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<p>There is no target in law for processing mandatory reconsideration (MR) applications.
Decisions are made without delay, but the focus is on making sure that the decision
under dispute is thoroughly reviewed.</p><p> </p><p>We are engaging with stakeholders
to explore how we can improve the MR process. We have also recently implemented a
new approach in PIP which includes contacting claimants, where appropriate, to see
if there is information that would enable us to change the decision ourselves at an
earlier stage. To support this, we are investing additional time and resource for
communication, evidence gather and review, which means that some cases can take longer.
However, this approach supports our aim; to make the right decision as early as possible
so that claimants don’t need to progress to the Appeal stage.</p><p> </p><p>Introducing
performance indicators - be they in relation to outcomes or the speed of clearance
- would compromise the Department’s quality-driven approach. But as explained in my
previous reply, from late May 2019 claimants have been advised that as a guide, and
to manage their expectations, that they should hear from the Department within 10
weeks.</p>
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