Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) letter explained in English
Benefits office. Pays most benefits, for example Universal Credit, Personal Independence Payment (PIP), State Pension and Employment and Support Allowance.
Letters you may get
- Decision letter — what you get, or why your benefit changes or stops
- Appointment letter — you must go to the Jobcentre or an assessment
- Overpayment letter — they say they paid you too much and want it back
- Mandatory reconsideration notice — the result of their review
What to do
- If you disagree with a decision, first ask for a mandatory reconsideration within one month of the date on the decision letter. After that you can appeal to a tribunal.
- For Universal Credit, many messages arrive in your online journal, not by post. Check it often.
- Find the deadline. Look for “by”, “within”, “no later than”.
- Write the reference number from the letter on everything you send back, and keep copies.
- If you disagree with a decision, object in writing before the deadline (“mandatory reconsideration”, “administrative review”, “representations”, “challenge”, “appeal”, “dispute”, “review”). See the template.
Words you may see
- Universal Credit
- The main monthly benefit for people of working age with low income or out of work. It is managed in an online account with a journal.
- PIP
- Personal Independence Payment. Money for extra costs if you have a long-term illness or disability.
- mandatory reconsideration
- Asking the DWP or HMRC to look at a benefit decision again. You must do this before you can appeal to a tribunal.
- overpayment
- Money paid to you by mistake that they want back.
- journal
- The message area in your Universal Credit online account. Many messages and appointments appear there.
Questions
What is the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP)?
Benefits office. Pays most benefits, for example Universal Credit, Personal Independence Payment (PIP), State Pension and Employment and Support Allowance.
How long do I have to answer a letter from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP)?
It depends on the letter. Look for words like “by”, “within”, “no later than” — they mark the deadline. In the UK, a letter sent by first class post is usually treated as delivered on the second working day after it was posted. But many deadlines, for example for appeals, count from the date printed on the letter. To object, the letter usually names the way to do it (“mandatory reconsideration”, “administrative review”, “representations”, “challenge”, “appeal”, “dispute”, “review”).
Can I read a Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) letter in English?
Yes. Take a photo of the letter with Briefly. It explains the letter in plain English, finds the deadline and the amount, and gives you ready-made replies in English. Your letter never leaves your device.
Other offices in the United Kingdom
HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) · Council (borough, district or city council) · Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) · TV Licensing · Home Office / UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) · County Court / Magistrates’ Court / Tribunal (HMCTS) · Enforcement agents (bailiffs) · Debt collection agency