Mandatory Reconsideration

You can request a Mandatory Reconsideration for almost any DWP decision, including:

• A refused claim for Universal Credit, PIP, Attendance Allowance, Carer's Allowance, or Employment and Support Allowance
• An award at a lower rate than you believe you are entitled to
• A sanction applied to your Universal Credit
• A decision that you have an overpayment and must repay money
• A decision reducing, suspending, or ending your existing benefit

The time limit for requesting an MR is normally one month from the date of the decision letter. If you have missed the deadline, you can still ask for a late reconsideration and explain why you were late. The DWP has discretion to accept late requests up to 13 months from the decision date if there is a special reason — for example, serious illness or a domestic emergency.

You can request an MR:

• In writing — by letter or via your online UC account (use the journal if your case relates to Universal Credit)
• By phone — by calling the relevant DWP benefit line, but always follow up in writing to create a record

Your request should clearly state:

1. Your full name, National Insurance number, and the benefit in question
2. The date of the decision you are challenging
3. Specifically which parts of the decision you think are wrong and why
4. Any new evidence you have that was not considered in the original decision

Be as specific as possible. Do not just say "I disagree with the decision" — explain the factual or legal errors in detail. For PIP, refer to the specific descriptors and explain why the points awarded are wrong. For sanctions, explain why you had good reason for your non-compliance.

The DWP aims to respond to MRs within 14 days, but this can take four to six weeks or longer, especially for complex cases. Chase them if you have not heard back within a month.

New evidence submitted with your Mandatory Reconsideration can significantly improve your chances of success. Useful evidence includes:

• Medical evidence: Letters from your GP, specialist, consultant, occupational therapist, physiotherapist, or mental health team describing your condition and how it affects your daily functioning
• Witness statements: Written accounts from family members, carers, or friends who support you and can describe what they observe about your daily life
• Diary of daily difficulties: A written account of your typical day, describing the help you need and the difficulties you experience
• Employment records, medical notes, or prescription lists that support your account of your condition

Always send copies, not originals. Keep a copy of everything you send and obtain proof of posting (use Recorded Delivery or take a photo of the post office receipt) or proof of submission via the online account.

There are three possible outcomes:

• Decision changed in your favour — the DWP agrees your original claim was correct and awards or increases the benefit. You should receive any arrears owed from the original decision date.
• Decision unchanged — the DWP upholds the original decision. You will receive a Mandatory Reconsideration Notice (MRN) — keep this, as you need it to appeal.
• Decision changed but not enough — for example, the rate is increased but not to the level you applied for. You can still appeal to the tribunal for the remaining difference.

If the MR upholds the original decision, you have one month from the date of the MRN to appeal to the Social Security and Child Support Tribunal. This is a completely independent tribunal and can consider your case afresh. Tribunal appeals have significantly higher success rates than MRs — particularly for PIP (around 60% of tribunal appeals succeed).

Get help from Citizens Advice, a welfare rights adviser, or a specialist disability charity before your tribunal hearing. Attending in person, rather than having a paper hearing, significantly increases your chances.