16/10/2026
We are hearing from many claimants who have been turned down for a mandatory reconsideration because they did not send in supporting evidence and their arguments within the DWP’s ‘one month’ time limit.
By law, you have 13 months to request that the DWP reconsider their decision - however, we have found that if you call or write to them stating that you intend to submit a reconsideration, they ‘start the clock’ and only allow you one month from the date of the decision or date of the call. Often the DWP Decision Makers will point blank refuse to consider anything sent in after this date and force Claimants to appeal to Tribunal.
We STRONGLY advise that if you are unhappy with your award, initially call and request a copy of the assessment report (PA4) but do not mention submitting a reconsideration at this stage. Get your arguments, evidence etc in place (within 13 months of the date on the decision notice) then write to them to log your MR, include all of your evidence, send always on a tracked or recorded service and follow up with a phone call a few days later to ensure that it’s been logged as a mandatory reconsideration request.
We do offer a complete mandatory reconsideration legal drafting service - always written by one of our legally qualified advocates referencing any relevant case law, legislation & the DWP’s own handbook.
You can book here: https://app.mypipps.co.uk/book
Image Description: Notebook and pen on desk, with PIPP logos. Text reads "Mandatory Reconsideration Advice."
