Benefit challenges and appeals

  1. Overview
  2. Mandatory reconsideration
  3. Supporting evidence
  1. How to appeal
  2. Help and representation
  3. Appeal hearings

1. Overview

If your claim for benefit or tax credits has been refused or if you disagree with a decision about your benefit entitlement you may be able to challenge this.

In most cases you must do this within one month of the decision. How you do this depends on the type of benefit you have applied for.

Appeals are decided by a tribunal. Before you can appeal to the tribunal you must ask for the decision about your benefits to be looked at again - this is called 'mandatory reconsideration'.

The Welfare Rights Service may be able to help with your appeal. This guide provides some information about how to challenge a benefit decision and how our service may be able to help.

Page 1 of 6

Benefits and financial help