Benefits - Appeals
The Decision
If you get a decision in writing from us about Housing or Council Tax Benefit, you can ask us to look at it again. If we do not change our decision you may be able to appeal to an independent tribunal. The letter telling you about the decision will tell you if you can appeal.
If you receive a decision in writing it is usually because you have
- claimed Housing or Council Tax Benefit
- had a change of circumstances which affects your benefit
- been told you have to pay back benefit
You may be able to ask us to look again at a decision or appeal against it. There are special rules if you are not claiming the benefit yourself, for example, if you are a landlord and a decision is made about whether Housing Benefit is to be paid directly to you or if you are a landlord and a decision is made to recover an overpayment of Housing Benefit or excess Council Tax Benefit from you.
If you are an appointee for another person you can ask us to look again at a decision about their benefit and you may be able to appeal for them. The letter telling you about the decision will tell you if you can appeal. An appointee is someone appointed by us to act for a person who cannot act for themselves.
How to Appeal
If you have received a decision about Housing Benefit and think it is wrong you can
- ask us to look at the decision again
- ask for an explanation of the decision
- ask for a statement of reasons
- appeal to an independent appeal tribunal administered by the Appeals Service
If you want the Council to look at the decision again or if you want to appeal against it, you must do so within one month of the date on the decision letter.