Appealing Benefit
Decisions
Reconsiderations and Tribunals
This factsheet explains what you can do if you disagree with a decision
about your benefits. It has information about mandatory reconsideration
and how to appeal to a tribunal.
There is a lot of information in this factsheet. You don’t have to read
this information all at once. Keep coming back to it as you move
through the mandatory reconsideration and appeals processes.
Mandatory Reconsideration

If you disagree with a decision the Department for Work and
Pensions (DWP) make about your benefits, you can ask them to
look at it again.

You must ask the DWP to reconsider their decision before you can
appeal to a tribunal. This is called a “mandatory reconsideration”.

There are strict time limits for asking for a mandatory
reconsideration. Ask within 1 month of the date on your decision
letter.

If the DWP changes their decision, it is backdated to the date of the
original decision.

If the DWP doesn’t change their decision, you can appeal to an
independent tribunal.
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The section covers:
1. What is mandatory reconsideration?
2. I’m out of time, is there anything I can do?
3. What happens to my benefits during Mandatory Reconsideration?
4. Can I appeal about my council tax or housing benefit decision?
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1. What is mandatory reconsideration?
When the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) make a decision
about your benefit, they will write to you. If you don’t agree with their
decision you have 1 month to ask them to reconsider it. You have to ask
the DWP to reconsider their decision before you can appeal. This is called
a ‘mandatory reconsideration’.
You can ask for a mandatory reconsideration for decisions about these
benefits:
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Personal Independence Payments (PIP)
Universal Credit (UC)
Disability Living Allowance (DLA),
Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
Job Seekers Allowance (JSA)1
You should call, or write to, the DWP office that made your decision and
ask for a mandatory reconsideration. The details should be on the letter
they sent you. If you write to them, keep a copy and send it recorded
delivery or get proof of postage. This can help you make sure they get it in
the 1 month time limit.
What if I ask for written reasons?
You can ask the DWP for written reasons for their decision, but you do not
have to. If you would like reasons, ask as soon as possible. The DWP
should send them to you in 14 days.2
If you ask for reasons, you will have an extra 14 days to ask for a
mandatory reconsideration.3 If the DWP don’t send the written reasons
within a month after their decision, you have 14 days from the date you get
them to ask for mandatory reconsideration.4
What happens during Mandatory Reconsideration?
Someone from DWP will look at your claim again to see if the decision
was right. This person is called the “decision maker”. They will not have
seen your claim before. They may phone you to talk about why you
disagree with the decision. You should explain why and give them more
information and evidence. If you don’t feel you can talk to them you could
ask them if your carer could talk to them for you. You might be able to
arrange another time when they can talk to you and your carer together.
2
The decision maker may ask you if you have any other medical evidence
to support your claim. If you have more evidence they will tell you where
you should send it. They will give you 1 month to send them the evidence.
They should agree not make a decision until they have seen the evidence.
If they don’t get the evidence in 1 month, they will make a decision based
on the information they have. The DWP do not have to make their decision
in a certain time. This can take a few weeks or a few months.
What happens when they make a decision?
The decision maker will send you two copies of a Mandatory
Reconsideration Notice. This explains what their decision is. You need to
keep these safe. You will need them if you want to appeal to a tribunal.
If the DWP change their decision in your favour, they will pay you the
benefits you should have been paid from the date of your claim. This is
called “backdating”.
The DWP may not change their decision. If you still disagree with them
you can appeal the decision to the Social Security Tribunal.
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2. I’m out of time - is there anything I can do?
Sometimes the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) will let you ask
for a mandatory reconsideration if you’ve missed the one month deadline.
You should write to the DWP to ask for the reconsideration, explaining
why you could not ask in the one month time limit and asking for them to
extend the deadline. You can only ask for a late reconsideration up to 13
months after the original decision. The later you ask, the stronger your
reasons need to be.
They DWP will accept this late if:


