What is Mandatory Reconsideration?
What is Mandatory Reconsideration?
Mandatory reconsideration is the first formal step you must take if you want to challenge a decision about your Personal Independence Payment (PIP). If you disagree with the outcome of your PIP assessment – whether your claim was refused, you were awarded a lower rate than expected, or your existing award was changed – you cannot go straight to an appeal. Instead, you must first ask the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) to look at their decision again through the mandatory reconsideration process.
The purpose of mandatory reconsideration is to give the DWP a chance to review their original decision internally. This step exists so that any mistakes or misunderstandings can be corrected without needing to involve a tribunal. A different decision maker at the DWP will re-examine your claim, considering any new evidence or information you provide. They will then issue a new decision, which could change, uphold, or even reduce your original PIP award.
Mandatory reconsideration is a required step in the process of challenging a PIP decision. Only after you have completed this stage and received a mandatory reconsideration notice can you move on to appeal to an independent tribunal if you are still unhappy with the outcome.
It’s important to act quickly – there are strict time limits for requesting a mandatory reconsideration, usually within one month of the date on your decision letter. You should explain clearly why you think the decision is wrong and include any supporting evidence, such as medical reports or letters from people who know about your condition.
Understanding mandatory reconsideration is essential if you wish to challenge a PIP decision. Taking this step correctly can make a significant difference to the outcome of your case, and it is the gateway to further appeal rights if you need them.
When and How to Request Mandatory Reconsideration
When and How to Request Mandatory Reconsideration
If you disagree with a Personal Independence Payment (PIP) decision, the first step is to ask the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) to look at your case again. This process is called a mandatory reconsideration. Here’s what you need to know about when and how to make your request.
Time Limits for Requesting Mandatory Reconsideration
You usually have to ask for a mandatory reconsideration within one month from the date of the decision. This means you have 31 days from the date on your decision letter to contact the DWP and request a review. If you miss this deadline, you can still ask for a reconsideration, but you’ll need to explain why your request is late, and the DWP may refuse to accept it unless you have a good reason – such as illness or other exceptional circumstances.
How to Make Your Request
There are several ways to request a mandatory reconsideration:
By letter: You can write to the address on your decision letter. Make sure to clearly state that you are asking for a mandatory reconsideration.
By phone: Call the number on your decision letter to request a reconsideration. It’s a good idea to follow up in writing, so you have a record.
Online or by form: The DWP may provide an online service or specific forms for some benefits. Check your decision letter or the DWP website for details.
No matter how you choose to contact the DWP, make sure you do so within the time limit.
What Information to Include
When you make your request, include the following details to help the DWP process your reconsideration:
Your full name, address, and National Insurance number
The date of the original decision (as shown on your letter)
Reference number from your decision letter
Clear reasons why you think the decision is wrong – for example, if you believe the DWP did not consider all the evidence, misunderstood your condition, or made a mistake in applying the rules
Any new evidence you have, such as additional medical reports or supporting letters
Be as specific as possible. Explain how your condition affects you and refer to any evidence you’ve provided.
Keeping Copies and Proof of Sending
It’s important to keep a copy of everything you send to the DWP, including your request letter and any supporting documents. If you send your request by post, consider using recorded delivery or another service that provides proof of postage. This can help if there are any disputes about whether your request was received on time.
If you make your request by phone, write down the date and time of your call, the name of the person you spoke to, and what was said. If you use an online form or email, save a copy or take a screenshot of your submission.
What Happens Next?
After you’ve requested a mandatory reconsideration, the DWP will review your case and may ask for more information. They will send you a new decision letter, known as a “mandatory reconsideration notice.” If you’re still unhappy with the outcome, you can appeal to an independent tribunal.
For more details about the process and your rights, visit the DWP website.
What Happens After You Request Mandatory Reconsideration
What Happens After You Request Mandatory Reconsideration
Once you have asked for a mandatory reconsideration of your Personal Independence Payment (PIP) decision, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is required to review your case. This means a different DWP decision maker, who was not involved in the original decision, will look at all the evidence again, including any new information you have provided.
How Long Does the DWP Take?
The DWP aims to complete the mandatory reconsideration process within one month of receiving your request, although sometimes it can take longer if they need more information from you or other sources. During this time, they will consider all the details you have sent, as well as your original application and any supporting evidence.
