Challenge a DWP decision and appeal your PIP assessment
Mandatory reconsideration is the first step to appealing a PIP decision. You have 28 days from the decision letter to request it in writing to the DWP office that made the decision. Explain why you disagree and include new or overlooked medical evidence. If the DWP refuses, you can then appeal to the First-Tier Tribunal within 30 days.
Collect GP letters, hospital records, assessment reports, and any new evidence that disputes the DWP's findings.
Explain why the decision is wrong and cite relevant law. Include evidence and explain how it supports your claim.
Send by email or recorded delivery to the DWP office. If refused, appeal to the First-Tier Tribunal within 30 days.
Send your mandatory reconsideration with medical letters and reports that were available but not properly considered. Explain how each piece of evidence supports your claim.
Include new GP letters, hospital records, or recent test results showing deterioration. Explain how your current condition meets the PIP descriptors and points thresholds.
If the decision contradicts the assessment report itself, highlight these discrepancies in your mandatory reconsideration request with quotes from the assessment.
If you've been diagnosed with a condition after assessment (cancer, heart disease, new mental health diagnosis), include the specialist letter and explain how it affects your function.
If you submitted evidence at application that DWP didn't consider, resubmit it and point out it was ignored. Include a cover letter referencing the case file.
Even if the assessment is complete, you can request mandatory reconsideration within 28 days if you have new evidence or believe the decision is wrong on points of law.
Mandatory reconsideration is the first stage of appealing a DWP decision on PIP. You must request it within 28 days of receiving the decision. The DWP must then reconsider the decision before you can appeal to an independent tribunal.
You have 28 days from the date on the DWP decision letter to request mandatory reconsideration. Extensions are possible if there are good reasons (medical emergency, postal delays, etc.).
Yes, you can email your mandatory reconsideration request to the DWP office that made the decision. Include 'Mandatory Reconsideration Request' in the subject line. Send by recorded delivery or keep proof of submission.
Include medical letters, test results, diary entries showing daily limitations, appointment records, and any new evidence not available at the first decision. Explain how the new evidence affects your eligibility.
If the DWP refuses your mandatory reconsideration request, you can appeal to the First-Tier Tribunal (Social Entitlement Chamber) within 30 days of receiving the refusal.
Yes. After mandatory reconsideration, you can appeal to the First-Tier Tribunal. You can request an oral hearing, telephone hearing, or paper review depending on your circumstances.
Use our BenefitsFight tool to write a powerful mandatory reconsideration letter and track your appeal deadline.
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