What is a mandatory reconsideration?

How it works

You usually have one month from the date of the decision to ask DWP to look at it again. This is called a mandatory reconsideration. DWP writes back with its decision.

If it's still wrong

If the decision is still wrong, there is usually one month from the date DWP wrote back to appeal to a tribunal, online or by post.

A worked example

Invented example, not a real claim: a claim is turned down after the form said only "needs help with meals." The mandatory reconsideration letter says the same thing again, but in full – how often help is needed, roughly how long it takes, and what happens on the days nobody is there. A fuller answer shows DWP what the help really involves.

Often missed

Policy in Practice estimates over 1.1 million pension-age households in Great Britain could be missing out on Attendance Allowance, worth about £5.2bn a year. A refusal is not always the last word – asking for a mandatory reconsideration is free, and there is no penalty for asking.

If you are doing the caring

Carer's Allowance pays £86.45 a week (April 2026 to April 2027). To get it, the carer must care for the person for at least 35 hours a week, earn no more than £204 a week after tax, National Insurance and expenses, be 16 or over, and not be in full-time education. The person cared for must get a disability benefit such as Attendance Allowance. Carer's Allowance can affect the other benefits that the carer and the person they care for get, so get a free benefits check first, from Citizens Advice or Age UK.

The start date does not move

Asking for a mandatory reconsideration does not create a new claim. Attendance Allowance cannot be backdated before the date of the claim. If it succeeds, payment still starts from the date of the original claim.

If it's about the special rules

There is a fast route for someone who might have 12 months or less to live. The usual 6-month wait does not apply, and a doctor or other medical professional fills in a form called SR1. If a decision looks wrong specifically because the special rules were not applied, say so when asking for reconsideration.

Worth checking again

• Over State Pension age.
• Needs help or watching over because of an illness or disability.
• Has needed that help for about 6 months.

The rate does not change

If the mandatory reconsideration succeeds, the same two rates apply as to any other claim: £76.70 a week for help needed by day or by night, £114.60 a week for help needed day and night, or for someone nearing the end of life.