How to ask for a PIP mandatory reconsideration

What a mandatory reconsideration is

If you think a benefit decision is wrong, you can ask the office that made it to look at it again. This is called mandatory reconsideration. (source: GOV.UK)

The deadline and late requests

You usually need to ask for a mandatory reconsideration within one month of the date on your decision letter. If you write, your letter or form must arrive by then. (source: GOV.UK)

You can ask after one month if you have a good reason, for example if you have been in hospital or had a bereavement. You must explain why your request is late. (source: GOV.UK)

How to ask

You can use form CRMR1, "Challenge a decision made by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP)". Send it, with any evidence, to the address at the top of your decision letter. (source: GOV.UK)

You can also contact the benefits office that gave you the decision by phone or by letter, using the details on your decision letter. (source: GOV.UK)

Include the date of the original decision, your name, address, date of birth and National Insurance number, and which part of the decision you think is wrong and why. (source: GOV.UK)

Compare your award letter with your own scores

Your decision is based on the descriptor chosen for each of the 12 activities. If your decision letter or assessment report shows which descriptors were chosen, compare them with the ones you think apply.

The free PIP points calculator lets you score each activity yourself and compare the result with the award you were given. Where your score is higher, those activities are the ones to explain in your request. Our descriptors guide lists every descriptor and its points.

Evidence that can help

Explain which part of the decision is wrong and why. Evidence that shows how your condition affects you can include:

• A short statement from someone who sees you most days (family member, carer, support worker) describing a typical bad day.
• A list of your diagnoses, medication and the health professionals involved in your care.
• Hospital, clinic or specialist letters that mention how your condition affects daily life.
• A diary of good and bad days, showing how often you cannot do each activity reliably.

If you send evidence, write your full name, date of birth and National Insurance number at the top of each piece. Only send evidence you have not already provided. (source: GOV.UK)

What happens next

The office looks at the decision again and sends you a mandatory reconsideration notice. It says whether the decision has changed, with the reasons and the evidence used. (source: GOV.UK)

If you are still unhappy after mandatory reconsideration, you can appeal to the Social Security and Child Support Tribunal. (source: GOV.UK)

See how to appeal a PIP decision to a tribunal.

If you live in Scotland

Adult Disability Payment decisions are made by Social Security Scotland, not the DWP, and have their own route.

In Scotland, the first stage of challenging an Adult Disability Payment decision is called a re-determination. You have 42 days to ask for one. A late request may be accepted if you have a good reason and ask within one year of the decision letter. (source: mygov.scot)