Mandatory reconsideration: what it is and how to ask (template)

Mandatory reconsideration is a free request to look at a benefit decision again. You usually must ask within one month of the date on the decision letter.

What is this letter?

You got a letter that says your benefit was refused, stopped or changed. You think it is wrong. Before you can go to a tribunal, you usually have to ask the office to look at it again. This is called mandatory reconsideration (MR).

It is free. Someone looks at your whole claim again. GOV.UK says the benefit may stop, stay the same, increase or decrease. Many benefits use MR, for example Universal Credit, Personal Independence Payment (PIP), Employment and Support Allowance, Jobseeker's Allowance, Carer's Allowance, Attendance Allowance and Pension Credit. Some do not: Child Benefit, Housing Benefit, Tax-Free Childcare and Social Security Scotland benefits use other processes. Your decision letter says which route applies.

How much time do I have?

Event	Counted from	How long	Source
Ask for mandatory reconsideration	Date on the decision letter	Usually 1 month	GOV.UK
Late request	After the 1 month has passed	Possible with a good reason (for example hospital or bereavement). You must explain why you are late.	GOV.UK
Request sent by post	Date the letter must arrive	The letter or form must arrive within the 1 month	GOV.UK
Wait for the answer	Date you ask	GOV.UK does not give a time. Check your decision letter or call the number on it.	GOV.UK
Appeal to a tribunal	After you get the mandatory reconsideration notice	Not stated on the GOV.UK pages we read. Check the notice.	GOV.UK

Count the one month from the date printed on the decision letter, not from the day it arrived. If you are close to the deadline, ask first and add evidence after, if the office allows it.

What do I do, step by step?

1. Find the decision letter. Write down the date on it. Put a reminder for 3 weeks after that date.
2. Read which part of the decision you disagree with. If you do not understand the reasons, ask us to explain the letter first. It is free.
3. Contact the benefits office that made the decision. You can use your online journal, phone, post or the official form. The details are on your decision letter.
4. Write your name, address, date of birth, National Insurance number and the date of the decision.
5. Say which part is wrong and why. Keep it short and factual.
6. Add evidence only if you have not sent it before. Put your full name, date of birth and National Insurance number at the top of each page.
7. Do not send general information about your condition, appointment cards, test letters or travel tickets.
8. Keep a copy and proof of posting or a screenshot of your journal message.
9. Wait for the mandatory reconsideration notice. It explains the result, the reasons and the evidence used.

What letter should I send? (Ready-made letter)

A short letter is enough. Use this template and change the parts in brackets. Send it in English.

To: [benefits office name and address, from your decision letter] Date: [today's date] Name: [your full name] Address: [your address] Date of birth: [date of birth] National Insurance number: [NI number] Date of the decision: [date on the decision letter]

Subject: Request for mandatory reconsideration

I am asking you to look at this decision again (mandatory reconsideration). I disagree with this part of the decision: [which part]. The reason is: [what is wrong and why, in 2 or 3 short sentences]. I am sending this evidence: [list]. I have not sent it before. Please send me the mandatory reconsideration notice in writing.

Yours sincerely, [your name]

UK Help Agent can fill it in from your voice message or a photo of your letter.

Record what happened, or send a photo of the letter. The explanation is free. A ready letter is £4.

What if the deadline has passed?

You can still ask. GOV.UK says you can ask after one month if you have a good reason, for example if you were in hospital or had a bereavement. Call the number on your decision letter first. In your request, explain why it is late and add proof if you have it. Do not wait. Ask now.

Is it the same in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland?

This guide covers DWP benefits and child maintenance in the way GOV.UK describes them. Social Security Scotland benefits have a different process; see mygov.scot. We did not find a confirmed rule for Northern Ireland, so check with the office that sent your letter or on gov.uk.

Frequently asked questions

Does mandatory reconsideration cost money?

No. It is free to ask.

How long do I have to ask?

Usually one month from the date of the decision letter. Late requests are possible with a good reason.

Can my benefit go down after I ask?

The whole claim is looked at again. GOV.UK says the benefit may stop, stay the same, increase or decrease.

What happens if I still disagree?

You can appeal to a tribunal (the Social Security and Child Support Tribunal). Check your mandatory reconsideration notice for the deadline.

How long does it take to get an answer?

GOV.UK does not give a time. Ask the office or check your decision letter.

Sources

• GOV.UK: Mandatory reconsideration
• GOV.UK: How to ask for mandatory reconsideration
• GOV.UK: Before you start
• Citizens Advice (free help)

Checked on: 2026-10-17

This is general information, not legal advice. Rules can change. For your own case, check the sources above or ask a free adviser, for example Citizens Advice.