Guides › Public Services › Challenge a Benefit Decision: Reconsideration and Appeal
Challenge a Benefit Decision: Reconsideration and Appeal
If you disagree with a benefit decision, ask for it to be looked at again (mandatory reconsideration), usually within one month of the decision. If you still disagree, you can appeal to an independent tribunal, usually within one month of the reconsideration decision. Appealing is free.
At a Glance
Your Rights
What the rules say, with a link to the official source for each.
Mandatory Reconsideration
Asking Again
You can ask for a decision to be looked at again for benefits including Attendance Allowance, Carer's Allowance, ESA, PIP, Pension Credit and Universal Credit (Housing Benefit and Child Benefit have different processes). Usually ask within one month of the decision date; later is possible with a good reason, such as being in hospital or a bereavement. source
Appealing to a Tribunal
The Tribunal
You can appeal a decision about your entitlement to benefits, and about child maintenance, usually after mandatory reconsideration. Appeal within one month of getting the reconsideration decision; later appeals need an explanation and might not be accepted. The tribunal is impartial and independent of government, and it is free. source
Time Limits to Know
Miss a deadline and you can lose a right. Check the dates on your own paperwork.
- 1 monthAsk for mandatory reconsiderationFrom the decision date
- 1 monthAppeal to the tribunalFrom the reconsideration decision
Steps to Take
Step 1 of 5
Read the decision letter and note the date.
Step 2 of 5
Ask for a mandatory reconsideration within one month.
Step 3 of 5
Send any new evidence, such as medical letters.
Step 4 of 5
If you still disagree, appeal to the tribunal within one month.
Step 5 of 5
Get free advice from Citizens Advice or a welfare rights service.
(Tap the numbers to reveal steps)
Where to Go If It Is Not Put Right
Your options, in order, and when each one applies.
Mandatory Reconsideration (GOV.UK)
First step.
Benefit Appeal Tribunal (GOV.UK)
Free and independent.
Citizens Advice
Free help with benefit appeals.
Good to Know
Small things that make your complaint stronger.
Keep paying attention to deadlines: an appeal can fail just because it is late.
Want Help?
If you would like one of our team to look at your problem, our initial case review is free. We cannot guarantee any outcome and we do not give legal advice.
Lead reviewer
Luke Marley
Founder and Lead Reviewer
Luke founded CPUK in 2026 after seeing how hard it is for ordinary people to get problems with companies put right. He oversees our guides and checks them against official sources.
Research by Katie Burt, Co-founder and Operations Lead (17 years in the care sector, including managing services for vulnerable adults), and the CPUK Research Team. Researched with AI-assisted research tools, then checked and corrected by our team.
Last checked: 13 October 2026. We are not paid by the companies we write about. Adverts never affect our guidance. Read our editorial policy.
Sources and official links
- gov.uk/mandatory-reconsideration Checked 13 October 2026
- gov.uk/appeal-benefit-decision Checked 13 October 2026