Top Tips for a Strong Mandatory Reconsideration (PIP or DLA)

A photo of a lady (neck down) with a prosthetic arm, sitting at a desk in front of her computer.

1. Do NOT just say “I disagree” — explain why the decision is wrong

A successful MR explains what the assessor got wrong, such as:

• Incorrect assumptions

• Ignored evidence

• Misreported what you said

• Focused on what you can do once, not reliably

Be specific:

“The assessor said I can walk 200m, but this is incorrect. On most days I can only walk around 20m before severe pain forces me to stop.”

2. Use the “Four Reliability Criteria”

For PIP especially, this is crucial.

Every activity must be possible:

✔ Safely✔ To an acceptable standard✔ Repeatedly✔ In a reasonable time

If you cannot do something reliably, you should score points. Use this wording:

“I cannot prepare food reliably. I cannot do it safely due to risk of cutting/burning. I cannot do it repeatedly without severe fatigue. It takes me over twice as long as a person without my condition.”

These four criteria win a lot of appeals.

3. Explain what happens on the majority of days

PIP and DLA both rely on “the majority of days”.

Explain:

• Good days (if you have them)

• Bad days

• How often each happens

Example:

“I have 3–4 bad days per week when I cannot leave my bed due to pain and dizziness.”

4. Give real-life examples

Decision makers respond best to specific incidents, such as:

• Falls

• Burns

• Mistakes with medication

• Getting lost

• Needing someone to prompt or supervise

Example:

“Last month I dropped a pan of boiling water due to hand weakness. My partner had to take over cooking.”

3–4 examples per descriptor is ideal.

5. Challenge inaccuracies in the assessment report

If the assessor misreported something, say so calmly and factually.

Example:

“The report says I walked 30 metres unaided. This is incorrect. I used my stick, leaned heavily on it and stopped twice.”

List the errors one by one.

6. Make sure your MR focuses on the descriptors, not the diagnosis

PIP and DLA are based on functional impact, not the condition name.

For each activity you are challenging:

1. State which descriptor you should meet

2. Explain why

3. Give examples

4. Refer to reliability criteria

I can help you identify the exact descriptor wording if you want.

7. Send new evidence, not just the same papers

Useful evidence includes:

• GP letters

• Consultant reports

• Mental health notes

• Physio / OT reports

• Carer statements

• Medication lists

• Pain management or occupational therapy evidence

• A diary of symptoms (even 7–14 days helps)

If you don’t have evidence yet, send the MR anyway and say:

“Further evidence will follow.”

8. Always include a symptoms diary (1–2 weeks is enough)

A diary is extremely powerful.

Include:

• Pain levels

• Fatigue

• Falls

• How long tasks take

• Support needed

• Whether tasks are completed reliably

Decision makers often change the award after seeing a diary.

9. Structure your MR clearly

Use this layout:

Section 1 – Decision you are challenging

“I am requesting a Mandatory Reconsideration of the decision dated … regarding my PIP/DLA claim.”

Section 2 – Summary of mistakes

List 3–6 main errors (e.g., “ignored evidence”, “incorrect assumptions”).

Section 3 – Descriptor-by-descriptor explanation

For each activity:

• State the descriptor you believe applies

• Explain why

• Give examples

• Apply the reliability criteria

• Add evidence where relevant

Section 4 – Evidence list

Attach copies (don’t send originals).

Section 5 – Statement of truth

“I confirm that the information in this letter is true to the best of my knowledge.”

10. Keep tone factual, not emotional

Avoid writing:❌ “The assessor lied.”Use:✔ “The assessor’s report is inaccurate because…”✔ “This does not reflect my functional ability.”

⭐ EXTRA TIP: MRs rarely overturn the decision — but they set up a STRONG appeal

Only 15–25% of MRs succeed, but 70–75% of appeals do when the claimant sticks with it. A strong, well-structured MR makes the eventual appeal much easier. It will be the bed rock to form your appeal statement.

Please feel free to contact me if you want to know what help I can offer with your Mandatory Reconsideration by emailing maria@benefitiaforms.co.uk