You can find more about the DWP’s responsibility to review the decision on the official GOV.UK website, including the typical timescales and what to expect.
Possible Outcomes
After reviewing your case, the DWP can make one of three decisions:
Uphold the original decision: They may decide that the original PIP decision was correct and will not change it.
Change the decision: The DWP might decide to change your award, which could mean you receive a higher or lower rate, or your claim is awarded or stopped.
Make a new decision: In some cases, the DWP may issue a new decision if new information comes to light.
The outcome will depend on the evidence available and whether the DWP believes the original decision was accurate.
How You’ll Be Notified
The DWP will send you a document called a ‘mandatory reconsideration notice’ by post. This letter explains their decision and the reasons for it. It’s important to keep this notice safe, as you will need it if you decide to appeal the decision at a tribunal.
If You Don’t Hear Back
If you haven’t received a response from the DWP after one month, it’s a good idea to contact them to check the progress of your mandatory reconsideration. Delays can happen, but you are entitled to ask for updates. Make a note of the date you requested the reconsideration, keep any correspondence, and ask for confirmation that your request is being processed.
If you’re unsure about what to do next or want to learn more about the process, you can read further guidance on Challenge a benefit decision (mandatory reconsideration): Eligibility – GOV.UK.
Remember, if the DWP does not change the decision in your favour, you still have the right to appeal to an independent tribunal. Your mandatory reconsideration notice will include information on how to do this.
What to Include in Your Mandatory Reconsideration Request
When writing your mandatory reconsideration request, it’s important to be clear, specific, and provide as much relevant information as possible. Here’s what to include to give your challenge the best chance of success:
1. Clearly explain why you think the decision is wrong
Start by stating which parts of the decision you disagree with. Be specific about any points scores or descriptors you feel do not accurately reflect your situation. For example, if you believe you should have received a higher score for “preparing food” or “moving around,” explain why the decision does not match your daily reality.
2. Describe how your health condition affects your daily life
Give detailed examples of how your condition impacts your ability to carry out everyday tasks. This could include difficulties with washing, dressing, communicating, or managing medication. The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) uses specific criteria to assess claims, so it’s helpful to match your explanations to the activities listed in the PIP assessment. If you’re unsure how your condition relates to these activities, our health condition guides for PIP can help you understand what to highlight.
3. Include any new evidence or information
Attach any new medical evidence, reports, or supporting letters that were not available when your original claim was decided. This can include recent GP letters, hospital discharge summaries, or statements from carers, friends, or family members who see how your condition affects you day to day. Make sure each piece of evidence is clearly labelled and referenced in your request.
4. Refer to medical reports or assessments
If you have already had a medical assessment for PIP, mention any inaccuracies or important details that were missed. For example, if the assessor did not record your difficulties accurately, point this out and provide your own account. Reference any medical documents or test results that support your version of events.
5. Be concise but thorough
While it’s important to cover all relevant points, try to keep your request organised and to the point. Use bullet points or short paragraphs to make your arguments easy to follow. Avoid repeating information, but don’t leave out key details that show how your condition affects you.
Practical tips:
Double-check the deadline for submitting your request – usually within one month of the decision letter.
Keep copies of everything you send to the DWP.
Clearly mark your request as a “Mandatory Reconsideration” and include your National Insurance number.
By providing clear reasons, relevant examples, and supporting evidence, you can strengthen your case and help the DWP understand why you believe the original decision should be changed.
Time Limits and Important Deadlines
Time Limits and Important Deadlines
When challenging a Personal Independence Payment (PIP) decision through mandatory reconsideration, strict time limits apply. Acting quickly is essential to protect your right to have your case reviewed.
The One-Month Deadline
You usually have one month from the date of the decision letter to request a mandatory reconsideration. This means you must contact the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) within one calendar month of the date shown at the top of your decision letter – not the date you received it. If you are unsure, check your letter carefully, as it will state the exact date the decision was made.
For full details about eligibility and deadlines, visit one month from the date of the decision letter. Your original decision letter will say if this applies to you.
If You Miss the Deadline
If you do not ask for a mandatory reconsideration within the one-month period, you may lose your right to challenge the decision. However, in some circumstances, the DWP can accept late requests – up to 13 months from the date of the original decision. To succeed with a late request, you must explain why you could not apply on time, for example, due to illness, bereavement, or another serious reason. The DWP will consider your reasons and decide whether to accept your late application.
