between appeal lodgement and final disposal for appeals in SSCS is published at https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/hmcts-management-information

Data on the number of PIP, ESA and UC disposals, together with whether they were allowed or dismissed is published at Tribunals statistics - GOV.UK. Data on whether they were withdrawn or otherwise disposed of is set out in the table below:

1 Withdrawn:withdrawn at hearing and appeals withdrawn prior to hearing

2 Other disposals: disposals lapsed, struck-out and other disposals.

3 Data includes Employment and Support Allowance and Incapacity Benefit reassessment. Employment and Support Allowance was introduced in October 2018 and Incapacity Benefit reassessment followed in October 2010.

4 Personal Independence Payment (New Claim Appeals) which replaces Disability Living Allowance was introduced on 8 April 2013, also includes Personal Independence Claims (Reassessments).

From April 2023, the SSCS Tribunal started to list cases using a new scheduling and listing solution. This, alongside HMCTS migrating to a new strategic data platform, has resulted in some cases heard and decided using this new listing solution not currently being included in the data above.

Data are not held centrally for analysis and reporting purposes on how many appeals in the First-tier Tribunal (Social Entitlement Chamber) (SSCS) which are outstanding and awaiting a hearing had a listing for a hearing, and those which did not; and the average waiting time between appeal lodgement and first listing of appeals.

Data on the total number of PIP, ESA and UC appeals outstanding and awaiting a hearing in SSCS in each month between July 2024 and March 2026 (the latest period for which data are available are set out in the table below:

1 In January 2026, a data quality issue was identified affecting open caseload for SSCS, with caseload being potentially over-reported by ~5k cases. This is currently being investigated.

2 The open caseload counts for SSCS reflects what is held on the database at the time of extraction. This means that the open caseload is not a simple summation of the previous month’s open caseload figures with receipts and disposals.

3 Includes cases which are ready to be listed or listed for hearing.

4 Data includes Employment and Support Allowance and Incapacity Benefit reassessment. Employment and Support Allowance was introduced in October 2018 and Incapacity Benefit reassessment followed in October 2010.

5 Personal Independence Payment (New Claim Appeals) which replaces Disability Living Allowance was introduced on 8 April 2013, also includes Personal Independence Claims (Reassessments).

Data on the average waiting time between appeal lodgement and final disposal for appeals in SSCS is published at https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/hmcts-management-information

Data on the number of PIP, ESA and UC disposals, together with whether they were allowed or dismissed is published at Tribunals statistics - GOV.UK. Data on whether they were withdrawn or otherwise disposed of is set out in the table below:

1 Withdrawn:withdrawn at hearing and appeals withdrawn prior to hearing

2 Other disposals: disposals lapsed, struck-out and other disposals.

3 Data includes Employment and Support Allowance and Incapacity Benefit reassessment. Employment and Support Allowance was introduced in October 2018 and Incapacity Benefit reassessment followed in October 2010.

4 Personal Independence Payment (New Claim Appeals) which replaces Disability Living Allowance was introduced on 8 April 2013, also includes Personal Independence Claims (Reassessments).

From April 2023, the SSCS Tribunal started to list cases using a new scheduling and listing solution. This, alongside HMCTS migrating to a new strategic data platform, has resulted in some cases heard and decided using this new listing solution not currently being included in the data above.

Data are not held centrally for analysis and reporting purposes on how many appeals in the First-tier Tribunal (Social Entitlement Chamber) (SSCS) which are outstanding and awaiting a hearing had a listing for a hearing, and those which did not; and the average waiting time between appeal lodgement and first listing of appeals.

Data on the total number of PIP, ESA and UC appeals outstanding and awaiting a hearing in SSCS in each month between July 2024 and March 2026 (the latest period for which data are available are set out in the table below:

1 In January 2026, a data quality issue was identified affecting open caseload for SSCS, with caseload being potentially over-reported by ~5k cases. This is currently being investigated.

2 The open caseload counts for SSCS reflects what is held on the database at the time of extraction. This means that the open caseload is not a simple summation of the previous month’s open caseload figures with receipts and disposals.

