What happens after you ask for a PIP mandatory reconsideration
For people in England and Wales who have asked the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) to look at a PIP decision again. This is self-help information, not legal advice.
Live in Scotland? See Adult Disability Payment on mygov.scot. Live in Northern Ireland? PIP is run by the Department for Communities: see nidirect.
In short
- The DWP looks at its decision again. Then it sends you a letter called a "mandatory reconsideration notice".
- DWP figures for July 2026: the median time to a decision was 45 calendar days for new claims. This is not a deadline or a prediction for your case.
- GOV.UK says your award may stop, stay the same, increase or decrease.
- If you still disagree, you can appeal to an independent tribunal. GOV.UK says you usually need to appeal within one month of the date of your mandatory reconsideration notice (GOV.UK: If you disagree with the outcome).
Which letter is which?
- Your decision letter has the decision you asked the DWP to look at again.
- Your mandatory reconsideration notice is the letter you get next. GOV.UK says it tells you whether the DWP has changed the decision. It also explains the reasons and the evidence used.
What does the DWP do now?
GOV.UK says the office that made the decision will reconsider it. Someone will look at your whole claim again.
A DWP report published in March 2026 describes this stage. It says the DWP reviews the case in full, including the assessment report and any extra evidence you sent. It also says you may be contacted for more information before a decision is made.
If the DWP contacts you, write down the date, the time and what was said.
What did people say in DWP research?
The same DWP report describes 37 qualitative interviews about people's initial PIP decision. They included people who asked for a mandatory reconsideration and people who did not. The research did not follow up what happened to their requests. It shows people's experiences. It does not set rules or show how common something is.
- Some people expected another assessment at this stage. The report says that expectation was mistaken.
- The report says many "wanted more regular updates" while they waited.
- In some cases, people were given more time to send evidence. This is not guaranteed.
How long does it take?
Citizens Advice, a charity, says the DWP does not have to decide within a specific timescale.
DWP figures, published on 15 September 2026, show the median time from registering a mandatory reconsideration to a decision. In July 2026 it was:
- 45 calendar days where the claim started as a new PIP claim
- 46 calendar days where the claim started as a move from Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
The median is the middle value when waiting times are put in order. It is not a deadline or a prediction for your case.
The DWP counts a challenge to a later award review under the type of claim it started as. It updates these figures every 3 months.
What can I do while I wait?
- Keep a note of the date you sent your request, and how you sent it.
- Keep copies of anything you send.
- If you have heard nothing and are worried, contact the DWP. The contact details are on your decision letter. Write down the date, the time and what was said.
If you send more evidence
GOV.UK says you can send evidence to support your reasons. Evidence is not on its list of things you must give.
If you do send evidence, GOV.UK says to:
- only include evidence you have not already sent
- write your full name, date of birth and National Insurance number at the top of each piece
- send it to the benefit office where you applied
See GOV.UK: How to ask for mandatory reconsideration.
Waiting for a letter, for example from a specialist? You can contact the DWP to explain.
To plan requests for possible supporting evidence, use our free Evidence Pack Builder.
What can happen to my award?
GOV.UK says your benefit may stop, stay the same, increase or decrease.
DWP figures, published 15 September 2026, not counting withdrawn requests:
- 26% of mandatory reconsiderations decided in the 3 months to July 2026 led to a change in award
- 27% did over the 5 years from August 2021 to July 2026
A change in award can mean getting PIP after a refusal. It can also mean a different level of an existing award, which could be higher or lower. So these figures are not a success rate.
They also mix many kinds of PIP decision. They are not your chance of a change.
What should I do when my notice arrives?
- Read whether the decision has changed, and why.
- Check any dates and payment information in the notice. If anything is unclear, ask the DWP or a free adviser to explain it.
- Keep your notice safe. You'll need it if you appeal.
What if I still disagree?
You can appeal to the Social Security and Child Support Tribunal. GOV.UK says the tribunal is independent of government. A judge will listen to both sides before making a decision.
GOV.UK says you usually need to appeal within one month of the date of your mandatory reconsideration notice. See GOV.UK: If you disagree with the outcome.
- Act soon. If you want to appeal, start as soon as you can after your notice arrives. You can appeal online or by post: see GOV.UK, Submit your appeal.
- Your notice. GOV.UK says you cannot appeal until you get it, and you'll need to provide it when you appeal.
- If the timing is unclear. If your notice arrived long after the date on it, or you think you may be late, get free help quickly.
- If you are late. GOV.UK says you'll have to explain why you did not appeal earlier. Your appeal might not be accepted. See GOV.UK: Appeal a benefit decision.
- Cost. GOV.UK says it is free to appeal.
- Waiting. GOV.UK says it usually takes at least 6 months for an appeal to be heard.
Our tribunal preparation page can help you prepare for a hearing. It does not submit appeals.
Free help from a person
You do not have to do this alone. GOV.UK lists free help and advice from Citizens Advice, Advicenow and Advicelocal. See our Get help page for free, independent services.
Sources
Sources checked 4 October 2026.
RightfulUK is an independent self-help service. It is not a law firm, a welfare-rights adviser or part of the DWP.