Disputing your housing benefit decision

We will look at the decision again and issue the reasons for our decision taking into consideration what you have told us. If we can change your decision we will tell you of our new decision, and what will happen next to your appeal.

If we cannot change the decision in your favour, your appeal will be forwarded to HM Courts and Tribunals Service.

You should identify the decision date against which you wish to appeal and explain in full why you think our decision is wrong. It is not acceptable to say ‘I do not agree with the decision’ or ‘the amount of benefit I have been awarded is not enough’. You need to say why you think the decision is wrong and give relevant facts. It will be helpful if you can provide evidence to support your request or appeal.

If we cannot change the decision, we will prepare your Tribunal submission papers, and forward them and your appeal to HM Courts and Tribunals Service and send a copy to you.  HM Courts and Tribunals Service will set a date for the independent Appeal Tribunal hearing.

Complete the online appeal form.

If you think the decision is correct based on the information provided by you, and you are experiencing difficulties in meeting your housing costs you may also apply for extra help.

Why the decision may be wrong

When making a revision request or an appeal you should identify the date of the decision notice that you do not agree with, and explain in full why you think our decision is wrong. It is not acceptable to say ‘I do not agree with the decision’ or ‘the amount of benefit I have been awarded is not enough’. You need to say why you think the decision is wrong and give relevant facts. It will be helpful if you can provide evidence to support your revision request or appeal.

Examples of the grounds to dispute a decision may include the following:

• The council have used the wrong amount of rent, e.g. it is £65 not £55
• The council have stated the wrong moving-in date, e.g. you moved into the property on 15 April and not 15 May
• The council have used the wrong amount of income, e.g. you only receive £85 per week and not £95 per week, as you originally stated.

If you do not agree with more than one decision, you should identify the date of each decision, and give the reasons why you do not agree with each one.

Landlords

Landlords may only dispute the following decisions:

• We have decided that housing benefit cannot be paid direct to them
• there has been an overpayment of the bousing benefit that was paid to them, and we are seeking recovery from them.