Important: There is no guarantee the DWP will accept a late request. The longer the delay, the stronger your reasons must be.
Why Acting Quickly Matters
Requesting a mandatory reconsideration as soon as possible gives you the best chance of having your case reviewed. Delaying could mean missing out on money you are entitled to, or losing the opportunity to challenge a decision you believe is wrong. If you are waiting for more evidence or support, it is usually better to submit your request within the deadline and let the DWP know you will send further information as soon as possible.
If you are unsure about your deadline or need help preparing your request, act now – time is limited, and missing the deadline can make it much harder to get your PIP decision changed.
For more information on the mandatory reconsideration process and your rights, see Challenge a benefit decision (mandatory reconsideration): Eligibility – GOV.UK.
Next Steps After Mandatory Reconsideration
Next Steps After Mandatory Reconsideration
Once you have received a decision from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) following your mandatory reconsideration request, your next steps will depend on the outcome.
If the DWP changes its decision in your favour, your Personal Independence Payment (PIP) claim will be updated accordingly. This might mean you receive a higher rate or a longer award, and any back payments owed to you should be processed automatically. In this case, no further action is required unless you wish to challenge another part of the decision.
However, if the DWP does not change its decision, or only makes a partial change and you still disagree, you have the right to take your challenge further by appealing to an independent tribunal. This is a formal process where an independent panel reviews your case and makes a legally binding decision.
To start an appeal, you will need to submit your case to the tribunal service within one month of the date on your mandatory reconsideration notice. The process usually involves filling in an appeal form and providing reasons why you believe the DWP’s decision is incorrect. You can choose to have your appeal heard on paper or at a hearing where you can present your case in person, by phone, or by video call.
The tribunal is independent of the DWP and will consider all the evidence, including any new information you provide. For a detailed guide on how to begin this process, see our section on appealing against the decision.
If your appeal proceeds to a hearing, it’s helpful to understand what to expect. The hearing is your opportunity to explain your situation and answer questions from the panel. For more information about what happens at this stage, visit the tribunal hearing.
Navigating appeals can feel daunting, especially if you’re unsure about the process or what evidence to provide. If you need help deciding your next steps or preparing your case, consider seeking advice from a benefits adviser, local support service, or a trusted organisation experienced in PIP appeals. Getting the right support can make a significant difference to your case.
Additional Resources and Related Topics
Additional Resources and Related Topics
Understanding the mandatory reconsideration process is just one part of managing your Personal Independence Payment (PIP) claim. If you’re looking for more information or need support with related issues, the following resources can help you make informed decisions and explore your options.
Learn More About PIP
Before challenging a decision, it’s important to have a clear understanding of what PIP is, how it works, and who can qualify. For a detailed overview of the benefit, including eligibility criteria, assessment processes, and what support you might receive, visit the Personal Independence Payment (PIP) page.
Changing or Reviewing Your PIP Claim
Mandatory reconsideration isn’t the only way a PIP claim can be reviewed or changed. Circumstances such as a change in your health condition or personal situation may mean your award needs updating. If you want to know how to report changes, request a review, or understand what might trigger a reassessment, see the guidance on PIP changes and reviews.
Claiming PIP for Specific Conditions
If you or someone you care for has a learning disability, there are particular considerations and evidence that can strengthen a PIP claim or challenge a decision. For tailored advice and practical steps, read the guidance on claiming PIP for a learning disability.
Practical Tips and Further Support
Challenging a PIP decision can feel daunting, but there are expert tips and strategies that can help you present your case effectively. For practical advice on gathering evidence, preparing your arguments, and understanding what to expect after you’ve requested a reconsideration, see this article: Top tips for appealing a Personal Independence Payment or Employment Support Allowance decision – Lexology. It covers what to do if you disagree with a DWP decision and how to strengthen your appeal.
If you need more detailed help or personalised advice, consider reaching out to a welfare rights adviser or a local support organisation. They can guide you through the process, help you understand your rights under the Welfare Reform Act 2012 and related regulations, and support you in preparing for further steps such as a tribunal hearing.
By exploring these resources, you can better understand your options and feel more confident as you challenge a PIP decision or manage your claim moving forward.
