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 Data on whether they were withdrawn or otherwise disposed of is set out in the table below:

1 Withdrawn:withdrawn at hearing and appeals withdrawn prior to hearing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

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.

The data on salaried judge retention shows the majority of salaried judges leave due to retirement, with an average retirement age of 66.

As well as continuing to recruit around 1000 judges and tribunal members annually to increase judicial capacity where it is needed, the increase to the mandatory retirement age (from 70 to 75 in March 2022) and allowing fee paid and salaried judges to sit in retirement where there is a business need, is helping retain experienced judges for longer.

The information requested is not held centrally.

The term “litigant in person” (“party litigant” in Scotland) applies to appellants without a legal representative. In the First-tier Tribunal, Social Entitlement Chamber (SEC) any person may be permitted to act as a representative, including a friend or a relative.

The case management systems used in the tribunals of the SEC (Social Security and Child Support; Criminal Injuries Compensation; and Asylum Support) cannot provide a breakdown between different types of representative.

HM Courts & Tribunals Service is working hard to keep our justice system functioning during this unprecedented public health emergency. We are focusing on priority cases, changing working practices and introducing new procedures to minimise risks to the judiciary, staff and all those who use our courts and tribunals.

In line with government guidance, face to face hearings in the First-tier Tribunal (Social Security and Child Support) (SSCS) have been replaced with telephone hearings and the use of other remote hearing technology to facilitate as many hearings as possible being held remotely. All parties to the hearings are being contacted directly to confirm new hearing arrangements.

After a number of successful tests, arrangements are currently being made to introduce and make available Cloud Video Platform (CVP) hearings in all SSCS Tribunal regions. The decision as to how a hearing is conducted is a matter for the judge who will determine how best to uphold the interests of justice. In considering the suitability of video/audio, judges will consider issues such as the benefit type under appeal, the nature of the matters at stake during the hearing and any issues the use of video/audio technology may present for participants in the hearing.

The latest period for which official statistics about SSCS appeals are available is up to March 2020. Up until that time no SSCS hearings had taken place by video link due to Covid-19.

www.gov.uk/government/collections/tribunals-statistics

HM Courts & Tribunals Service is working hard to keep our justice system functioning during this unprecedented public health emergency. We are focusing on priority cases, changing working practices and introducing new procedures to minimise risks to the judiciary, staff and all those who use our courts and tribunals.

In line with government guidance, face to face hearings in the First-tier Tribunal (Social Security and Child Support) (SSCS) have been replaced with telephone hearings and the use of other remote hearing technology to facilitate as many hearings as possible being held remotely. All parties to the hearings are being contacted directly to confirm new hearing arrangements.

After a number of successful tests, arrangements are currently being made to introduce and make available Cloud Video Platform (CVP) hearings in all SSCS Tribunal regions. The decision as to how a hearing is conducted is a matter for the judge who will determine how best to uphold the interests of justice. In considering the suitability of video/audio, judges will consider issues such as the benefit type under appeal, the nature of the matters at stake during the hearing and any issues the use of video/audio technology may present for participants in the hearing.

The latest period for which official statistics about SSCS appeals are available is up to March 2020. Up until that time no SSCS hearings had taken place by video link due to Covid-19.

www.gov.uk/government/collections/tribunals-statistics