Guides › Public Services › Missed the Deadline? Asking for a Late Mandatory Reconsideration
Missed the Deadline? Asking for A Late Mandatory Reconsideration
You usually need to ask for a mandatory reconsideration within one month of the decision. If you miss it, you can still ask within 13 months of the decision if you have a good reason, such as a hospital stay, serious illness, bereavement or a relationship breakdown. Explain why you were late and why the decision is wrong. Even after 13 months, DWP can change a decision if it made a mistake.
At A Glance
Your Rights
What the rules say, with a link to the official source for each.
Late Requests
The Usual Deadline
You usually need to ask for mandatory reconsideration within one month of the date of the decision. You can ask after that if you have a good reason, for example a hospital stay or a bereavement. source
Up to 13 Months
If you miss the one-month deadline, you can still ask within 13 months of the decision with a good reason, such as serious illness or a relationship breakdown. Explain why you missed the deadline, why the decision is wrong and why it matters. source
After 13 Months
DWP can still change a decision if it made a mistake, such as getting the law wrong, miscalculating your award or overlooking evidence you sent. It will not change a decision if you gave it wrong information. source
Time Limits to Know
Miss a deadline and you can lose a right. Check the dates on your own paperwork.
- 1 monthUsual deadlineFrom the decision date
- 13 monthsLatest late requestWith a good reason
Steps to Take
Step 1 of 5
Find the date on your decision letter.
Step 2 of 5
Write down why you were late, with proof such as hospital letters.
Step 3 of 5
Say clearly why the decision is wrong.
Step 4 of 5
Send it through your journal, the CRMR1 form or a letter.
Step 5 of 5
Keep a copy and proof of sending.
(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)
The first step to change a decision. Usually within one month.
Your Universal Credit Journal
Sign in to your account and write to DWP. It gives you a dated record.
Citizens Advice
Free, independent help with benefits, including challenges and appeals.
Good to Know
Small things that make your complaint stronger.
Use our Benefit Deadline Checker to work out your dates.
Rules here are for England and Wales. Scotland has its own disability and carer benefits from Social Security Scotland, and Northern Ireland benefits are run through nidirect.
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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: 15 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 15 October 2026
- citizensadvice.org.uk/benefits/universal-credit/problems-with-your-payment/challenging-a-universal-credit-decision-mandatory-consideration Checked 15 October 2026