If you disagree with a PIP decision you must ask the DWP to look at it again (a mandatory reconsideration) before you can appeal to an independent tribunal. This guide covers both steps in order.
What Is a PIP Mandatory Reconsideration?
An MR asks DWP to look at a PIP decision again. A different decision maker reviews:
- The original assessment report
- Any new evidence you provide
- Your reasons for disagreeing
| Key Facts | Details |
|---|---|
| Time limit | 1 month from decision date |
| Cost | Free |
| Who reviews | A different DWP decision maker (not the original assessor) |
| Required before tribunal? | Yes — you must complete MR first |
Mandatory Reconsideration Time Limits
| Situation | Deadline |
|---|---|
| Standard | 1 calendar month from the date on your decision letter |
| Late request (with good reason) | Up to 13 months from the decision |
| Good reasons for late request | Illness, hospitalisation, didn’t receive the letter, bereavement |
How to Ask for a Mandatory Reconsideration
By Phone (Quickest)
- Call the PIP enquiry line: 0800 121 4433
- State: “I want to request a Mandatory Reconsideration of my PIP decision dated [date]”
- Explain briefly which activities you’re challenging
- Follow up in writing with evidence
In Writing (Most Thorough)
Write to the DWP address on your decision letter. Include:
Your letter should contain:
- Your name and National Insurance number
- The decision date you’re challenging
- A clear statement: “I request a Mandatory Reconsideration”
- Which activities and descriptors you disagree with
- Why you think the decision is wrong
- Reference to new or existing evidence
- Any new evidence attached
Send by recorded delivery or get proof of posting.
Writing an Effective Mandatory Reconsideration Request
Structure Your Letter
Section 1: Introduction
I am writing to request a Mandatory Reconsideration of the PIP decision dated [date]. My NI number is [NI number]. I disagree with the following aspects of the decision.
Section 2: Activity-by-Activity Challenge For each activity you’re disputing:
Activity [number]: [Name] The assessor scored me [X] points on descriptor [Y]. I believe the correct descriptor is [Z] because [specific explanation of your difficulties]. This is supported by [reference to medical evidence].
Section 3: Evidence Summary
I am enclosing the following new evidence: [list]. I also refer to [existing evidence already on file].
Section 4: Closing
I respectfully request that my decision is reconsidered in light of the above information and supporting evidence.
Common Points to Challenge
| Issue | What to Say |
|---|---|
| Assessor downplayed symptoms | “The report states I can [activity] unaided. However, my GP confirms [limitation]. The assessor’s observation was a snapshot of one appointment, not my typical daily experience.” |
| Report contains factual errors | “The report incorrectly states [error]. The correct position is [fact], as evidenced by [evidence].” |
| Variable condition not reflected | “The assessment was on a relatively good day. On most days (approximately [X] out of 7), I cannot [activity] at all, as confirmed by [evidence].” |
| Mental health not properly considered | “The assessor focused on physical abilities. My mental health condition ([diagnosis]) significantly affects Activities [numbers] as detailed in my CPN/therapist letter attached.” |
What Happens During the Mandatory Reconsideration
- Your case is assigned to a different decision maker (not the one who made the original decision)
- They review the assessor’s report, your reasons, and new evidence
- They may contact you for more information
- They issue a Mandatory Reconsideration Notice (MRN)
Possible Outcomes
| Outcome | What Happens |
|---|---|
| Decision changed fully | You receive the higher award, backdated |
| Decision partially changed | Some activities revised, increased award |
| Decision unchanged | Original decision upheld — you can appeal |
| Decision made less favourable | Rare, but possible — your award could decrease |
The Appeal Process
| Step | Action | Timeframe |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Complete Mandatory Reconsideration first | Within 1 month of original decision |
| 2 | Receive Mandatory Reconsideration Notice (MRN) | Varies (there is no fixed time limit) |
| 3 | Submit appeal (online or form SSCS1) | Within 1 month of the MRN; if you appeal later you must explain why you did not do it earlier |
| 4 | DWP sends its response to the tribunal and to you | A few weeks |
| 5 | Tribunal hearing | Appeals decided in April to June 2026 took 37 weeks on average |
| 6 | Attend hearing | On the scheduled date |
| 7 | Decision issued | Usually on the day or within days |
Submitting Your Appeal
Form SSCS1
You can appeal online on GOV.UK or on paper using form SSCS1. You’ll need:
- Your personal details and NI number
- The date of the MRN
- Which PIP activities you’re challenging
- Why you think the decision is wrong
- Whether you want an oral or paper hearing
What to Include With Your Appeal
| Document | Why It’s Important |
|---|---|
| Mandatory Reconsideration Notice | Proves you’ve completed the MR step |
| Original decision letter | Shows what DWP decided |
| Assessment report | Shows what the assessor found (request a copy if you don’t have it) |
| Medical evidence | GP letters, specialist reports, hospital records |
| Your written statement | Detailed account of how your condition affects each activity |
| Support letters | From carers, family, support workers |
Oral vs Paper Hearing
| Type | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Oral (in person, video or phone) | Can explain yourself, answer questions, panel sees your difficulties | Can be stressful |
| Paper | No need to attend | Panel only sees written evidence, can’t clarify points |
Strong recommendation: Choose an oral hearing. The ability to explain your situation and answer questions significantly improves outcomes.
