PIP Mandatory Reconsideration Letter: Free Template and What to Include

If you need to challenge a refused or reduced PIP decision — the most important first step, a written letter is the recommended first step — it creates a clear record and shows you're pursuing the matter formally. Below is what a strong pip mandatory reconsideration should include.

What this letter needs to cover

• Request mandatory reconsideration of the PIP decision
• Identify which descriptors the claimant believes were scored incorrectly
• Describe how the condition affects daily living and mobility on worst days
• Reference medical evidence available
• Request the decision is revised to reflect actual needs

Why the mandatory reconsideration stage matters so much

Before appealing a PIP decision to an independent tribunal, you must first request a mandatory reconsideration — and this stage genuinely does change outcomes, with a meaningful proportion of decisions revised at this point when new evidence or a clearer explanation of daily living needs is provided.

What to include before you send it

• The decision reference and specifically which points you're disputing
• Why you believe the assessment didn't accurately reflect your needs
• Any additional evidence — from your GP, specialist, or others involved in your care
• Specific, concrete examples of how your condition affects daily living and mobility

Why requesting your assessment report first is worth the extra step

Getting a copy of the actual assessment report before writing your reconsideration letter lets you address specific descriptors and scoring the assessor got wrong, rather than making general arguments — this significantly strengthens your case compared to a general complaint that the decision "doesn't feel right."

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a time limit for requesting a PIP mandatory reconsideration?
Yes — generally one month from the date of the decision, though late requests can sometimes be accepted with good reason.

What happens to my PIP payments while a reconsideration is ongoing?
If your PIP was reduced or stopped, this generally continues while under reconsideration, though it's worth confirming your specific circumstances directly with the DWP.

[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Postcode]
[Your National Insurance Number, e.g. QQ 12 34 56 B]
[Personal Independence Payment Office / Department for Work and Pensions]
[Recipient's Address]
[Recipient's Postcode]
[Date - generally within one month of the decision]

Dear [Name of Case Worker or "Sir/Madam"],

Subject: Request for a Mandatory Reconsideration of my Personal Independence Payment (PIP) Decision

I am writing to request a Mandatory Reconsideration of your decision dated [Date of decision letter] on my Personal Independence Payment claim. I do not believe the award correctly reflects my daily living and mobility needs.

I disagree with the points scored for the following activities:
• [Activity, e.g. Preparing food]: I was awarded [number] points, but [explain, e.g. I cannot lift pans or grip kitchen utensils because of severe tremors in my hands, so I need an aid or supervision to cook safely].
• [Activity, e.g. Managing toilet needs or incontinence]: I was awarded [number] points, but [explain].
• [Activity, e.g. Planning and following journeys]: I was awarded [number] points, but [explain, e.g. I have panic attacks and cannot follow the route of an unfamiliar journey without another person with me].

On my worst days, [describe how your condition affects you].

Please find enclosed additional evidence to support my request, including [e.g. a recent letter from my consultant / an updated prescription list]. Please revise your decision to reflect my actual needs.

Yours sincerely,

[Your Signature]
[Your Printed Name]

[Note for the page: In Scotland, Adult Disability Payment has replaced PIP. To challenge an Adult Disability Payment decision, ask Social Security Scotland for a re-determination within 42 days of the date on your decision letter.]