PIP mandatory reconsideration letter

What is a mandatory reconsideration?

A mandatory reconsideration is the DWP's own second look at a PIP decision. A different decision maker reviews your claim, any new evidence you send and the reasons you give for disagreeing. You normally have to go through this step before you can appeal to a tribunal.

You can challenge a refusal, a low award, or a decision that ended an award you already had. If you were awarded PIP but at a lower rate than you believe is right, that is worth challenging too.

How long do you have?

You should ask for a mandatory reconsideration within one month of the date on the decision letter. The DWP can accept a late request, up to 13 months after the original decision, but only if you have a good reason for the delay and your request has a reasonable chance of success, so do not leave it.

You can ask by phone, by letter or using the DWP's request form. A letter is worth sending even if you also phone, because it gives you a dated record of exactly what you said and lets you set out your reasons properly.

What should your letter include?

• Your name, address, National Insurance number and the date on the decision letter.
• A clear statement that you are asking for a mandatory reconsideration of the PIP decision.
• Which parts you disagree with: the daily living component, the mobility component, or both, and the rate you were given.
• What is wrong with the assessment. For example, the report says you can walk 50 metres but you can only do that on a good day, or it left out the pain and fatigue you have afterwards.
• How your condition affects you on most days, written against the PIP activities such as preparing food, washing, dressing, managing medication, reading, mixing with other people and moving around.
• Any new evidence you are sending, such as a GP or consultant letter, care plan, medication list, or a statement from someone who sees how you cope.

What happens next

1. Send your request and keep a copy. If you post it, use a method that gives proof of delivery.
2. The DWP reviews the decision. They may phone you, and may ask for more information.
3. You receive a mandatory reconsideration notice. It either changes the decision or explains why it stands.
4. If you still disagree, you can appeal to the tribunal. The usual time limit is one month from the date on the notice, and you need the notice to appeal.

Scotland and Northern Ireland

This guide covers PIP as run by the DWP in England and Wales. In Scotland, people are moving from PIP to Adult Disability Payment, which has its own review process with Social Security Scotland. In Northern Ireland, PIP is run by the Department for Communities and the steps are slightly different. Check the time limit on your own decision letter.

Frequently asked questions