3 Includes cases which are ready to be listed or listed for hearing.

4 Data includes Employment and Support Allowance and Incapacity Benefit reassessment. Employment and Support Allowance was introduced in October 2018 and Incapacity Benefit reassessment followed in October 2010.

5 Personal Independence Payment (New Claim Appeals) which replaces Disability Living Allowance was introduced on 8 April 2013, also includes Personal Independence Claims (Reassessments).

Data on the average waiting time between appeal lodgement and final disposal for appeals in SSCS is published at https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/hmcts-management-information

Data on the number of PIP, ESA and UC disposals, together with whether they were allowed or dismissed is published at Tribunals statistics - GOV.UK. Data on whether they were withdrawn or otherwise disposed of is set out in the table below:

1 Withdrawn:withdrawn at hearing and appeals withdrawn prior to hearing

2 Other disposals: disposals lapsed, struck-out and other disposals.

3 Data includes Employment and Support Allowance and Incapacity Benefit reassessment. Employment and Support Allowance was introduced in October 2018 and Incapacity Benefit reassessment followed in October 2010.

4 Personal Independence Payment (New Claim Appeals) which replaces Disability Living Allowance was introduced on 8 April 2013, also includes Personal Independence Claims (Reassessments).

From April 2023, the SSCS Tribunal started to list cases using a new scheduling and listing solution. This, alongside HMCTS migrating to a new strategic data platform, has resulted in some cases heard and decided using this new listing solution not currently being included in the data above.

The requested information is not centrally held.

The requested information is not centrally held.

Legal aid expenditure on special educational needs and disability appeals is set out in the table below. Please note that in addition to appeals before First-tier Tribunal (Health, Education and Social Care Chamber) the table may also include legal aid for appeals before the Education Tribunal for Wales.

Information about the number of Licensed Work certificates granted in respect of special educational needs and disability appeals in the First-tier Tribunal (Health, Education and Social Care Chamber) is not centrally held. Only advice and assistance under legal help is available for appeals which fall within the scope of civil legal aid, and this work is conducted under Controlled Work not Licensed Work. Licensed Work certificates for legal representation may be granted in respect of special educational needs and disability appeals funded under Exceptional Case Funding.

Legal aid expenditure on special educational needs and disability appeals is set out in the table below. Please note that in addition to appeals before First-tier Tribunal (Health, Education and Social Care Chamber) the table may also include legal aid for appeals before the Education Tribunal for Wales.

Information about the number of Licensed Work certificates granted in respect of special educational needs and disability appeals in the First-tier Tribunal (Health, Education and Social Care Chamber) is not centrally held. Only advice and assistance under legal help is available for appeals which fall within the scope of civil legal aid, and this work is conducted under Controlled Work not Licensed Work. Licensed Work certificates for legal representation may be granted in respect of special educational needs and disability appeals funded under Exceptional Case Funding.

Total legal aid expenditure on immigration and aysulm appeals in the First-tier and Upper Tribunals is set out in the table below.

The number of certificates opened for immigration and asylum appeals is set out in the table below.

Due to the way in which data is recorded on Legal Aid Systems it is not possible to disaggregate number of Controlled Work matter starts for immigration and asylum appeals before the First-tier and Upper Tribunals from other Controlled Work matter starts in the immigration and asylum category.

Legal aid for immigration and asylum cases is primarily provided as Controlled Work. Controlled Work covers the provision of legal advice and representation before the First-tier Tribunal and certain work before the Upper Tribunal.

Total legal aid expenditure on immigration and aysulm appeals in the First-tier and Upper Tribunals is set out in the table below.

The number of certificates opened for immigration and asylum appeals is set out in the table below.

Due to the way in which data is recorded on Legal Aid Systems it is not possible to disaggregate number of Controlled Work matter starts for immigration and asylum appeals before the First-tier and Upper Tribunals from other Controlled Work matter starts in the immigration and asylum category.

Legal aid for immigration and asylum cases is primarily provided as Controlled Work. Controlled Work covers the provision of legal advice and representation before the First-tier Tribunal and certain work before the Upper Tribunal.

Data are not held centrally for analysis and reporting purposes on how many appeals in the First-tier Tribunal (Social Entitlement Chamber) (SSCS) which are outstanding and awaiting a hearing had a listing for a hearing, and those which did not; and the average waiting time between appeal lodgement and first listing of appeals.

