PIP mandatory reconsideration. Finally Seen

What mandatory reconsideration is

Mandatory reconsideration (MR) is the DWP's internal review of a PIP decision. You must request it before you can appeal to an independent tribunal. A different DWP decision maker looks at your claim again, including any new evidence you submit.

MR is free, has no hearing, and usually takes 2–10 weeks. The downside: only around 22% of PIP MRs result in a changed award. But it is a required step, and the process of writing your MR submission prepares you for tribunal if needed.

The 1-month deadline

You have 1 month from the date on your decision letter to request MR. The date on the letter, not the date you opened it, is what counts.

On time (within 1 month): DWP must reconsider. Your payments continue if you already had an award and the MR is about a reduction.
Late (1–13 months): You can still request MR if you have a good reason — illness, bereavement, not understanding the letter. Explain this clearly.
Over 13 months: You cannot request MR. You may be able to challenge the decision through judicial review, but this is rare and requires legal advice.

Phone first, write second. Call the PIP helpline on 0800 917 2222 to protect the deadline, then send your detailed written submission.

How to request MR

There are two ways to start an MR:

Phone: Call 0800 917 2222. They will ask which activities you disagree with. You do not need to give detailed reasons on the phone. Ask for a call reference number.
Write: Send a letter to the address on your decision letter. Use the heading "Request for Mandatory Reconsideration" and include your name, National Insurance number, and the date of the decision letter.

Always follow up a phone request with a written submission. The written submission is where you make your real arguments. A phone call alone leaves no paper trail.

How to argue your case

The biggest mistake at MR is writing "I disagree with the decision" without explaining why. For each activity where you scored too few points, write a paragraph using this structure:

Name the activity and the points you scored. "Activity 1 (preparing food): I scored 2 points. I believe I should score 4 points."
Name the descriptor you believe applies. "Descriptor D says I need supervision to prepare or cook a simple meal."
Explain why, using the reliability test. "I cannot prepare food safely because I have left the hob on three times in the past month. My partner must supervise me."
Cite Regulation 4(2A). "Under Regulation 4(2A), I cannot prepare food safely or to an acceptable standard."

Be specific. Real incidents, real dates, real consequences. The decision maker is not a medical expert — they need to see the functional impact, not the diagnosis.

Adding new evidence

MR is the best time to add evidence that was missing from your original claim. Send copies (never originals) of:

Clinic letters or hospital discharge summaries dated after your original claim.
OT, physio, or care reports that describe your daily needs.
A supporting letter from someone who sees your daily life — a carer, support worker, or family member.
A diary covering 1–2 weeks showing frequency and severity of your symptoms.

Label each piece of evidence with your name and NI number. Write a short cover letter explaining what each document shows and which activity it supports.

What happens next

DWP will send you a Mandatory Reconsideration Notice. There are three possible outcomes:

Award increased or changed: You get a new decision letter with updated points and payment. This happens in ~22% of cases.
Award unchanged: You get a Mandatory Reconsideration Notice explaining why. You now have 1 month to appeal to the First-tier Tribunal.
Award reduced: Rare, but possible if DWP decides they made an error in your favour. If this happens, seek advice immediately from Citizens Advice or a welfare rights service.

If MR fails, do not give up. Around 70% of PIP appeals heard at tribunal succeed. See our PIP appeal tribunal guide for the next steps.

Frequently asked questions

›How long do I have to request mandatory reconsideration?

You have 1 month from the date on your decision letter. If you miss the deadline, you can still request a late MR within 13 months, but you must give a good reason for the delay. Phone first to protect the date, then follow up in writing.

›What is the success rate for mandatory reconsideration?

Around 22% of PIP mandatory reconsiderations result in the award being changed. That sounds low, but it is free, quick, and necessary — you cannot appeal to tribunal without going through MR first. Many claims that fail at MR win at tribunal.

›Should I phone or write to request MR?

Phone first to protect the 1-month deadline. The DWP helpline is 0800 917 2222. Then follow up in writing with your detailed arguments and any new evidence. Sending a written submission gives you a paper trail and lets you craft proper descriptor arguments.

›What should I argue in a mandatory reconsideration?

Do not just say "I disagree." Argue each activity where you scored too few points, using the exact descriptor language. Say: "I should score 4 points for Activity 1 because I need supervision to prepare food safely, not 2 points for needing an aid." Cite Regulation 4(2A) reliability.

›Can I add new evidence at mandatory reconsideration?

Yes. This is the best time to add missing evidence — clinic letters, OT reports, care plans, or a new supporting letter. The DWP decision maker must consider all new evidence, and it can change the outcome without needing tribunal.