Is it worth doing a mandatory reconsideration?
Asked by: Lafayette Trantow | Last update: February 7, 2026Score: 4.4/5 (54 votes)
Yes, a mandatory reconsideration (MR) is generally worth doing, especially for disability benefits like PIP, because it's a required step before an appeal and often reveals issues in the original decision, with many people (over 50% in some analyses) seeing improvements, even if the official success rate is lower; it's crucial to challenge if you believe the decision doesn't reflect your difficulties, but be aware it can also lower your award, though appeals to tribunal have a high success rate if the MR fails.
Is mandatory reconsideration worth it?
It's still worth asking for a mandatory reconsideration, as long as it's within 13 months of the decision. You'll need to explain your reasons for being late - for example if being ill or dealing with difficult personal circumstances meant you couldn't apply in time.
How many mandatory reconsiderations are successful?
At Mandatory Reconsideration (MR) stage, just 31% of claims changed in the claimant's favour. ⚖️ Tribunal outcomes: The national average success rate at tribunal in 2024-25 is around 65%. At Fightback, our success rate is consistently 88–90% at appeal.
What happens when you do a mandatory reconsideration?
The DWP or HMRC will look at your whole benefit claim again. This means they might decide you should get less benefit or you can't get the benefit at all. If you're not sure whether to challenge a decision, get help from an adviser before you ask for mandatory reconsideration.
What is the point of mandatory reconsideration?
You can ask for mandatory reconsideration if any of the following apply: you think the office dealing with your claim has made an error or missed important evidence. you disagree with the reasons for the decision.
WARNING PIP Mandatory Reconsideration May 2024
What's the success rate of reconsideration?
The initial appeal, or Reconsideration, has a low SSDI appeal approval rate, typically around 13-15%. Most claimants must proceed to the next stage. Your chances of winning a disability appeal improve significantly if you get a hearing before a judge.
How long does a mandatory reconsideration take?
Some reconsiderations take two weeks, some take several months.
Do I need a lawyer for reconsideration?
No, you do not need a lawyer to request a reconsideration. However, a lawyer can increase your chances of winning three times at the hearing stage. Working with a lawyer is beneficial because the lawyer will assess your case, help you gather and submit documentation, and represent you at the hearing.
What is the best way to ask for a mandatory reconsideration?
The best way to ask for a Mandatory Reconsideration. See full definition is to write to the DWP at the address on your decision letter. You can use the Mandatory Reconsideration request form or write your request in a letter.
What are the chances of winning an appeal?
The chances of winning an appeal are generally low, often cited as less than 20%, but vary significantly by jurisdiction and case type, with federal civil appeals sometimes around 30% and criminal appeals lower (10-20%). Success hinges on proving significant legal or procedural errors (like jury misconduct or improper evidence) occurred in the trial, not just disagreeing with the outcome, and requires strong legal representation to overcome the trial court's presumed correctness.
How to win a reconsideration?
Table of Contents
- #1: File Your Appeal on Time.
- #2: Understand Why Your Claim Was Denied.
- #3 File the Proper Paperwork.
- #4: Submit Your Medical Records.
- #5: Write an Appeal Letter.
- #6: Hire a Lawyer.
Do you get backdated for mandatory reconsideration?
You'll get any benefit you're owed backdated. If the DWP don't change their decision, you can take your challenge to an independent tribunal. You can also do this if they won't let you make a late mandatory reconsideration request.
How to win a motion for reconsideration?
You just need to convince the court that new developments, accurate law or a correct view of the facts justify a new ruling. If you think your case has solid grounds that support a Motion for Reconsideration, go ahead – it may help you win the war.
What are the chances of winning a mandatory reconsideration?
What are my chances of success with a mandatory reconsideration? According to Benefits and Work, only 27% of all mandatory reconsiderations were given a higher award in June 2023. But if your claim gets rejected, you can still take it to a tribunal. Tribunal success rates are much higher.
How long does a reconsideration take?
The Reconsideration process usually takes about 8-10 months, which is in addition to your initial application timeline. You first submit new or updated medical evidence to support your claim, then a new representative conducts a Disability Determination Services (DDS) review, which is really a second look.
What happens if reconsideration is denied?
Next Steps After a Reconsideration Denial
You must request a hearing within 60 days of receiving that notice. A hearing will allow you to present evidence, witnesses, and arguments to convince an administrative law judge that you qualify for disability benefits.
What happens with a mandatory reconsideration?
A 'Mandatory Reconsideration' means we will look at: • The information you originally gave us • Any new information you provide • If there have been any changes in your circumstances. We use this information to see whether we can change our decision.
What are common grounds for reconsideration?
Common grounds for reconsideration generally involve new evidence, clear legal or factual errors, or a significant change in the law, aiming to correct manifest injustice or prevent prejudice, rather than just disagreeing with the outcome. Key reasons include overlooked facts, misapplied law, newly discovered evidence unavailable earlier, fraud, or issues where findings don't support the decision.
What is the timeline for reconsideration?
Reconsideration Request IRCC Timeline
Processing time for reconsideration requests: It can take a few weeks (4 to 6 weeks) or even 4 to 5 months, as immigration officers have discretion in reconsideration request IRCC processing time.
Can a judge deny a motion for reconsideration?
A motion for reconsideration may be properly denied if based on unraised facts known to the movant prior to entry of judgment.
What is the hardest disability to get approved for?
The hardest disabilities to get approved for Social Security Disability (SSD) are often subjective conditions like mental health disorders (depression, anxiety, PTSD), chronic pain, and autoimmune diseases (lupus, MS), because they lack objective evidence and fluctuate, making it tough to prove continuous inability to work; also challenging are conditions with varied symptoms like Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI) or those with delayed symptom onset, requiring extensive, consistent documentation of functional limitations.
How likely are appeals successful?
The chances of winning an appeal are generally low, often cited as less than 20%, but vary significantly by jurisdiction and case type, with federal civil appeals sometimes around 30% and criminal appeals lower (10-20%). Success hinges on proving significant legal or procedural errors (like jury misconduct or improper evidence) occurred in the trial, not just disagreeing with the outcome, and requires strong legal representation to overcome the trial court's presumed correctness.
Can I submit new evidence for reconsideration?
At the same time, the Court of Appeals has recognized a trial court's discretion to consider new evidence presented by way of a motion for reconsideration.
How many mandatory reconsiderations are successful universal credit?
So, the important thing is not to be discouraged if the mandatory reconsideration decision goes against you. Because your chances at an oral hearing, in front of an independent appeal panel, are dramatically better. The success rate for appeals about capability for work stands at over 60%.