The Housing Benefit (Decision and Appeals) Regulations 2001 state that any 'person affected' by a relevant decision can ask us to revise our decision. You can also appeal against our decision to an independent appeal tribunal.
A relevant decision is any matter concerning a claim for benefit, for example: the amount of benefit payable, the rent eligible for benefit, the calculation of a claimants income or the calculation and recovery of an overpayment. Some decisions, mainly administrative decisions, do not carry a right of appeal. You will be notified if the matter you are disputing does not carry the right of appeal.
If we receive a request for a revision, we will look again at our decision regarding a claim for benefit and will make sure that it has been done correctly.
An appeal means that a tribunal, independent of the council and the DWP, will consider our decision.
Are you affected?
A person affected is:
a claimant
someone acting on behalf of the claimant who is appointed by the courts
someone who the council agrees is appointed to act on behalf of the claimant
a landlord - but only in matters relating to whom payment of benefit is to be made
an agent - but only in matters relating to whom payment of benefit is to be made
any person from whom, it is determined, an overpayment is to be recovered
This means that you can ask us to revise a decision concerning the calculation of your entitlement; and that your landlord or agent can only ask us to revise a decision about whether payment should be made to a landlord and whether the decision to recover an overpayment from a landlord or agent has been correctly made
Not happy with our decision?
You can query our decision and request further information about the decision. We will give you an explanation, sometimes over the phone. If you are still not happy you can appeal or request a revision of our decision.
Contact us
Housing benefit decisions, revisions, disputes and appeals
Book a face-to-face appointment in advance
Write to
Revenue Services
PO Box 355
TW3 4PJ
Call Centre
Tel : 020 8583 4242. - Opening hours 9am to 5pm (Monday to Thursday) 9am to 4.45pm (Friday)