What Is a Mandatory Reconsideration?

 A Mandatory Reconsideration is the first step in challenging a benefits decision made by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).

If you believe a decision about your benefit claim is wrong, you can ask the DWP to look at the decision again before progressing to an independent appeal.

You can request a Mandatory Reconsideration if you disagree with a decision about benefits such as:

• Universal Credit
• Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
• Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
• Attendance Allowance
• Carer's Allowance
• Pension Credit
• Other DWP benefits

Common reasons include:

• Your claim has been refused.
• You were awarded fewer points than expected.
• You think your award is too low.
• Your benefit has been reduced or stopped.
• Important information was overlooked.

A different DWP decision maker will review your case and consider:

• The original decision.
• Information already provided.
• Any additional evidence you submit.
• Any explanation you give about why the decision is wrong.

After the review, the DWP may:

• Change the decision in your favour.
• Leave the decision unchanged.
  
• In some cases, amend the award in a different way.

You can request a Mandatory Reconsideration by:

• Telephone.
• Letter.
• Through your online account (for some benefits).

It is usually helpful to put your reasons in writing so there is a clear record of why you disagree with the decision.

Yes.

You will normally need to request a Mandatory Reconsideration within one month of the date on your decision letter.

If more than one month has passed, you may still be able to request a reconsideration, but you will usually need to explain why the request is late.

When requesting a Mandatory Reconsideration, explain:

• Which decision you disagree with.
• Why you think it is wrong.
• How your circumstances meet the benefit criteria.
• Any points you believe were missed or misunderstood.

Try to provide specific examples wherever possible.

Additional evidence can strengthen your case.

Useful evidence may include:

• GP letters.
• Hospital reports.
• Consultant reports.
• Occupational therapy assessments.
• Care plans.
• Support worker statements.
• Letters from carers or family members.
• Wage slips or financial documents where relevant.

The most helpful evidence is usually information that directly supports the reason you disagree with the decision.

For PIP decisions, it can help to focus on:

• Which activities you believe should have scored more points.
• How your condition affects you on most days.
• Whether you can complete activities safely.
• Whether tasks take significantly longer than expected.
• Any support, prompting or supervision you need.

Giving real-life examples can help explain the difficulties you experience.

Timescales vary depending on:

• The type of benefit.
• The complexity of the case.
• Whether additional evidence is required.

The DWP will write to you once a decision has been made.

Once the review is complete, the DWP will send you a Mandatory Reconsideration Notice.

This document explains:

• The outcome of the review.
• Whether the decision has changed.
• The reasons for the decision.

Keep this notice safe, as you will need it if you decide to appeal.

If you disagree with the Mandatory Reconsideration outcome, you can usually appeal to an independent tribunal.

The tribunal is separate from the DWP and will review your case independently.

Many benefit decisions are successfully overturned at tribunal, particularly when strong evidence is provided.

1. Request it as soon as possible.
2. Explain clearly why you disagree.
3. Focus on the benefit criteria.
4. Provide supporting evidence.
5. Give real-life examples.
6. Keep copies of everything you send.
7. Seek advice if you are unsure what information to include.

Our advisors can help you:

• Understand your benefit decision.
• Request a Mandatory Reconsideration.
• Gather supporting evidence.
• Prepare written submissions.
• Appeal to a tribunal if necessary.

Contact our team for free, confidential advice and support.