Appeal a benefit decision

What happens if I don't agree with your decision?

If you think our decision is wrong you have the right to:

  • Ask for an explanation 
  • Ask us to look at the decision again 
  • Appeal against the decision 

You've one calendar month to tell us that you disagree with the decision from the date of the decision letter, or one calendar month from the date of the letter telling you that the decision cannot be changed. If you tell us later than this you must tell us why it is late - in writing. Late appeals can only be accepted in special circumstances and cannot be accepted 12 months or more after the date of our decision letter.

Asking for an explanation of our decision

If you want us to explain our decision you can get in touch with us by phone, in writing or calling into your local Customer Service Centre. We'll explain how we made the decision and what information was used - if we explain it in writing this is called a 'written statement of reasons'.

Ask us to look at the decision again 

If you've contacted us and are not happy with the explanation, you can ask us to look at the decision again. You must let us know 'in writing' within one calendar month of the date of the decision letter. If we don't change our decision and it's appropriate, we'll refer your case to the Appeals Service, who are independent of the council.

If you're a landlord there are only specific decisions you can appeal against - further information is available at Housing Benefit and landlords.

Appeal against the decision

If, after we've explained our decision, you still think it's wrong, you can appeal to an independent tribunal. If you wish to appeal you can: 

If you need help in appealing you can contact organisations such as the Citizens Advice Bureau (external link)

What happens after I've appealed?

Your case will be referred to an Appeal Tribunal. You can choose between an oral hearing or a paper hearing.

The tribunal members:

  • Are experts who will decide your case on the issues involved in your appeal. The members are independent of the council.
  • Can only look at the evidence, the law and the circumstances at the time we made the decision you are appealing against; and 
  • Can not look at changes of circumstances that happened after we made the decision.
How will I know what decision was made by the Appeal Tribunal?

You'll be given a decision notice explaining the tribunal’s decision as soon as possible after the appeal hearing.

If your appeal is successful, we'll usually put the decision right as soon as we receive a copy of the tribunal’s decision unless we decide to challenge the decision. We'll let you know what we intend to do.

If you don't agree with the Appeal Tribunal’s decision the information with the decision notice will advice you what to do next.