Reconsiderations and appeals

What can I do if I think the wrong decision has been made?

If you think the decision we have made is wrong, you can ask us to reconsider. Let us know within one month of the date of the notification letter. We will look at the claim again and if:

• the decision is wrong, we will change it
• we cannot change the decision, we will tell you why. 

Are there any decisions that cannot be disputed?

There are certain decisions that cannot be changed:

• the local housing allowance (LHA) rate set by the Valuation Office
• the broad rental market area (BRMA) that your home is in. 

A landlord or agent can only dispute a decision about:

• who payment of housing benefit should go to
• whether an overpayment can be recovered from the landlord or agent.  

How do I ask you to reconsider your decision?

What can I do if I still don't agree with your decision?

After your claim has been reconsidered, if you still feel that the decision is wrong, you can make an appeal. 

The appeal process is different for housing benefit and council tax support.

Housing benefit

You must appeal within one month of us reconsidering the decision, by completing our online form. The appeal will then be heard by an independent tribunal service.

Council tax support or council tax discretionary reduction

You must appeal directly to the Valuation Tribunal Service. 

You can either call them on 0300 1232035 or visit the website:

The Valuation Tribunal Service (external website)

Where can I find out more detail about the reconsideration and appeal process?

Dispute my housing benefit decision booklet (pdf 174kb)

Dispute my council tax support decision booklet (pdf 420kb)