Having a PIP claim turned down, or being awarded less than you expected, is upsetting, but it is not the end of the road. The first step in challenging a PIP decision is to ask for a Mandatory Reconsideration, where the DWP looks at your claim again. A large proportion of decisions are changed on challenge, so it is well worth doing. This guide explains how a Mandatory Reconsideration works and how to give yours the best chance.
What a Mandatory Reconsideration is
A Mandatory Reconsideration is a formal request for the DWP to look at its decision again. It is a required step: you must ask for one before you can appeal to an independent tribunal. A different decision maker reviews your claim, taking into account anything new you provide. They may increase your award, leave it the same, or, in rare cases, reduce it, though the last of these is unusual.
The one-month deadline
You normally have one month from the date of your decision letter to ask for a Mandatory Reconsideration. If you are running out of time, you can still ask, explaining why you are late, and a request can sometimes be accepted up to thirteen months later if there is a good reason. The safest course is to act quickly, so the deadline does not become a problem.
Get the assessment report first
Before you write your reasons, it helps to understand why you were turned down. Ask the DWP for a copy of the assessment report and the statement of reasons for the decision. Reading these shows you exactly which points you were given and where the assessor disagreed with you, so you can focus your challenge on the specific activities and descriptors where you should have scored more.
How to request one
You can ask for a Mandatory Reconsideration by phone, in writing, or using the form mentioned in your decision letter. Putting your request in writing, or following up a phone call in writing, gives you a record. Explain clearly that you disagree with the decision and that you want it reconsidered, and set out your reasons. Keep a copy of everything you send.
What to put in your reasons
Go through the decision activity by activity. For each one where you think you should have scored more, explain why, using specific examples of your difficulties and referring to the descriptor that fits you. Address the points the assessor made, especially where the report does not match what you said or what actually happens. The more clearly you connect your difficulties to the scoring, the stronger your case.
Send new evidence
New evidence can make a real difference at this stage. Useful evidence includes letters from your GP, consultant or specialist, reports from therapists or mental health workers, care plans, and a symptom diary. Anything that supports the difficulties you described, and challenges the assessor's conclusions, is worth including. You do not have to pay for a special report, but send whatever relevant evidence you can gather.
What happens next
The DWP reviews your claim and sends you a Mandatory Reconsideration Notice telling you the outcome. If they change the decision in your favour, your award is adjusted. If they do not, the notice is your gateway to the next stage, because you need it to appeal to an independent tribunal. Either way, read the notice carefully, as it explains the decision and your options.
If it is still refused
Do not be discouraged if the Mandatory Reconsideration does not change the decision, as many are not changed at this stage but are then overturned at tribunal. The tribunal is independent of the DWP and looks at your case afresh, and the success rate there is high. If your reconsideration is refused, seriously consider appealing, ideally with advice. Our guide to the PIP appeal tribunal explains how.
Keep going and get support
Challenging a decision can feel exhausting, especially when you are unwell, but the figures show it is worth persevering. Throughout the process, look after yourself and lean on support, whether from family, friends or an adviser. You do not have to do it alone, and having someone help with the paperwork can make a real difference.
Common reasons reconsiderations and appeals succeed
Decisions are often put right because the original assessment did not reflect the full picture: it may have understated how often you have bad days, overlooked the help you need, ignored the reliability rules, or relied on brief observations rather than your real difficulties. When you challenge a decision, pointing to these gaps, backed by examples and evidence, is frequently what turns it around. Knowing this helps you focus your reconsideration on the weaknesses in the original decision.
If your condition has changed
A Mandatory Reconsideration looks at whether the decision was right based on your circumstances at the time. If your condition has since worsened, that may be better dealt with as a change of circumstances or a fresh look at your needs rather than only through the reconsideration, so mention it and ask for advice on the best route. Either way, do not let a worsening condition go unrecorded.
How long it takes
There is no fixed time limit for the DWP to complete a Mandatory Reconsideration, and it can take several weeks or longer. While you wait, keep copies of everything and note any new evidence or changes. If the wait becomes very long, you or an adviser can chase it. Knowing the timescale in advance helps you stay patient and prepared for the next stage if you need it.
Keep claiming other support
Challenging a PIP decision does not stop your other benefits, and you should keep claiming everything else you are entitled to while your reconsideration is dealt with. If losing PIP has affected another benefit, such as a disability element or the benefit cap exemption, mention this when you get advice, because putting the PIP decision right can restore the rest. Do not let the challenge cause you to overlook other help in the meantime.
Ask for the decision to be explained
If you do not understand why you were turned down, you are entitled to ask the DWP to explain the decision, as well as to send you the assessment report and statement of reasons. Understanding the reasoning is the key to a strong challenge, because it lets you target exactly where the decision went wrong rather than arguing in general terms. Never feel you have to challenge a decision blind.
Stay organised throughout
Keep all your paperwork together in one place: your decision letter, the assessment report, the statement of reasons, your written reasons, and any evidence you send. Note the dates of letters and phone calls. Being organised means that if your reconsideration is refused and you decide to appeal, you can move straight to the next stage without scrambling to find documents, and it helps any adviser who supports you to get up to speed quickly.
Where to get help
Free, expert help with Mandatory Reconsiderations is available from Citizens Advice, welfare rights services and disability charities, and using it noticeably improves your chances. They can help you read the assessment report, write your reasons, and gather evidence. For how the points you are challenging actually work, see our guide to the PIP points and descriptors.
