If you do not agree with the decision about your housing benefit or Local Council Tax Support (LCTS) you can do the following:
- Ask us to explain our decision or provide you with a written statement of reasons. You must ask us to do this within one month of the decision date (the date on your letter). We will always try to look at your claim again if you ask us to, before appealing.
- However, if you still disagree with the decision you may appeal within one calendar month of the date of the decision less the period of time took to request.
- Appeal against the decision (housing benefit) To do this you must write to us, stating your reasons for appealing, within one month of the date of the decision (the date on your letter). We will then look at your claim and decide whether or not the decision can be appropriate to change. You will be advised of this in writing.
- If you disagree with the new decision you can appeal again. This must be within one calendar month of the date of the new decision. If we are unable to change the decision the appeal will be passed to the Appeals Service, an independent body, who will look at your case.
- Appeal against the decision (LCTS /Council tax reduction) If you still disagree with the decision you can appeal (within 2 months) to the valuation tribunal service, an independent body, who will look at your case.
You must sign your appeal and/or request for an explanation of a decision even if someone else is appealing and, on your behalf.