Every year millions of benefit claims are handled by the DWP.

Universal Credit, Employment Support Allowance and Personal Independence Payments are among some of the benefits.

In many cases, people are not satisfied with the decision, or the amount awarded.

The DWP has information on how to challenge a decision.

The first thing to do is ask for an explanation of the decision.

If you are still not satisfied, then you can ask for a Mandatory Reconsideration.

A different decision-maker will look at the claim and determine if it is correct or not.

The DWP said the decision maker will look at the facts of the case, the information they have, any new information you provide and the law.

It said following the decision the amount of benefit paid could go up, go down, stay the same or the benefit could even be stopped.

People can ask for a Mandatory Reconsideration by phone using the number on their decision letter.

It can be done by post by filling out a CRMR1 form and sending it to the address on the letter.

There is however a time limit for a reconsideration and it must be requested within one month of the date on the decision letter.

A parent, carer, relative or legal deputy can make the request on your behalf.

You need to state why you think the original decision was wrong and provide information to support your claim.

For Universal Credit, it can include evidence that earned income is different from what the DWP thinks it is.

Bills, bank statements or tenancy agreements can be used to show you live alone if the DWP thinks someone is living with you.

For Personal Independence Payment claims it could include reports, from a nurse, doctor or medical professional, that the DWP hasn’t seen.

Care plans, test results, scans or prescription lists can also be used to support claims.

For Disability Living Allowance it could include details of the impact on day-to-day life the DWP is not aware of.

You will be told of the decision and if you disagree with that you can appeal to an independent tribunal.

You need to submit the appeal within one month.

More information and including for other benefits can be found at www.gov.uk/mandatoryreconsideration

For housing benefit decisions contact your local council. For tax credits and Child benefits contact HMRC.