Housing Services in Bexley
Housing Benefit
How do I appeal if I think I am receiving the wrong amount of benefit?
Your rights
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) lays down the rules
for claiming benefit which state how much we can pay you and the date that your
claim can be paid from. These rules apply to all Councils who administer claims
for Housing and Council Tax Benefit. If you disagree with the way your claim has
been worked out or the amount that we are paying, you have the right to appeal
against the decision that we have made.
You have the right to:
- A letter explaining how much benefit will be paid as soon as your claim is assessed;
- A more detailed explanation of how your claim has been worked out within 14 days of receiving your query;
- A decision on your appeal within 14 days if you disagree with the way we have worked out your claim;
- An independent hearing from the Appeals Tribunal if you are still unhappy with the way we have worked out your claim.
What can you do if you think we are wrong?
When we work out your claim you will receive a letter telling
you:
- How much benefit you qualify for;
- What income and savings we have used to work out your claim;
- The weekly rent or Council Tax we have used;
- Any reduction to your benefit because there are other adults living in your home (this does not include your partner).
Please read this letter carefully. If any of the details are wrong or if you want to know more about how your claim was worked out, please write to us and ask for a written explanation of the assessment or any part of it that you would like explained. We will reply to you within 14 days.
How to appeal
If you disagree with the way we have worked out your claim, you
should:
- Write to us at the address on the back of this leaflet. Say that you would like to appeal and the reasons why you think we are wrong.
- You must do this within one calendar month of the date of the letter telling you how much benefit you are entitled to. We will reply to you within 14 days.
What if you still disagree?
If you still feel that the decision made about your benefit is
wrong you can ask for your claim to be heard by an independent appeals tribunal.
You will be invited to either have your case heard on paper or in person. You
must make your appeal in writing, within one calendar month of the date of your
notification letter or your appeal will not be heard by the tribunal. Please mark
any letter regarding a dispute about your benefits with either EXPLANATION,
REVISION, or APPEAL so that your intentions
are clear.
What if my appeal is late?
An appeal has to be made in writing within one calendar month
of the date you receive your notification letter. If your appeal or request is
late, please write to us explaining the reasons for this and we may still be able
to consider your appeal if there was good reason for the delay.
How to contact us
If you need any further help or information about how to appeal, you can contact us by letter, phone, fax or in person:
Write to: The Benefits Office, PO Box 713, Erith Town Hall, Walnut Tree Road, Erith, Kent DA8 1TL
Telephone: 0845 302 3200 between the hours of 8.45am to 5pm Monday to Friday and 8.45am to 1pm on Saturday.
Fax: 01322 338959
Email: benefits@bexley.gov.uk
In person: Erith Reception Centre, Erith Town Hall, Walnut Tree Road, Erith, Kent DA8 1TL
The reception is open between 8.45am and 5pm Monday to Friday.
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