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This information applies to England and Wales. It will also be helpful for claimants in Northern Ireland.

Last updated: March 2026

Welcome to our tool that makes it easy to challenge an ESA or limited capability for work decision. We know that the DWP makes wrong decisions about assessments very frequently, and we want to help you to get the correct amount of benefit if you're not well enough to work or look for work.

According to research, using one of our mandatory reconsideration tools more than doubles your chances of getting the decision changed at the mandatory reconsideration stage. Don’t wait for the appeal to make your case.

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.

Please log in or create an account to submit this form

Steps to appeal a work capability assessment decision

  1. Ask DWP to look at the 'fit for work' decision again. Use this tool to explain why it was wrong.
  2. If the decision is not changed, ask for work capability assessment appeal.
  3. Prepare for appeal and write tribunal submission.
  4. Tribunal hearing.

Follow our advice in Appeal a work capability assessment decision.

If you press Save draft your progress will be saved in your account

Just go to My account to continue.

Examples

Press Examples to see what other people have said.

Don't give up

If your lcw or lcwra mandatory reconsideration is not successful, appeal the decision. Remember we have help for you at every stage.

This tool was produced by Advicenow. We would like to thank everyone who has commented or helped with it.
 

This tool was updated thanks to funding from the Ministry of Justice under the Online Support and Advice Grant.

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