Translate

Make a benefit enquiry, dispute or appeal

Ask us for a Statement of Reason or a reconsideration of a decision on your Housing Benefit and Council Tax Reduction claim and how to appeal if you are still unhappy with the decision.

In this section:

Ask for an explanation (Statement of Reasons)

If you do not understand or disagree with your benefit decision you can ask for a full written explanation on how the decision was made.
This statement will give you:

  • written details and reasons for the decision
  • confirmation of the supporting information used to make the decision
  • the regulations we applied when making the decision

You must apply within one month of the date of the original decision. There are no time limits when applying for Council Tax Reduction statement of reasons.

Time limits can be extended under special circumstances. If there is a delay in making a request, you must provide supporting evidence of the special circumstances.

Ask us to look at the decision again (reconsideration)

If you are not satisfied with the reasons given and disagree with the decision, you can ask for us to reconsider or look at the decision again.

You can ask us to revise our decision giving reasons why you think it is wrong.

How to ask for a statement of reason or a reconsideration

You can use our form to request a:

  • Housing Benefit and/or Council Tax Reduction statement of reasons
  • Housing Benefit and/or Council Tax Reduction reconsideration

A statement of reasons or reconsideration request must be from the claimant (not a third party unless there is an appointee in place) .

Your application must:

  • include your full name, address and claim reference number
  • be completed by the person affected by the decision
  • state the date of the decision that you do not understand or dispute
  • state what elements of the decision you would like clarified or that you dispute and why
  • provide evidence where applicable to support your dispute

Start now

After you've made a request

We will endeavour to send you a response within 2 months of receiving your request.

If you remain unhappy with the decision as it was not in your favour, you have: