PIP Mandatory Reconsideration: The Winning Letter Blueprint

1. Don't Just Say "I Disagree"

Most Mandatory Reconsiderations (MR) fail because the claimant simply says they are unhappy with the decision. To win, you must be specific, evidence-based, and focus on the Descriptors.

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2. The Golden Rule: Use the PA4 Report

Before writing your letter, you MUST have the PA4 Assessment Report. This is the report written by the assessor. You can get it by calling the PIP helpline (0800 121 4433).

When you have it, look for:

• Contradictions: Did they say you looked "well-groomed" but ignored that your partner dressed you?
• Lies/Errors: Did they say you walked 20 meters but you actually only walked 5?
• Inferences: Did they assume you can cook because you have a driving license? (This is a common, and illegal, assumption).

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3. Structure of the Winning Letter

Use this structure to ensure the Decision Maker has everything they need:

Section A: The Introduction

*"I am requesting a Mandatory Reconsideration of the decision dated [Date]. I believe I have been incorrectly scored on several activities."*

Section B: Addressing Specific Descriptors

Pick the activities where you think you should have scored more points.

• Example: Activity 1 (Preparing Food)

*"The assessor stated I can prepare a meal unaided. This is incorrect. Because of [Condition], I suffer from severe tremors. I cannot safely hold a knife or lift a pan of water. Under the Reliability Criteria, I cannot do this activity Safely or To an Acceptable Standard. I should be awarded 4 points for needing an aid or 8 points for needing supervision."*

Section C: The Reliability Criteria

Remind the Decision Maker of the law. *"I wish to emphasize that according to Regulation 4 of the Social Security (PIP) Regulations 2013, a person must be able to complete an activity Safely, Repeatedly, To an Acceptable Standard, and in a Reasonable Time."*

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4. Evidence to Enclose

• A "Typical Week" Diary: If your condition fluctuates, show how many "bad" days you had in the last 7 days.
• New Medical Evidence: Don't send the same letters again. Send a list of your current medications or a letter from a carer.
• Photo Evidence: If you use aids (rails, stools) that the assessor "missed," send photos of them.

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5. MR Letter Checklist

1. Be Polite but Firm: Avoid being aggressive. Focus on the facts. 2. Refer to the Assessor's Report: Quote the specific page and paragraph where they made an error. 3. Mention Mental Health: If you have anxiety/depression, explain how the stress of the assessment made your symptoms worse, which may have led to a "brave face" during the interview. 4. Send by Recorded Delivery: Always have proof that the DWP received your letter.

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6. What if the MR is still refused?

Do not give up. 70% of appeals are won at the Independent Tribunal. The MR is just a hurdle. If the MR notice says "No Change," you have one month to apply for a Tribunal hearing. This is where most claimants finally get the money they deserve.