Mandatory Reconsideration request

A structured request asking the DWP to reconsider a benefit decision before you appeal to a tribunal. Covers UC, PIP, ESA, AA, Carer's Allowance, and JSA.

Draft template. This letter is being reviewed by a regulated solicitor before publication. You can use it now as a starting point, but read the surrounding guide carefully and consider getting free legal advice before sending.

Use this letter to ask the DWP to look at a benefit decision again. You must request it within 1 month of the date on the decision letter (use the deadline calculator to check). Late requests up to 13 months may be accepted with a good reason.

How to send it: for Universal Credit, post a copy to your journal as a message and keep a hard copy. For other benefits, post to the address on the decision letter and ask for a delivery receipt.

This letter is general guidance, not legal advice. If you are unsure about which descriptors apply or what evidence to provide, get free help from Citizens Advice or a welfare rights service.

AI cross-check (2026-06-15) — pending regulated solicitor sign-off

This letter cites the following authority, which the AI has checked against current GOV.UK / legislation.gov.uk:

  • Mandatory Reconsideration (MR) requirement — Social Security Act 1998, s.12 and the Universal Credit, Personal Independence Payment, Jobseeker's Allowance and Employment and Support Allowance (Decisions and Appeals) Regulations 2013 (SI 2013/381): MR is a statutory pre-condition to appeal for UC, PIP, ESA, and JSA decisions. Confirmed currently in force.
  • 1-month MR time limit: confirmed under regulation 7 of SI 2013/381 (for UC/PIP/ESA/JSA). The 1-month period runs from the date of the decision notice. Correctly stated.
  • Late MR up to 13 months: confirmed under regulation 7(3) SI 2013/381 — the decision-maker may accept a late MR if the person had a good reason for not requesting it earlier, up to a maximum of 13 months. Correctly stated.
  • Benefits covered (UC, PIP, ESA, AA, Carer's Allowance, JSA): note that Attendance Allowance (AA) and Carer's Allowance (CA) decisions are governed by different regulations (the Social Security and Child Support (Decisions and Appeals) Regulations 1999, SI 1999/991) — the same MR requirement applies but through slightly different procedure. Reviewer should confirm whether the single letter template is appropriate for all these benefits.

Reviewer focus areas: (1) Confirm whether the Pathways to Work reforms (following the 2025 Green Paper) have changed the MR or appeal process for PIP, ESA, or UC. (2) Confirm that the 1-month and 13-month deadlines are identical for AA, CA, and JSA under their respective regulations. (3) Confirm whether there is any current DWP guidance on MR response timescales — delays are common and it may be appropriate to add guidance on chasing.

This AI cross-check is an aid only; final sign-off requires a regulated solicitor.

Your details

Leave blank if not on the letter.

For example: "PIP refused, 0 points awarded for daily living."

Reference specific descriptors / activities / facts.

GP letter, hospital report, pay slips, etc.

For example: "Award PIP daily-living standard, mobility enhanced."

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Disclaimer

This information is for general guidance only and does not constitute legal advice. You should seek qualified legal help if your situation requires it.