What if I disagree with your decision?

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Once a decision has been made you will receive a notification letter telling you how much benefit you will get and how we came to that decision. You should read this letter carefully to make sure that it is correct.

Do you want more information about the decision?

If you think we have used the wrong information to calculate your claim, do not understand our decision, or simply want to know more about the reasons for our decision, you can contact us to discuss it in more detail. We can also send you a written statement which explains the decision

You must do this straight away because if you want us to look at the decision again or if you want to appeal against it, you must do so within one calendar month of the date on the decision letter.

Do you want us to look at the decision again?

If you think our decision is wrong you must write and ask us to look at it again. A different benefits assessment officer will then review your claim and check the award decision.

If we do not change our decision, we will inform you of the reasons why.

If we change our decision, we will send you a new notification letter detailing your new benefit award.

If you do not agree with the results of our review you have one month to submit a formal appeal in writing. All appeals will be reviewed and considered by the Tribunal Service

Do you want to appeal against the decision?

If you have received a letter from us telling you the decision or a written statement of reasons explaining the decision and you still think it is wrong you can submit a formal appeal in writing within one calendar month of the date of your first notification letter. You can write the letter yourself, or use our benefit appeal form benefit appeal form 100kb.

All appeals will be passed to the Tribunal Service an independent body who will make an impartial decision on any disputes about our benefit decisions.

When writing your appeal please include the following information:

1. your full name and address (and the full name and address of any representative should you have one)
2. the address that you wish any documents relating to the appeal to be sent
3. details of the decision that you wish to appeal against
4. state why you think the decision is wrong

Please note, the appeal letter / form must be signed by you.

Last updated: 23 January 2012