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Reconsiderations
I disagree with a decision you have made in relation to my Housing Benefit and/or Council Tax Benefit, what should I do next?
You can ask us to look at our decision again, this is known as a Reconsideration. To ask us for a Reconsideration you should:
- Complete an Appeals Form and send this to Sheffield Benefits Service, clearly marked Benefit Appeal. Follow the link at the bottom of this page to download the Appeals Form.
- Alternatively you can write a letter and state clearly that you would like to make an Appeal.
- Ensure that your name, address and, if possible, your reference number is quoted on the form or in your letter.
- Ensure that you have signed the letter or form.
- If someone is acting on your behalf, please include your written authorisation for them to do so.
- Make it clear in your submission exactly which decision you are disputing, giving the date on our Decision Letter and if possible enclose a copy of the Decision Letter.
- Say clearly why you think the decision is wrong. It is not enough to say 'I do not agree with your decision' or 'The money is not enough'.
- The reasons you give should be like these examples, 'My rent was £75 per week, but you have stated it was £35 per week' or 'I moved into the property on 01 November, not 01 December'.
- If you are asking for a reconsideration more than one month after the date of our Decision Letter, you must give a reason why you could not make the request within the required time.
What happens next?
When you ask us to look at a decision again, we will check that the decision is correct. An Appeals Officer, who has not previously been involved with your claim, will do this. If the officer decides that the decision is wrong they will change it, and you will be notified of the new decision.
If the decision cannot be changed, we will send you a letter telling you that the original decision is confirmed. This letter will also tell you what you can do next if you still do not agree with our decision.
What if I still disagree with the decision?
If you decide that you would like to appeal further, you can ask for your case to be heard by the Tribunals Service at a hearing, known as an Independent Tribunal. If you decide to ask for a Tribunal hearing, the one-month time limit starts again from the date of the letter confirming the original decision.
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