Benefits Appeals

If you receive a decision in writing from us about Housing or Council Tax Benefit, you can ask us to look at it again.

If our decision does not change you may be able to appeal to an independent tribunal. If we change the decision, and you still disagree, you can appeal against the revised decision. The letter you receive about the decision will advise you if you can appeal.

If you receive a decision in writing it is usually because you have:

Renewed an existing claim for Housing and/or Council Tax Benefit.
Claimed Housing and/or Council Tax Benefit.
Had a change of circumstance which affects your benefit entitlement.
Been told you have to pay back benefit.

Who can appeal?

Any person who is affected by a decision made about Housing and/or Council Tax Benefit:

A claimant
A landlord
An appointee, who is acting on someone else's behalf

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 an overpayment of Housing Benefit should be recovered 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 informing you of the decision will advise you if you can appeal.

If you receive a letter advising you about your Housing or Council Tax Benefit decision and you want more information, then please contact us about the decision letter in writing straight away.

If you want us to look at the decision again or if you want to appeal against it, you must do so in writing within one calendar month of the date on the decision letter, not the date you contact the office.