How to appeal

Housing Benefit

If you do not understand a Housing Benefit decision you can ask for a further explanation, or if you think the decision we made is wrong you can ask us to look at it again or make an appeal. 

What to do if you think a decision is wrong 

You must contact us within one month of the date of the decision either by the appeals form or by writing to us. 

If you’re posting your appeal please send it to: 

We may be able to consider late appeals up to 13 months from the date on the decision letter. You would need to ask us to consider a late request and give reasons for it being late. 

When you write to us you can ask: 

• for a further explanation - this is called a statement of reasons 

• us to look at our decision again - this is called a reconsideration 

• to appeal to an independent tribunal 

You must tell us 

• which decision you want us to explain or look at again 

• why do you think the decision is wrong 

• if there is anything else we need to take into consideration 

What happens next 

If we agree the decision is wrong, we’ll correct your benefit entitlement and send you a new decision letter. 

If we think the decision is correct, we’ll write to confirm this. You may still be able to appeal if you think our decision is wrong. 

If we think the decision is correct and you’ve made an appeal, we’ll send this to an independent tribunal who will decide. 

Appeals are dealt with by the First-tier Tribunal and not us. After we send the appeal to the courts the HM Courts and Tribunals Service will get in touch with you. They’ll explain what happens next. 

Council Tax Reduction

If you disagree with the decision made on your Council Tax Reduction claim, you can request a reconsideration or explanation from us. You cannot appeal directly to us, you must appeal directly to the Valuation Tribunal Service.

What to do if you think a decision is wrong 

You should request a reconsideration or explanation to us in writing at the below address: 

You must tell us: 

• which decision do you disagree with

• why do you think the decision is wrong 

• if there are other factors we need to take into consideration 

There is no time limit for when you can lodge a dispute.

We have 2 months to review the decision once we have received your request. If we do not contact you within 2 months, please contact us. 

What happens next 

If we agree the decision is wrong, we’ll correct your award and send you a new decision notice and Council Tax bill. 

If we think the decision is correct, we’ll write to you confirming this. 

If you’re still not happy with the decision you have a further 2 months to appeal to the Valuation Tribunal Service. 

If we do not reply within 2 months you can appeal directly to the Valuation Tribunal Service. You must do this within 4 months from the date we received your original appeal.