Preparing for the Hearing
Get Your Assessment Report
If you don’t have it, request a copy from DWP. This is the report the assessor wrote about your assessment. Go through it carefully and note:
- Factual errors (wrong details about your condition)
- Observations that contradict your experience
- Activities where you feel the wrong descriptor was applied
- Things the assessor didn’t mention or ask about
Write a Detailed Statement
Go through each PIP activity you’re challenging:
For each activity, explain:
- What you can and cannot do
- What help you need
- How often you need help (every day? most days?)
- What happens on your worst days
- What aids or appliances you use
- How long tasks take you compared to normal
- What happens if you try to do the activity unaided
Gather Supporting Evidence
The more evidence, the better:
- GP letter — Ask your GP to describe how your condition affects the specific PIP activities
- Specialist reports — Consultant letters, mental health assessments
- Medication list — Shows the severity of your conditions
- Care plan — If you have a social care assessment
- Diary/log — A symptom diary covering 2-4 weeks before the hearing
Get a Representative
Free representation is available from:
| Organisation | Speciality |
|---|---|
| Citizens Advice | All PIP appeals |
| Scope | Physical disability |
| Mind | Mental health |
| Disability Rights UK | All disabilities |
| Local law centres | Welfare benefits |
| University law clinics | Some run free representation schemes |
Contact them early — they often have waiting lists.
What Happens on the Day
Before the Hearing
- Arrive 15-30 minutes early
- Bring all your documents, medication list, and any mobility aids you use
- You can bring a support person (friend, family member, carer)
- Tell the tribunal clerk if you need any adjustments (breaks, accessible room, translator)
The Panel
The tribunal panel typically consists of:
| Member | Role |
|---|---|
| Judge | Legally qualified, chairs the hearing |
| Medical member | Usually a doctor — assesses medical evidence |
| Disability member | Has experience of disability — assesses practical impact |
PIP appeals are heard by all three.
The Hearing
- Introductions — The judge explains the process
- Opening — Your representative (if you have one) may give a brief overview
- Questions — The panel asks you about your daily life, activity by activity
- Medical questions — The medical member may ask about your conditions and treatment
- Your chance to add — You can raise anything the panel hasn’t asked about
- Closing — Your representative may summarise
- Panel deliberation — The panel considers the evidence (you leave the room)
- Decision — Often given on the day, sometimes posted within days
Questions You Might Be Asked
- “Tell me about a typical day — from the moment you wake up”
- “How do you manage cooking and preparing food?”
- “How far can you walk before you need to stop?”
- “What happens on your worst days?”
- “Do you go out? How do you manage?”
- “What medication do you take and does it help?”
- “Who helps you and what do they do?”
Tips for Answering
- Be honest — Don’t exaggerate but don’t downplay either
- Describe your worst days — The panel needs the full picture
- Give specific examples — “Last Tuesday I couldn’t get dressed, my partner had to help me”
- Mention what you can’t do, not just what you can
- It’s OK to be emotional — This is about your real life
- Ask for breaks — If you need to pause, say so
- Say if you don’t understand a question — Ask them to rephrase
After the Hearing
If You Win
- DWP must implement the tribunal’s decision
- Any extra PIP owed is paid back to the date the decision you appealed took effect
- The tribunal sets the award length
- DWP cannot appeal a tribunal decision internally — they’d have to go to the Upper Tribunal
If You Lose
- Request a Statement of Reasons within one month (this explains the panel’s reasoning)
- Consider applying for permission to appeal to the Upper Tribunal — but only on a point of law
- You can make a new PIP claim if your condition has worsened since the tribunal