Claim refused?
Attendance Allowance Refused? What to Do Next
A refusal or a lower-than-expected award isn't necessarily the end of the road. DWP itself acknowledges that not every decision gets overturned at the reconsideration stage — but plenty do, especially when new detail or evidence is added. Here's the process, step by step.
Step 1: Mandatory reconsideration
Before you can appeal to a tribunal, you have to ask DWP to review its own decision first — this is called a "mandatory reconsideration." You can do this by:
- Filling in form CRMR1 (available on GOV.UK), or
- Writing a letter to DWP explaining, specifically, which part of the decision you disagree with and why.
Time limit: one month from the date on the decision letter. Keep a copy of whatever you send.
What to include
Vague disagreement rarely moves a decision. What helps is specific facts, examples, and — where you have it — medical evidence that speaks directly to the parts of the decision letter you're disputing. If the letter says a particular need "wasn't evidenced," that's exactly the gap to fill: concrete, dated examples of what happens and what help is given.
This is often where claims fall down the first time round — not because the need isn't real, but because the form didn't spell it out in the terms DWP's decision-makers are looking for. If you haven't yet, it's worth reading our guide to describing care needs clearly, since the same detail that strengthens an original claim is what strengthens a reconsideration too.
What happens next
There's no fixed deadline for DWP to respond to a mandatory reconsideration request — it can take some time. You'll receive a "mandatory reconsideration notice" (sent in duplicate, so you have a spare copy). If the decision changes in your favour, payment starts and is backdated — to your original claim date for a new claim, or to the date payments were reduced/stopped for an existing award.
Step 2: Appeal to a tribunal
If the reconsideration doesn't change the outcome, the next step is an independent appeal to HM Courts & Tribunals Service — a separate body from DWP. You'll need the mandatory reconsideration notice to lodge the appeal. Citizens Advice and local welfare rights services can help with this stage; it's worth getting support if you can, since tribunal appeals are more formal than the reconsideration step.
Frequently asked questions
How long do I have to challenge a decision?
One month from the date on the decision letter (not the date you received it) to request a mandatory reconsideration. If you miss that window, you can still ask within 13 months, but you'll need to explain why the request is late — DWP can refuse a late request, though you can still appeal to tribunal afterwards.
Will asking for a reconsideration stop my payments?
If you're requesting reconsideration of an ongoing award being reduced or stopped, it's worth checking your specific situation with Citizens Advice, since the details can vary by case. For a brand-new claim that's been refused, there's no existing payment to affect.
What if the reconsideration doesn't change anything?
You can appeal to an independent tribunal (HM Courts & Tribunals Service), separate from DWP. You'll need the mandatory reconsideration notice to do this — it's sent to you in duplicate specifically so you have a copy for the appeal.
Starting fresh instead? Our complete guide and checklist cover what to gather before you apply, so the first answer is a strong one.