TL;DR
A mandatory reconsideration is asking the DWP or HMRC to look at a benefit decision again. For most benefits you have one month from the date on your decision letter to request it, and it is free. A different decision maker reviews the case and sends a mandatory reconsideration notice saying whether the decision has changed. For most benefits you must complete this step before you can appeal to a tribunal.
Last reviewed 30 June 2026
What a mandatory reconsideration is
A mandatory reconsideration is a request for the DWP or HMRC to look again at a decision about your benefit. It applies to most benefit decisions, including refusals, awards at a lower rate than expected, sanctions and overpayment decisions. A decision maker who was not involved in the original decision reviews the case. For most benefits you cannot appeal to a tribunal until you have asked for a mandatory reconsideration and received the result.
The one-month time limit
You normally have one month from the date on your decision letter to ask for a mandatory reconsideration. If you are writing in, your letter or form should arrive within that month. You can ask later if you have a good reason, such as being in hospital or a bereavement, but you must explain why the request is late, and the absolute limit is 13 months from the original decision. The longer the delay, the stronger your reason needs to be.
How to ask
How you ask depends on the benefit. For Universal Credit you can write a message in your online account or use the CRMR1 form. For other benefits you can call the number on your decision letter, write a letter, or use the relevant form, sending it to the office that made the decision. If you call, it is wise to confirm in writing as well so there is a record. Explain which part of the decision is wrong and why, and include any new evidence that supports your case.
Evidence that helps
New evidence is often what changes a decision. Useful evidence depends on the benefit but can include medical letters, care records, payslips, or proof of your circumstances. Write your full name, date of birth and National Insurance number on each document, and only send evidence you have not already provided. If you are waiting for evidence, ask for the reconsideration within the deadline and say that further evidence will follow.
What happens next
The decision maker reviews the case and may telephone you to discuss it before deciding. You then receive a mandatory reconsideration notice explaining the outcome and the reasons. There is no fixed time limit for the DWP to complete the process. If the decision is revised in your favour, any benefit owed is backdated to the date of the original decision. Be aware that reconsideration looks at the whole claim, so in some cases a decision can change against you.
If you are still unhappy
If the mandatory reconsideration does not change the decision, or does not change it enough, you can appeal to an independent tribunal. You usually have one month from the date of the mandatory reconsideration notice to appeal. For certain Employment and Support Allowance work capability decisions, you may be able to appeal without a separate reconsideration step.
Related guides
Disclaimer: This article is general information and not legal or welfare advice. Time limits and procedures can vary by benefit and can change. For help with a specific decision, contact a free adviser such as Citizens Advice. See the GOV.UK source below.
Frequently asked questions
How long do I have to ask for a mandatory reconsideration?
Usually one month from the date on your decision letter. Late requests are possible with a good reason, up to 13 months from the original decision.
Is a mandatory reconsideration free?
Yes.
Do I have to do this before appealing?
For most benefits, yes. You must ask for a mandatory reconsideration and receive the result before you can appeal to a tribunal.
Can the decision get worse?
It can. The decision maker reviews the whole claim, so in some cases the outcome can change against you.
How long does the DWP take to decide?
There is no fixed time limit for the DWP to complete a mandatory reconsideration.
