PIP mandatory reconsideration letter: guide and example
A practical guide for people in England and Wales. See what to include, read a fictional example, then build a free letter using your own facts. No account needed. Nothing is sent for you.
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What is a mandatory reconsideration?
A mandatory reconsideration asks the DWP to look at a PIP decision again. Explain which part you disagree with and what was missed or misunderstood. This guide helps with a written request; you can also ask by phone or use the official form.
Before starting
The DWP looks at the whole claim again. An award could increase, decrease, stay the same or stop. Get independent advice if you are unsure. This is self-help, not legal advice or an award prediction. Read the official explanation of what can happen.
Check the deadline
You usually need to ask within one month of the date on your decision letter. A letter or form must arrive by then. If the deadline is close or has passed, call the number on the decision letter and seek independent advice promptly. A late request needs an explanation and a good reason; acceptance is not guaranteed. Read GOV.UK's instructions on how to ask.
Need help reading the date, points or reasons on your decision letter? Read our decision-letter guide.
Three simple steps
Check the decision letter
Note its date, reasons and contact details. Identify the activity or decision you disagree with.
Use your own examples
Explain each disputed activity with true examples of what happened, help you needed, how often and any relevant evidence.
Review and send it yourself
Check your draft, keep a copy and use the address on your decision letter. Allow time for it to arrive.
Fictional example letter
Fictional example — not a letter to copy as your own.
The personal details are placeholders. This shows one disputed activity, not an assessment of entitlement. Nothing from it is added to your draft.
[Your full name and address]
[Your date of birth and National Insurance number]
[Date]
To: [Office address on your decision letter]
Re: PIP decision dated [decision date]
Dear decision maker,
Please reconsider the PIP decision dated [decision date]. I disagree with the decision about preparing food because it does not reflect the help I need.
At the time of the decision, pain and weakness in my hands meant I needed someone to chop ingredients and lift a hot pan on most days. On the remaining days I could chop soft food, but I still needed help to lift a hot pan. Without that help I could not finish preparing the meal safely.
For example, on [date before the decision], I stopped while chopping vegetables because I lost my grip on the knife. My sister finished chopping and moved the pan for me. I could not safely repeat those parts of the task when preparing another meal that day.
Please consider the enclosed statement from my sister, which describes the help she provided at that time, alongside the information already sent with my claim.
Please look at this activity again and explain your decision in writing.
Yours faithfully,
[Your name]
Why these parts matter
- Name the decision and the activity you dispute.
- Describe what actually happened, the help you needed, how often and how it varied. Safety, repetition, time and acceptable standard can matter.
- Point to relevant evidence. Include people, incidents and documents only if they really exist in your case. Detail does not guarantee points or an award; legal jargon is unnecessary.
Before you post it
- Check your full name, address, date of birth, National Insurance number and decision date.
- Replace every placeholder and remove the fictional facts.
- Check every factual statement and evidence reference against your own case.
- If you send evidence to the DWP, write your full name, date of birth and National Insurance number at the top of each piece.
- Use the decision-letter address, allow for arrival by the deadline and keep a copy.
Already asked the DWP to look at your decision again? Read what happens next.
Sources checked 1 October 2026