PIP late Mandatory Reconsideration request

Letter requesting a Mandatory Reconsideration after the standard 1-month deadline (up to 13 months), explaining the good reason for the delay and the merits of the underlying challenge.

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.

The standard MR deadline is 1 month from the decision date. After 1 month and up to 13 months, you must show "special circumstances" and the request has merit. Many late requests are accepted where there is medical or other documented reason for the delay. After 13 months, the only route is to make a fresh claim. The MRN is the trigger for First-tier Tribunal appeal.

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:

  • Regulation 7, Social Security and Child Support (Decisions and Appeals) Regulations 1999 (SI 1999/991): confirmed currently in force. This regulation governs the late MR request for AA, CA, and other legacy benefits. For PIP specifically, the relevant regulation is regulation 7 of the Universal Credit, Personal Independence Payment, Jobseeker's Allowance and Employment and Support Allowance (Decisions and Appeals) Regulations 2013 (SI 2013/381). The letter cites SI 1999/991 but PIP's late MR procedure is in SI 2013/381 — reviewer should verify which instrument is correct for PIP.
  • 1-month standard MR deadline: confirmed under SI 2013/381 regulation 7(1) for PIP. Correctly stated.
  • 13-month maximum for late requests: confirmed under SI 2013/381 regulation 7(3). Good reason / special circumstances must be shown. Correctly stated.
  • MRN as trigger for First-tier Tribunal appeal: confirmed — a Mandatory Reconsideration Notice (MRN) must be obtained before an appeal to the First-tier Tribunal (Social Entitlement Chamber) can be lodged, under s.12 Social Security Act 1998 as amended.

Reviewer focus areas: (1) IMPORTANT — The letter cites regulation 7 of the Social Security and Child Support (Decisions and Appeals) Regulations 1999 (SI 1999/991). For PIP, the applicable instrument is SI 2013/381 (regulation 7). The two instruments have overlapping provisions but reviewer should confirm the correct citation for PIP and update accordingly. (2) Confirm whether the Pathways to Work proposals affect PIP late MR procedure. (3) Confirm whether any recent Upper Tribunal or Court of Appeal cases have clarified the "good reason" or "special circumstances" test for late MRs.

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

Your details

For example: "Hospital inpatient during the 1-month period — discharged on [date]. Medical evidence attached." Or: "Affected by mental health crisis — psychiatrist letter attached."

Reference specific descriptors and evidence.

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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.