If you don't understand a Housing Benefit decision you can ask for a further explanation, or if you think the decision we made is wrong, you can ask us to look at it again or make an appeal
What to do if you think a decision is wrong
You must write to us within one month of the date on your decision letter.
We may be able to consider late reconsideration requests or appeals made up to 13 months from the date on your decision letter. You would need to ask us to consider a late request and give reasons for it being late.
When you write to us you can:
- ask for a further explanation, this is called a ‘statement of reasons’
- ask us to look at our decision again, this is called a ‘reconsideration’
- ask to appeal to an independent tribunal
You must tell us:
- which decision you would like us to explain or look at again
- why you think the decision is wrong
- if there are other factors we need to take into consideration
You must write to the address at the foot of this page if you want an explanation , reconsideration or to appeal. The person who made the benefit claim must make the request.
What happens next
We agree the decision is wrong
We’ll make corrections to your benefit entitlement and send you a new benefit decision letter.
We feel the decision is correct
We’ll write to you confirming this.
You may still be able to appeal if you think our decision is wrong.
We feel the decision is correct and you’ve made an appeal
We'll send your appeal to an independent tribunal who'll make a decision.
Appeals are dealt with by the First-tier Tribunal, which is independent of the council.
We’ll send the appeal on your behalf to HM Courts and Tribunals Service and they’ll get in touch with you. They’ll explain what happens next and tell you when your appeal will be dealt with by the First-tier Tribunal.