Data on the total number of PIP, ESA and UC appeals outstanding and awaiting a hearing in SSCS in each month between July 2024 and March 2026 (the latest period for which data are available are set out in the table below:

1 In January 2026, a data quality issue was identified affecting open caseload for SSCS, with caseload being potentially over-reported by ~5k cases. This is currently being investigated.

2 The open caseload counts for SSCS reflects what is held on the database at the time of extraction. This means that the open caseload is not a simple summation of the previous month’s open caseload figures with receipts and disposals.

3 Includes cases which are ready to be listed or listed for hearing.

4 Data includes Employment and Support Allowance and Incapacity Benefit reassessment. Employment and Support Allowance was introduced in October 2018 and Incapacity Benefit reassessment followed in October 2010.

5 Personal Independence Payment (New Claim Appeals) which replaces Disability Living Allowance was introduced on 8 April 2013, also includes Personal Independence Claims (Reassessments).

Data on the average waiting time between appeal lodgement and final disposal for appeals in SSCS is published at https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/hmcts-management-information

Data on the number of PIP, ESA and UC disposals, together with whether they were allowed or dismissed is published at Tribunals statistics - GOV.UK. Data on whether they were withdrawn or otherwise disposed of is set out in the table below:

1 Withdrawn:withdrawn at hearing and appeals withdrawn prior to hearing

2 Other disposals: disposals lapsed, struck-out and other disposals.

3 Data includes Employment and Support Allowance and Incapacity Benefit reassessment. Employment and Support Allowance was introduced in October 2018 and Incapacity Benefit reassessment followed in October 2010.

4 Personal Independence Payment (New Claim Appeals) which replaces Disability Living Allowance was introduced on 8 April 2013, also includes Personal Independence Claims (Reassessments).

From April 2023, the SSCS Tribunal started to list cases using a new scheduling and listing solution. This, alongside HMCTS migrating to a new strategic data platform, has resulted in some cases heard and decided using this new listing solution not currently being included in the data above.

The First-tier Tribunal (Social Entitlement Chamber) comprises three separate tribunal jurisdictions: Social Security and Child Support (SSCS); Criminal Injuries Compensation (CIC); and Asylum Support (AST).

The data requested for CIC and AST are not held centrally for analysis and reporting purposes. The data requested for SSCS is set out below:

1.From April 2023 the SSCS Tribunal started to list cases using a new Scheduling and Listing solution. This, alongside HMCTS migrating to a new Strategic Data Platform, has resulted in some cases heard and decided using this new listing solution not currently being included in the data.

2.A small number of cases have been removed from the dataset used to calculate the longest cases as these dates have been found to have input errors, and the case did not take as long as has been recorded in the system.

The longest waiting times provided in this Answer are outliers and include cases which were stayed pending the outcome of a decision of the Supreme Court; and very complex cases which have been appealed (up to three times) to the Upper Tribunal, and then remitted to the First-tier for re-hearing. The mean waiting time in 2025/6 in SSCS was 35 weeks. As a result of this Government’s inheritance, there has been a focus over the last year on clearing older cases which will, in the short term, result in an increase in the average waiting time, as illustrated by the fact that in 2024/5, the mean waiting time was 32 weeks.

HM Courts and Tribunals Services’ operational expenditure in each of the relevant tribunals over the last five financial years is as below:

Figures are in £m and reflect direct operational spend in each tribunal, including staff, judicial, and relevant other costs. They do not include estates or digital overheads.

The figures for the Employment Tribunal include expenditure relating to the Employment Appeal Tribunal.

Figures for 2025-26 are provisional pending the final publication of HMCTS’ Annual Report and Accounts for the financial year and may be subject to change.

HM Courts and Tribunals Services’ operational expenditure in each of the relevant tribunals over the last five financial years is as below:

Figures are in £m and reflect direct operational spend in each tribunal, including staff, judicial, and relevant other costs. They do not include estates or digital overheads.

The figures for the Employment Tribunal include expenditure relating to the Employment Appeal Tribunal.

Figures for 2025-26 are provisional pending the final publication of HMCTS’ Annual Report and Accounts for the financial year and may be subject to change.