Challenging a Housing Benefit decision - Have the decision looked at again

You can ask the benefit office to look at the decision again if you think the decision is wrong. You may hear this referred to as a ‘reconsideration’, ‘revision’ or ‘review’ of the decision. However, with Housing Benefit you are allowed to go straight to an appeal.

How do I ask for the decision to be looked at again?

Write to your local authority or the Housing Executive (Northern Ireland) using the contact details on your decision letter and ask them to look at the decision again.
 
You should tell them in detail why you think the decision is wrong, including any relevant dates.

You should send the letter recorded delivery so there is a record of when it was sent and also keep a copy of the letter.
 
A different decision maker will look at the decision and decide whether it should be changed.

If you are asked for more information or evidence, you should provide this as soon as possible and let them know if there will be a delay.

Time limits

You have one month from the date on the decision letter to ask for the decision to be looked at again.

You may get longer if you ask for an explanation of the decision to be sent to you.

If you missed the deadline for reasons out of your control, such as illness or bereavement, you may still be able to have your decision looked at again.

If you have missed the time limit, you should explain why when you contact your local authority housing office.

Possible Outcomes

When the decision has been looked at again, if they decide that the decision is wrong it will be changed and you will be sent a new decision letter.

If they decide that they can’t change the decision, they will write to you to confirm this and tell you if you have a right to appeal.

If you still think the decision is wrong:

You may be able to appeal against the decision. Find out more on the next page.