How to challenge a Universal Credit decision you think is wrong
Key points
- If DWP makes a wrong decision about your Universal Credit or other benefit, you have the right to ask them to look again for free — this is called a mandatory reconsideration
- You usually have 1 month to ask, but you can request up to 13 months later if you had a good reason for missing the deadline
- If DWP still disagrees after reconsidering, you can take your case to an independent judge at a tribunal — many people win at this stage
DWP makes decisions about Universal Credit (UC) and other benefits every day. Sometimes those decisions are wrong. You might be paid less than you should, or your payments might be stopped for a reason you do not agree with.
If that happens to you, you have the right to ask DWP to look again. This is called a mandatory reconsideration and it is free.
What is a mandatory reconsideration?
A mandatory reconsideration is when you ask DWP to review a decision they have made about your benefit. A different DWP decision maker will look at your case from the start.
You must do this before you can take your case to an independent tribunal. It is always the first step.
How long do you have?
You usually need to ask within 1 month of the date on your decision letter. The sooner you ask, the better.
If you miss that deadline, you can still ask up to 13 months later. But you will need to give a good reason — for example, if you were seriously ill, in hospital, or going through a bereavement. DWP will decide whether to accept your late request.
How to ask
There are 4 ways to request a mandatory reconsideration:
- Your UC online journal — log in and send a message asking DWP to reconsider.
- Form CRMR1 — download it from GOV.UK, fill it in, and send it to DWP.
- A letter — write to your local DWP office.
- Phone — call the Universal Credit helpline.
When you ask, explain clearly which part of the decision you think is wrong and why. Include any evidence that backs up your case — for example, a letter from your doctor, your payslips, or a tenancy agreement.
Search for your next property on DSSmove →What happens after you ask?
DWP must review the decision and write back to you. If they agree the original decision was wrong, they will change it and pay you any money you were owed from the date of that decision.
If DWP still disagrees with you, they will send you a document called a mandatory reconsideration notice. Once you have that, you have 1 month to appeal to an independent tribunal.
The tribunal is separate from DWP. A judge will look at all the evidence and make a final ruling. Many people win at tribunal, especially when they have evidence to support them.
Get free help
Challenging a DWP decision can feel difficult, but you do not have to do it alone. Citizens Advice can check whether the decision looks wrong and help you put together your request for free. Shelter can help if the dispute affects your housing costs.
You do not need a lawyer or to pay anything. Most people start simply by sending a short message through their UC journal.
Frequently asked questions
What if I feel I cannot challenge the DWP decision on my own?
Citizens Advice can check whether the decision looks wrong and help you write your reconsideration request for free — contact your local Citizens Advice or visit citizensadvice.org.uk.
Does mandatory reconsideration apply to all DWP benefits, not just Universal Credit?
Yes — mandatory reconsideration applies to all DWP benefits including PIP, Carer's Allowance, and ESA, across England, Scotland, and Wales.
Official source: https://www.gov.uk/mandatory-reconsideration