How do you ask for a Universal Credit mandatory reconsideration?

The deadlines

• Ask for a mandatory reconsideration within one month of the date on your decision letter.
• If you still disagree, appeal to a tribunal within one month of getting your mandatory reconsideration notice.

You can ask late if you have a good reason, such as being in hospital or a bereavement.

What a mandatory reconsideration is

It is a free review of a decision by DWP. Someone looks at your case again, including any new evidence. You can ask for one if you think DWP made a mistake, missed evidence, or you do not agree with its reasons. It can be used for Universal Credit and most other DWP benefit decisions.

Sometimes you can appeal straight away without a mandatory reconsideration. Your decision letter will say if this applies.

Steps to ask

1. Read your decision letter. Note the date of the decision and the part you disagree with.
2. Ask in your journal. If the decision is about Universal Credit and you have an online account, write a message in your journal. Say clearly that you are asking for a mandatory reconsideration.
3. Or phone or write. You can call the Universal Credit helpline on 0800 328 5644 (Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm), write a letter, or use the official form.
4. Send your evidence as soon as you can.
5. Wait for your mandatory reconsideration notice. It tells you if the decision has changed and why.

What to include

• the date of the original decision
• your name and address
• your date of birth
• your National Insurance number
• which part of the decision you think is wrong, and why

Good evidence links straight to your reasons. For example:

• new medical evidence
• reports or care plans from specialists, therapists or nurses
• bank statements or payslips

Write your full name, date of birth and National Insurance number at the top of each page. General leaflets about your condition, appointment cards and travel tickets do not usually help.

After you get the notice

If you are still unhappy, you can appeal to the Social Security and Child Support Tribunal. It is independent of DWP. You must send the mandatory reconsideration notice with your appeal. You can then manage your appeal online and send evidence to the tribunal.

Free help

You do not need to pay anyone to do this. Free, independent help is available from:

• Citizens Advice (England and Wales)
• Citizens Advice Scotland
• Advice NI or Housing Rights (Northern Ireland)

If you miss the deadline

• For a mandatory reconsideration: you can still ask, but you must explain why you are late. Good reasons include being in hospital or a bereavement. Call the office first.
• For an appeal: if you appeal more than a month after your notice, you must explain why. The tribunal might not accept it.

If you live in Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland

Universal Credit decisions in Scotland and Wales are challenged with DWP in the same way. In Northern Ireland you must apply within one calendar month of the date on your decision notice. You can do this through your journal, your work coach, the Universal Credit Service Centre, or by writing to Freepost, Universal Credit Northern Ireland. After that, you appeal to the Appeals Service.

Related guides

• How do I challenge a benefit decision?
• What is the Universal Credit journal?
• What is a Universal Credit sanction?
• What happens if you are overpaid Universal Credit?
• Can I get legal aid?

Where this comes from

• Challenge a benefit decision (mandatory reconsideration) (GOV.UK)
• How to ask for mandatory reconsideration (GOV.UK)
• Appeal a benefit decision (GOV.UK)
• Contact Universal Credit (GOV.UK)
• Who to contact if you disagree with Universal Credit's decision (nidirect)