Anyone who disagrees with an official decision about their benefits, tax credits or child maintenance can ask for that decision to be looked at again. This is called Mandatory Reconsideration.
In the past year at Citizens Advice Reigate & Banstead we have noticed a significant increase in Mandatory Reconsiderations for Personal Independence Payment and Employment and Support Allowance. Our colleagues at other Surrey Citizens Advice report the same increase.
We would like to find out why this is happening. We’re asking our CA advisers and our clients if they or someone they know has recently requested a Mandatory Reconsideration.
Have you, or someone you know, requested a Mandatory Reconsideration in the past few weeks? Or maybe you are about to do so?
We would like to know:
1) why the request was needed (why you were unhappy with the original decision)
2) how long the Mandatory Reconsideration request took
3) whether the original decision was overturned (meaning you or your friend didn’t have to go to a tribunal or to appeal)
4) the impact on you or your friend (perhaps running short of money; threatened with losing their mobility car; experiencing stress/anxiety).
Your experience or information will help us make the case for a proper reconsideration of Mandatory Reconsideration. All information we receive will be completely confidential.
To get in touch please phone 03444 111 444 or email randc@CARBS.org.uk Thank you.