What Is a Mandatory Reconsideration?

A Mandatory Reconsideration (MR) is the first step in challenging a Personal Independence Payment (PIP) decision. It involves asking the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) to review and reconsider the decision they have made on your claim.

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You usually need to request a Mandatory Reconsideration within one month of the decision date shown on your decision letter. In most circumstances, the DWP will accept a late request if you have a valid reason, such as illness, hospital admission, a family bereavement, or perhaps, you require qualified advice from a welfare rights organisation.

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Important: If you challenge a decision, your PIP award could stay the same, increase, be reduced, or be removed entirely.

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Submitting a Mandatory Reconsideration

When submitting a Mandatory Reconsideration, it is important to provide additional supporting evidence where possible. This might include medical letters, care plans, or statements explaining how your condition affects your daily life.

You do not need to resubmit evidence you have already provided.

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Your written submission should:

• Clearly explain where you believe the DWP has scored you incorrectly
• Explain how your disability affects you on the majority of days
• Show that you cannot complete activities to an acceptable standard, safely, repeatedly, or within a reasonable time

Simply stating that you struggle is not enough; you must explain how and why, supported by evidence.

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It is also important to carefully review the assessor’s report. If you believe the assessor has made incorrect or inaccurate statements, you should challenge these directly. Many claimants find information in their report that does not reflect what was said during their assessment.

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What Happens Next?

Once your Mandatory Reconsideration has been submitted, your claim will be passed to a new DWP case handler. They may:

• Review your entire claim, or
• Focus only on the specific areas you have asked to be reconsidered

The Mandatory Reconsideration process typically takes  up to 15 weeks. Once a decision has been made, the DWP will write to you with the outcome.

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If You Still Disagree With the Decision

If you disagree with the outcome of your Mandatory Reconsideration, you usually need to submit your appeal within one calendar month of the date on your Mandatory Reconsideration notice.

The First-Tier tribunal judge may accept a late request with the reasons why; up to 13 months from the date on your Mandatory Reconsideration letter.

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Need help with a Mandatory Reconsideration?

‍We can guide you through the process and help you challenge an unfair PIP decision.