Your right to appeal a welfare benefit decision

If you disagree with a benefit decision, you have the right to challenge it.

Get advice early to give yourself the best chance.

It's free to appeal and you can appeal online or by post.

How to appeal

Step 1: Ask for a Mandatory Reconsideration

• Before you can appeal, you usually need to ask the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) to look at their decision again
• This is called a Mandatory Reconsideration
• You must do this within one month of the date on your decision letter

Step 2: Appeal to an Independent Tribunal

• If you still disagree after the reconsideration, you can appeal to the Social Security and Child Support Tribunal
• The tribunal is independent and will listen to both sides before making a decision
• You must appeal within one month of getting your Mandatory Reconsideration Notice
• If you miss the deadline, you may still be able to appeal if you have a good reason, but you must explain why you are late

What can you appeal?

You can appeal most decisions about benefit entitlement, including:

• Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
• Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
• Universal Credit
• Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
• Carer's Allowance
• And many more

Need more help?

If you need more help to appeal, please contact Sunderland Welfare Rights on 0191520 555 or email [email protected]. You can also get help and support from your local advice provider.