What if I disagree with the Housing Benefit decision?

When we have worked out how much Housing Benefit you are entitled to, we will write to you with the details. If you think any of the information we have used is wrong, or if you disagree with our decision, you can:

• Ask for a further written explanation - called a statement of reasons
• Ask us to look at the decision again - called an internal review
• Make an appeal - to an independent Tribunal

You must do this within one month of the date on your letter.

Statement of reasons

The statement of reasons will show more details about the decision that has been made and explain the reasons for it.

Internal review

If you are still unhappy with the decision, you can ask us to look at it again. You must request this within one month of the date on the original decision notice. Your case will be looked at again by a different Housing Benefit officer to see if it is correct. If it is determined that the original decision was incorrect, it will be amended and a letter will be sent to you to explain the new decision. If however, it is determined that the original decision was correct, a letter will be sent to you explaining the reasons and you will be given a further month to appeal to the Tribunals Service.

Independent Tribunal

An appeal must be made in writing with your reasons for the appeal. This appeal will then be forwarded to the Tribunal Service, who will make a decision at a tribunal hearing, made up of people who are independent of the Benefits Service. Their decision will be based on the evidence, the law and the circumstances at the time the original decision was made. More information can be found on the Tribunal Service  website.

You can not appeal against:

• The information and proofs needed for your claim
• If our decision was not looked at again because of a late request for this from you
• If a backdate request was not considered because you were late in requesting this or in reporting a change of circumstances
• The method of payment
• The right to recover an overpayment from you and how
• The outcome of a decision on a request for a Discretionary Housing Payment
• The level of Local Housing Allowance