Introduction
If you disagree with a decision about benefits or child maintenance you can ask for the decision to be looked at again – this is called ‘mandatory reconsideration’.
It’s free to ask for mandatory reconsideration.
When to apply for a Mandatory Reconsideration
You can ask for mandatory reconsideration if any of the following apply:
- you think the office dealing with your claim has made an error or missed important evidence
- you disagree with the reasons for the decision
- you want to have the decision looked at again
Some decisions cannot be reconsidered. Others can go straight to an appeal. Your original decision letter will say if this applies to you.
You usually need to ask for mandatory reconsideration within one month of the date of the decision. You can ask for it after one month if you have a good reason, for example if you’ve been in hospital or had a bereavement.
How to apply
To apply for a mandatory reconsideration, you can call, write a letter or fill in a Mandatory Reconsideration form. If you request your mandatory reconsideration in writing, keep a copy and send it by recorded delivery or get proof of postage, as this can help you to make sure they receive it in the one-month time limit.
In your letter (or over the phone if you call), you can explain why you think the DWP have made the wrong decision, and you can send more medical evidence to back up your argument if you have this.
We advise that you either write to the DWP or fill in the form rather than ring because:
- You can keep a copy of your letter or form
- It encourages you to send in further evidence if you have it available
- The Mandatory Reconsideration form is likely to be processed quicker than the letter
What happens next
Someone from the DWP will look at your claim again to see if the decision was right. This person is called the ‘decision maker’ they will not have seen your claim before, so they may phone you to ask why you disagree with the decision. You should explain why and give them more information and evidence. If you don’t feel you can talk to them, you could ask them if your carer could talk to them for you and you might be able to arrange another time when they can talk to you and your carer together.
If the decision-maker calls you, they may ask you if you have any other medical evidence to support your claim. If you do have more evidence, they will tell you where you should send it and they will give you one month to send them the evidence. They should agree not to make a decision until they have seen the evidence.
If your application is unsucsessful
If the decision maker supports the initial decision you can lodge an appeal. Appeals are decided by the Social Security and Child Support Tribunal who are supported by HM Courts and Tribunals Service (HMCTS). The tribunal is impartial and independent of government. Ashford Borough Citizens Advice can assist with you an appeal, please contact us to make an appointment with a specialist adviser
Last Updated on June 10, 2026 by Ashford Advice