Appeals

If you want to know more about a decision regarding your benefit entitlement, or you think the decision we have made about your benefits is wrong, you can ask us to look at the decision again.

You should write to the Benefits Team within one month of the date of your notification decision letter giving the reasons you disagree with our decision.

You can ask for:

• An explanation of the decision - verbally or in writing
• A review of the decision - known as a reconsideration
• An appeal against the decision to an independent tribunal administered by the Appeals Service

You must give valid reasons as to why you think the decision is wrong.

Remember that you should contact us within one month of the date of your notification letter or we may not be able to consider any dispute. Appeals may be considered under special circumstances. No appeals will be heard under any circumstances 13 months after the original decision is made. 

What happens if I appeal?

Another officer will look at the decision. If it is changed we will send you a letter telling you this. If we cannot change the decision we will write to you and tell you why. You have one month from the date of the new decision to appeal if you wish.

Housing Benefit - Appeals Service

If you wish to formally appeal against the decision, your case will be passed to the Appeals Service. They will arrange an independent tribunal to review the decision, usually within 14 weeks of receiving all the information. More information can be found on the Citizens Advice website.

Council Tax support - Valuation Tribunal

If you wish to formally appeal against a Council Tax Support decision, you should do this directly through the Valuation Tribunal Service. More information can be found on the Valuation Tribunal website. They will arrange an independent tribunal to review the decision.