Challenge a benefit decision (mandatory reconsideration)
How to ask for mandatory reconsideration
Contact the benefits office that gave you the decision. You can contact them:
- using your journal (if you have access to a Universal Credit account and the decision is about Universal Credit)
- by phone
- by letter
- by filling in and returning a form for asking for mandatory reconsideration
The contact details are on your decision letter.
You usually need to ask for mandatory reconsideration within one month of the date on your decision letter. If you’re writing, the letter or form must arrive by then.
If you do not have your decision letter, contact the office where you applied for the benefit.
There’s a different process for Child Benefit, Tax-Free Childcare and 30 hours free childcare, Guardian’s Allowance, tax credits, Housing Benefit, Vaccine Damage Payment, Budgeting Loans, Child Disability Payment and Adult Disability Payment.
What you need to provide
When you ask for mandatory reconsideration, you need to give:
- the date of the original benefit decision
- your name and address
- your date of birth
- your National Insurance number
Explain what part of the decision is wrong and why - you can send evidence to support your reasons.
If you send evidence
Any evidence you send needs to support your reasons for why the decision was wrong. It could, for example, be:
- new medical evidence
- reports or care plans from specialists, therapists or nurses
- bank statements or payslips
Only include evidence you have not already sent.
Write your full name, date of birth and National Insurance number at the top of each bit of evidence and send it to the benefit office where you applied for your benefit.
You cannot claim back the cost of any evidence you pay for.
Do not include:
- general information about your condition - for example factsheets, medical certificates or sick notes
- appointment cards or letters about medical appointments, unless you could not claim your benefit because you were at the appointment
- letters about tests that you’re due to have
- bus or train tickets to prove you’ve made a journey
If you’re not sure what evidence to send, read the guidance for the form for asking for mandatory reconsideration. You can also call the number on your decision letter.
Applying after one month
You can ask for mandatory reconsideration after one month but it must be for a good reason, for example if you’ve been in hospital or had a bereavement. You must explain why your request is late.
Call the phone number on your decision letter first.
What happens next
The benefits office that gave you the original benefit decision will reconsider it.
When they’ve reconsidered it, you’ll get a letter called a ‘mandatory reconsideration notice’ telling you whether they’ve changed the decision.
The mandatory reconsideration notice will explain the reasons for that decision and the evidence it was based on.