Appeals
This pages deals with what you should do if you want to know more about a benefits decision or if you think it is wrong.
If you want to know more about a decision about your claim for Housing Benefit or Council Tax Benefit, you can contact us by telephone, email, or in writing and ask for an explanation of the decision.
If, after you have received a further explanation, you disagree with the decision you must contact us in writing within one calendar month, and ask for the decision to be looked at again. The decision will then be looked at by a different officer and this is called a 'reconsideration'.
You will be sent a letter advising you of the outcome of this reconsideration. If the decision remains unchanged you may have a right of appeal if you still think that it is wrong.
Before submitting an appeal to the Benefits Section please read the appeal leaflet below on this page or in the related documents section at the bottom of this page. This will give you more information about what you need to do. If, after having read the leaflet, you think that you have grounds for an appeal, you will need to complete the appeal form, which has a link below on this page, or in the related documents section at the bottom of this page. You can also confirm in writing that you wish to appeal but you must clearly state your reasons.
Appeal Information Leaflet (PDF Document, 89.53 Kb)
Form to Appeal Against Benefit Decision (PDF Document, 18.35 Kb)
On receipt of an appeal we will make a final check on the decision and, if it remains unchanged, we will prepare the appeal papers and submit them to the Tribunal Service. We will also send a copy to you.
Related Documents (2)
- Appeal Information Leaflet (PDF Document, 89.53 Kb)
- Form to Appeal Against Benefit Decision (PDF Document, 18.35 Kb)
Frequently Asked Questions (3)
Send us a letter within one month to the address on this page.
If you pay rent to a landlord who is also a close relative and you live in the same property then you will not be able to claim housing benefit.
If you pay rent to a landlord who is also a close relative and you do not live in the same property then you may be able to claim housing benefit. However the Council will need to ensure that the tenancy meets all the criteria of a fully commercial arrangement and will probably ask you for more details in support of your claim.
The Council cannot normally pay housing benefit if you are renting from a relative, a property that you previously owned, or if you are paying rent to a former partner/spouse.
If you are unhappy with a decision you can ask us for an explanation and a more detailed breakdown of how your claim has been assessed. This is called a 'statement of reasons'.
If, after receiving a statement of reasons, you want the decision to be looked at again you can ask for it to be reviewed by another benefit officer, not the one who made the original decision. This is called a 'reconsideration'.
If you are still unhappy, you can formally appeal against the decision which will mean it is considered by an independent tribunal organised by the Appeals Service, who are independent of the Council.
Last updated: Wednesday, 7 September 2011 10:44 am
