If you disagree with a Universal Credit decision after mandatory reconsideration, you can apply to have your case heard at a tribunal. This tribunal will be headed by a judge who is separate from the Department of Work and Pensions. They will hear your side of the story and decide accordingly.
Challenging a decision
You should first check your letter from the DWP about mandatory reconsideration. It will state why they have not changed their decision. You can appeal the decision if:
- You are being paid the wrong amount;
- You have been incorrectly refused Universal Credit; or
- You were wrongly sanctioned
You usually have one month from the date of the decision to apply to a tribunal, this may be extended to up to 13 months in exceptional circumstances.
How to Apply
There are two ways to appeal a decision. You may appeal a decision online or through the SSCS1 form.
Give specific reasons why you are appealing the decision and attach any new evidence that was not in your mandatory reconsideration notice. You will receive a response detailing why they took this stance. If you wish you can appoint a representative to help you with your appeal.
At this point we would ask you to consider the merits of instructing ourselves to prepare your evidence and submit the appeal on your behalf, please note that we do charge for this service and appreciate that this may be a concern, however, the financial loss of not receiving Universal Credit could be far more significant.
If you decide to appeal without representation then you should send the appeal documents to HMCTS Appeals Centre, PO Box 12626, Harlow, CM20 9QF. Remember to attach your mandatory reconsideration in this letter. You should hear back in around 4 weeks. Please note that it can take up to 6 months for an appeal to be heard at a tribunal.
Preparation of the hearing papers
All relevant information will need to be sent in as soon as possible, if instructed we may suggest obtaining reports from doctors/psychologists etc to support your claim, your case manager will explore options with you. The time from application to hearing is usually around 6 months.
The hearing
It is recommended you attend the hearing and make your case, this allows for any questions not to go unanswered, feel free to take someone along to support you, our representative will accompany you if so instructed. It is not uncommon to receive their decision on the same day.
Claiming expenses
You may be able to claim for reasonable expenses (rates as of June 2021), for example:
- Reimbursement of public transport costs (receipts will be needed)
- Fuel allowance of 12p/mile;
- Meals – £4.25 if you’re away for more than 5 hours, £9.30 for more than 10 hours or £13.55 for more than 12 hours (receipts will be needed) –
- Loss of earnings (an employers letter will be needed)
- Carer expenses, for example, a childminder (receipts/invoice will be needed)
Tracking your appeal
If you applied online, you will be asked to join the online ‘track your appeal’ service that will keep you updated on your case. If you appealed by post, you can ask HM Courts and Tribunal Service for regular updates on your case. You can contact them through:
HM Courts and Tribunal Service:
Telephone: 0300 123 1142
Monday to Friday, 8.30 am to 5 pm
Email: contactsscs@justice.gov.uk
Receiving a decision
You will receive a decision at the hearing. If you do not attend the hearing, you can expect to receive a decision through the post. If you disagree with this decision, you can apply for your case to be heard at an upper tribunal.
Additional Resources:
England, Scotland, Wales:
Northern Ireland:
If you need help submitting an appeal:
Benefit appeals helpline (England and Wales)
Telephone: 0300 123 1142
Monday to Friday, 8 am to 6 pm
Saturday, 8 am to 2 pm
Email: contactsscs@justice.gov.uk
Benefit appeals helpline (for Welsh speakers)
Telephone: 0300 303 5170
Monday to Friday, 8.30 am to 5 pm
Benefit appeals helpline (Scotland)
Telephone: 0300 790 6234
Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 5 pm
Email: SSCSA-Glasgow@justice.gov.uk
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