Appealing a Benefit Decision

If you want to appeal a benefit decision, you must ask the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) or HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) to look at their decision again first. This is referred to as requesting mandatory reconsideration.

The DWP will reconsider the decision and give you a response called a ‘Mandatory Reconsideration Notice’. If you still disagree with the decision, check the Mandatory Reconsideration Notice – it will say if you can appeal to an independent tribunal.

You can’t appeal against some things including:

• when and how your benefit is paid to you
• the DWP or HMRC suspending your claim while they check if you’re eligible for benefits

If you want to appeal a Housing Benefit decision, there are different rules. Check how to challenge a Housing Benefit decision.

If you want to appeal an Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) decision, you might not have to ask for mandatory reconsideration. Check how to challenge an ESA decision.