Welcome to Advicenow's PIP mandatory reconsideration tool that makes it easier to challenge your PIP decision. Written by experts to help you get the amount of benefit you are entitled to.
This information applies to England and Wales. It will also be helpful for claimants in Northern Ireland and Scotland.
Last updated: January 2026
Don’t worry, it is not too late - even if 30 days have passed. You should still ask for a mandatory reconsideration if you got the decision less than 13 months ago.
PIP awards are based on what help you need with very specific activities because of your disability, illness, or treatment. Fit the difficulties you have to one of the descriptors. You don't get any points for having a different difficulty.
How to use this tool
Please select the first descriptor that you meet for each activity you have difficulty with.
If the only way you can do something is to do it badly, unsafely, slowly or only occasionally, select the phrase that says you can’t do it.
If you can’t do a task as many times as you might need, or if doing it causes you pain, tiredness, breathlessness, nausea, or makes your condition worse, select the phrase that says you can’t do it. You can explain the effect it has on you later.
If you feel better on some days than on others, choose the phrase that describes how things are more than half of the time.
If you have to use special equipment or hold onto something while doing a task, you need to use an ‘aid or appliance’.
FAQs about PIP mandatory reconsiderations
What is the best way to request a PIP mandatory reconsideration?
The best way is in writing, matching your difficulties to specific PIP descriptors. Research shows that using the Advicenow's PIP mandatory reconsideration tool more than doubles a claimant's chances of getting their PIP decision changed. (52% of survey respondents saw their award improved at the MR stage, compared with a national average success rate of 23%). Advicenow is a charity and provides this tool for free to help the many disabled people who are not receiving all the benefits they are entitled to.
Is it worth asking for a mandatory reconsideration if I got zero points?
Yes. If you believe the decision does not fully reflect your condition or the difficulties you experience, it is always worth asking for a reconsideration. If you are not successful, ask for an appeal.
How long does a mandatory reconsideration take?
Unfortunately, there are no time limits. It can be as much as 12 weeks.
If you have not heard back after 6 weeks, ring and find out what is happening. If you have not heard after 2 or 3 months, you could make an official complaint for the unreasonable delay.
