Mandatory reconsideration
Asking the benefits office to look again at a decision, such as a DLA refusal. You must do it before you can appeal, and you only have one month.
Applies across the UK
If a benefit decision goes against you, for example DLA DLA A benefit that helps with the extra costs of looking after a disabled child under 16. In Scotland it is called Child Disability Payment instead. Read the full definition of DLA for your child is refused or awarded at a lower rate than you expected, you cannot appeal Appeal A formal challenge to the SEND Tribunal about a council's EHC decision. It is free to bring, and you do not need a lawyer. Read the full definition of Appeal straight away. First you must ask for a mandatory reconsideration: the Department for Work and Pensions looks at the decision again. You normally have one month from the date on the decision letter to ask.
When the reconsideration is done you get a mandatory reconsideration notice, and it is that notice which unlocks the right to appeal to a tribunal. Missing the one month window can lose the money outright, so if the deadline is close, ask for the reconsideration first and send SEND SEND is England's word for children who need extra help to learn. The rest of the UK uses other words, and other rules. Read the full definition of SEND more evidence afterwards. Many families win at reconsideration or appeal after a refusal, so a no at this stage is not the end.
Across the UK
- Redetermination : For Scottish benefits such as Child Disability Payment, the equivalent step is called a redetermination and is handled by Social Security Scotland.
Where this comes from
- Challenge a benefit decision (mandatory reconsideration) , GOV.UK (Department for Work and Pensions). Checked 2026-08-15.
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