Welfare Rights - benefits appeals

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Help with appeals

If your claim for benefit or tax credits has been refused or if you disagree with a decision you may be able to appeal. There are strict time limits for appealing (see FAQs for more information). You should contact us for advice as soon as possible after you get the decision. If you leave it too late we may not be able to help you.

We can:

• Advise you on whether you can appeal against a decision and what your  chances are of success
• Explain how to appeal
• Advise you how to argue your case and what evidence you will need
• Help you prepare a written summary of your arguments for a tribunal
• Represent you at an appeal tribunal if necessary and a Welfare Rights Officer is available

You should make sure you appeal in time - do not wait until you can talk to us if the deadline is near. We may not need to see you until you have been sent all the appeal papers by the Tribunals Service but you can ask us for advice at any time. There is more information on our FAQs page.

You can download an appeal form or fill in an online appeal form to print off.  You can  get more information about appealing from Directgov

The Tribunals Service has produced a You Tube video which explains what happens when you appeal and what to expect when you attend a tribunal.