Making an appeal

What can I do if I think your  decision about my benefit claim is wrong?
If we send you a decision letter about your benefit claim that you don't understand, or you think is wrong, you can ask us for a more detailed explanation. Contact us straight away because if you want us to look at our decision again, or you want to appeal against it, you must do so within one month of the date on the decision letter.

You can  get a leaflet (186KB - 22 September 2008 - PDF Help). about the appeals process from any of our offices or surgeries. It includes a standard appeal form for you to use (although you can just write to us saying that you want to appeal, if you prefer).

If you need help, Advice Centres, like the  Citizens' Advice Bureaux, (15KB - 28 January 2009 - PDF Help) or a solicitor can advise you and help you understand the reasons for decisions about housing or council tax benefit. You may be able to get advice from a solicitor under the legal help scheme. If you do decide to use a solicitor, the scheme does not cover the cost of a solicitor to help you at an appeal hearing.

For details of legal services in England and Wales, phone the Legal Services Commission on 0845 3454345. People with speech or hearing difficulties can call 0845 609 6677. You can also find more information on the Community Legal Advice website www.legalservices.gov.uk.

Page last updated on 29 November 2011