What an MR is for
A Mandatory Reconsideration asks a different DWP decision-maker to review the decision on your papers. You cannot appeal to a tribunal until MR has been completed. The MR is your chance to show the first decision-maker missed or misread the evidence.
The one-month deadline
Request the MR within one calendar month of the decision date. Late requests are accepted up to 13 months if you give a reason (illness, waiting for a report, non-receipt of the letter). Request in writing, keep a copy, get proof of posting or use signed-for delivery. See gov.uk on Mandatory Reconsideration.
Get the assessor's report first
Ring DWP or write asking for a copy of the PA4 (or PA5 for paper-based review). It is free and normally arrives within 10 to 14 days. Read it before you write. Every unfair finding needs to be quoted, referenced by paragraph, and directly rebutted with evidence from your form, records, or third-party statements. See common PA4 errors.
How to structure the letter
- Header: full name, National Insurance number, date of the decision, date you received the letter.
- Opening line: "I am requesting a Mandatory Reconsideration of the PIP decision dated [date]."
- Point-by-point rebuttal: quote each disputed finding from the PA4, then answer with descriptor and reliability language and a specific supporting fact.
- Frequency evidence: quantify. "On 5 days out of 7 I cannot prepare a hot meal safely because I have dropped or burned myself twice this month." Vague words like "sometimes" cost points.
- New evidence (if any): attach GP letters, specialist letters, medication lists, care needs assessments, a 7-day diary. Number and reference each attachment.
- Closing: "I would like the reconsideration in writing. Please send me the MR notice by post."
The four reliability limbs
Under Regulation 4(2A), a task counts as "done" only if you can do it:
- Safely (without a real risk of harm to you or others).
- To an acceptable standard.
- Repeatedly (as often as reasonably required).
- In a reasonable time (no more than around twice as long as someone unaffected).
Name each of the four in your MR wherever they apply. Assessors routinely record "can do the task" without addressing the four limbs. That is a rebuttable omission.
Honest success rates
DWP's published PIP statistics show a minority of MRs change the award. Tribunal success rates for PIP appeals are much higher (recent HMCTS statistics show around 68 to 72% of PIP appeals succeed at tribunal). Do MR properly because it is the door to tribunal, but plan for the possibility of appealing further. Source: DWP PIP statistics and HMCTS tribunal statistics.
If MR fails
You have one month from the MR notice to lodge an SSCS1 appeal (HM Courts and Tribunals Service). Most tribunal wins involve no new evidence: they come from oral testimony and descriptor-mapped statements. See PIP appeal evidence.
Build the evidence pack
Our assessment produces a Functional Evidence Statement, a 7-day diary template and a records-request letter, mapped to the 12 PIP activities in descriptor language.
Frequently asked questions
How long do I have to request a Mandatory Reconsideration?
One month from the date on the decision letter. Late MRs can be accepted up to 13 months if you give a good reason for the delay (illness, waiting for evidence, missed post). Request in writing and keep proof of posting.
How likely am I to win at MR?
DWP's own published statistics show a minority of PIP MRs change the award. Most claimants who are turned down at MR go on to appeal, where success rates are much higher. Do the MR properly, but don't stop there if it fails. Source: DWP PIP statistics, gov.uk.
Do I need new evidence?
It helps but is not required. What wins more MRs is restating the existing evidence in descriptor and reliability language and directly rebutting the assessor's specific findings. Point to the page and paragraph in the PA4 report.
Can I request the assessor's report?
Yes. Ask DWP for a copy of the PA4 (or PA5) assessment report by phone or letter. It is free. Read it before writing the MR so you can address each finding by number.
Should I ask for a phone call or written MR?
Written. A telephone MR gives the decision-maker no paper trail of your reasoning. A written letter with numbered points is harder to dismiss and forms the record you take to tribunal if needed.
General information and document drafting, not benefits advice. Finally Seen is not affiliated with DWP or the NHS and does not guarantee any award. Check current guidance at gov.uk before sending.