The PIP MR timeline, stage by stage

The PIP mandatory reconsideration timeline, stage by stage

Every date below comes from the official process (gov.uk, "challenge a benefit decision"). There is

one hard deadline that matters most, and one long wait you should plan for.

Day 0 — the decision letter

The 1-month clock starts from the date on the decision letter, not the date it arrived. The letter

lists the activities scored and the points given — that list is the spine of your MR argument.

Within 1 month — request the MR

You normally must ask for mandatory reconsideration within one month of the letter date. Write to

the address on the letter or use the gov.uk online route. Late requests can be accepted up to

13 months if you have a good reason — but never plan around that.

The wait — DWP looks again

There is no legal deadline for the DWP's reconsideration reply. Recent official publications show

tens of thousands of MRs cleared each quarter, and typical waits run several weeks. Ask for SMS or

email updates when you request the MR, and chase after about 4–6 weeks.

The MR outcome

Two outcomes only:

• Changed in your favour — payment is usually backdated to the original decision date.
• Upheld — you receive a *mandatory reconsideration notice*. This letter is your ticket to appeal.

Within 1 month of the MR notice — appeal

Appeals go to the independent Social Security and Child Support Tribunal. You can appeal up to 13

months after with permission and a good reason. In April–June 2026, **67% of PIP cases heard at

tribunal were decided in the claimant's favour** (HMCTS official statistics).

*Source-checked 2026-10-09 at gov.uk/appeal-benefit-decision and the DWP PIP statistics to July 2026.*

Independent information directory · Source-checked 2026-10-09 · Independent information — not legal or benefits advice; not affiliated with the DWP.