ESA appeal statistics — the official numbers
From the HMCTS Tribunal statistics quarterly release, April to June 2026 (table SSCS_3, ESA column). Provisional figures are marked; figures are revised by HMCTS as data matures.
| Measure | Value |
|---|---|
| ESA appeals cleared at hearing, Q1 2026/27 (Apr–Jun 2026, provisional) | 497 |
| of those, decided in the claimant's favour | 45.7% |
| decided in the DWP's favour (decision upheld) | 53.9% |
| ESA appeals cleared at hearing, Q1 2025/26 (revised) | 718 — 45.1% in the claimant's favour |
| ESA appeals cleared at hearing, Q1 2024/25 (revised) | 1,201 — 44.5% in the claimant's favour |
| ESA appeals cleared at hearing, full year 2025/26 (revised) | 2,140 |
| ESA appeals cleared at hearing, full year 2024/25 (revised) | 4,364 |
How to read "in the claimant's favour"
"In the claimant's favour" means the tribunal overturned, revised or substituted the DWP decision. It covers appeals cleared at a hearing — paper, video or in person. It does not include cases won before a hearing, or the small share withdrawn or consolidated. It is not a claim that "45% of all ESA decisions are wrong": most decisions are never appealed.
ESA is not PIP
In the same quarter (Apr–Jun 2026), 67% of PIP hearings went to the claimant against ESA's 45.7%. Different benefit, different case-mix, different odds. Anyone quoting PIP rates for an ESA appeal is giving you bad numbers.
Independent information directory · Source-checked 2026-10-09 · Independent information — not legal or benefits advice; not affiliated with the DWP.