Challenging a Universal Credit decision - mandatory reconsideration

If you disagree with the decision about your Universal Credit claim, you can ask the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) to change it. You’ll need to ask for ‘mandatory reconsideration’ - this means the DWP will look at the decision again.

You can also ask for a mandatory reconsideration about support for mortgage interest (SMI). SMI is a loan to help pay the interest on your mortgage if you get Universal Credit.

You need to contact the DWP within 1 month of the date of the decision.

Asking for a mandatory reconsideration

When you ask for the mandatory reconsideration you’ll need to include:

• the date of the decision

• specific reasons why you disagree

• your name, address and National Insurance number

There are 4 ways you can ask for a mandatory reconsideration. You can:

• write a message in your Universal Credit online account, if you have one

• fill in a CRMR1 mandatory reconsideration request form on GOV.UK - if you print it out, send it to the address on the top of your decision letter

• write a letter to the DWP - send it to the address on the decision letter

• call the number on the decision letter if you’re near the deadline - you should write to the DWP after you call saying why you want a mandatory reconsideration

If you’re writing a letter

Check your decision letter for the address you need to send your letter to. This is different depending on where you live. If you can’t find your decision letter or there's no address on it, contact the DWP to get the address. You should:

• write a message in your online journal

• call the Universal Credit helpline if you don’t have an online account

Ask the Post Office for free proof of postage - you might need to show when you sent your letter.

If you’ve missed the 1 month deadline

You can still ask for a mandatory reconsideration, as long as it’s within 13 months of the decision.

You’ll need to give a good reason for why you couldn’t ask within the 1 month deadline - for example because you were seriously ill or you split up from your partner.

You need to explain to the DWP:

• why you missed the deadline

• why the decision is wrong

• why it’s important they change the decision

You can contact the DWP through your online account if you have one. If you don’t have an online account you can call the Universal Credit helpline. Remember to write to the DWP straight afterwards explaining why you want the mandatory reconsideration.

The DWP can refuse your request for a mandatory reconsideration if it's late.

You can read more about asking for a mandatory reconsideration if you’ve missed the deadline.

If you still disagree with the DWP’s decision

You can take your challenge to an independent tribunal if you still disagree with the DWP or if they won’t let you make a late mandatory reconsideration request.

The tribunal will look at your arguments and make a decision. They’re overseen by a judge and separate from the DWP.