Challenge a benefit decision (mandatory reconsideration)

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Before you start

Make sure you understand the reason for the decision you received before you ask for mandatory reconsideration. This will help you explain why you disagree.

If you ask for mandatory reconsideration, someone will look at your whole benefit claim again. Your benefit may stop, stay the same, increase or decrease.

Understanding the decision you received

If you need help understanding the reason for your benefit decision, call the benefits office dealing with your claim. They’ll be able to explain the reason for your benefit decision and answer any questions.

You can still ask for mandatory reconsideration after you’ve spoken to your benefits office.

If you want an explanation in writing

You can ask for a written explanation from the benefits office dealing with your claim - known as a ‘written statement of reasons’.

You do not need to do this for Personal Independence Payment - your decision letter will include a written statement.

You can still ask for mandatory reconsideration, but must do this within 14 days of the date on your written statement of reasons.

Get help and advice

You can get free help and advice from: 

You can also seek advice from a legal adviser or solicitor.

View a printable version of the whole guide

Part of Challenge and appeal a benefit decision: step by step

  1. Step 1 Find support and advice

    You can get free support and advice from:

    1. You can also seek advice from a legal adviser or solicitor

  2. Step 2 Ask for mandatory reconsideration

    1. Ask for the benefits decision to be looked at again (mandatory reconsideration)

    You normally need to do this within one month of the date on your decision letter.

  3. Step 3 Appeal the decision to a tribunal

    If you’re unhappy with the decision after mandatory reconsideration, you can appeal it to a tribunal.

    1. Appeal to the Social Security and Child Support Tribunal

  4. Step 4 Ask for the tribunal's decision to be 'set aside' (cancelled)

    If you disagree with the decision, you can ask for it to be set aside (cancelled). The decision letter from the tribunal will tell you how to do this.

  5. or Appeal the tribunal's decision

    If you think the decision was wrong for a legal reason, you can appeal to the Upper Tribunal.

    1. Appeal to the Upper Tribunal (Administrative Appeals Chamber)

  6. and Check if you can get legal aid

    You may be eligible for legal aid to help you appeal to the Upper Tribunal.

    1. Check if you can get legal aid