People who have been turned down for benefits can appeal against the decision. In recent months, the DWP has seen a surge in applications for lesser-known benefits like Pension Credit, while disability benefit requests have continued to rise since the pandemic.
Yet many benefit applications are rejected and some individuals face receiving incorrect amounts. This is where mandatory reconsideration comes into play. It's a free request that Brits can make about a new or existing claim to get the DWP to review their decision on benefits, tax credits or child maintenance. You can challenge decisions such as being denied benefits and payments being stopped or changed.
But there are a few things worth knowing before attempting to secure your second chance. You can only ask for mandatory reconsideration if:. You must request mandatory reconsideration within a month of the decision, and from the benefits office that made it, such as using your online Universal Credit journal. You can also contact most offices via phone, letter or by posting a mandatory reconsideration form, more details on this can be found on the gov.uk website and the letter about your benefits decision.
To initiate the request, you must provide the date of the decision, along with your personal details, including name, address, date of birth, and National Insurance number. Additionally, you should clearly explain why you believe the decision is incorrect and submit any supporting evidence not previously provided, as the DWP advises: "Only include evidence you have not already sent.".