it is reasonable,
you couldn’t ask earlier because of special circumstances.5
For example, your circumstances might be special if you were very unwell
or in hospital when you got their decision. The DWP will not do this just
because you did not know about the law or the time limits.
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3. What happens to my benefits during mandatory reconsideration?
Will I get Employment and Support Allowance?
If the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) put you in the Work
Related Activity Group (WRAG) or the Support Group
You will get Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) during mandatory
reconsideration.
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If the DWP say you are fit for work
You will not get any ESA while you are going through mandatory
reconsideration.
I have been through mandatory reconsideration before will I get ESA?
You will not get ESA during mandatory reconsideration unless the DWP
feel your health has deteriorated significantly.
What can I do if my ESA stops during mandatory reconsideration?
You can apply for other benefits depending where you live.
You may be able to claim Universal Credit (UC). This benefit is getting
rolled out in stages and only some areas of the country have it. Your local
Jobcentre Plus will be able to tell you if you are in an UC area.
If you live in an area where you can claim Universal Credit (UC)
If you made a claim for income-related ESA you can make a claim for
Universal Credit (UC). You should get the standard UC allowance and any
other amounts you are entitled to. Jobcentre Plus can set conditions for
your benefit, which you have to meet.
If you have made a claim for contribution-based ESA, you can make a
claim for Universal Credit if you are on a low income.
If your income is over the Universal Credit threshold, you will need to live
off your savings or other income. You could also claim contribution-based
Jobseekers Allowance (JSA).
If you do not live in an area where you can claim Universal Credit (UC)
If you made a claim for income-related ESA, you can make a claim for
income-based JSA.
If you made a claim for contribution-based ESA you can make a claim for
contribution-based JSA. To get JSA you need to meet the conditions that
Jobcentre Plus set you.
What if I am finding it difficult to meet the conditions of UC or JSA?
If you claim UC or JSA, Jobcentre Plus will say that you need to:
 actively look for work, and
 be available to take a job if you are offered one.
If you feel that you cannot meet these conditions, you could ask Jobcentre
Plus to change them. They call this ‘easing conditionality’. To persuade
Jobcentre Plus to do this, tell them how your mental health condition
affects how you can look for work. It is important that you keep getting
notes from your GP that say you are not able to work. Send these to the
DWP while you are going through mandatory reconsideration.
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Jim’s Story
Jim applied for ESA but the DWP found him fit for work. He did not
agree with this decision so he decided to go through mandatory
reconsideration. He applied for JSA because he could not claim ESA
during mandatory reconsideration.
Jim took medication for his mental health problems. His medication
made him drowsy and feel sick in the mornings. Jim continued to get
notes from his GP saying that he was not able to work. The note also
explained the effect his medication had on him in the mornings.
JobCentre Plus looked at this information when setting his conditions
for JSA. They agreed that the side effects of Jim's medication would
make looking for work difficult. As a result they changed the conditions
for his JSA so that he would only have to look for part-time work where
the job started in the afternoon.
Will I get PIP or JSA during my reconsideration and appeal?
No you will not get any payments during this time when challenging these
benefit decisions. This is also the case if you are moving from DLA to PIP.
Will I get UC payments during my reconsideration?
This depends on what element of UC you are challenging. If you are
challenging a decision about having limited capability for work you can
make a claim for the standard allowance of UC. You should ask for
easements of the conditions about looking for work.
What happens to my benefits after mandatory reconsideration?
If you are found fit for work after mandatory reconsideration you can
appeal to the tribunal. If you do this you will get ESA at the assessment
rate until the tribunal.
You will not get any ESA if you have made another claim after a failed
claim, unless your health has got worse.
If you were claiming UC or JSA during mandatory reconsideration you
may stay on these benefits. If you want to go back onto ESA you need to
make sure you write this on your appeal form. If you do not write this on
your form they may keep you on UC.
You can find more information in the following factsheets:
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Universal Credit (UC)
Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
Go to Further Reading to find out how you can access our factsheets.
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4. Can I appeal against my council tax support or housing benefit
decision?
Council tax support
Your local authority is responsible for council tax liability, exemptions and
discounts in your area. Every local authority has their own appeal process.
You can ring your local authority and they will be able to tell you.
If you do not agree with a council tax decision you should contact your
local authority and explain you are appealing against the decision. You will
have to fill in their appeals form, and they can explain the process.
Send any evidence which supports your reason for appealing with the
form. This depends on what decision you are appealing, but could be:
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bank statements,
proof that people are living at other addresses,
proof of your disability,
invoices and receipts that show money has been spent on essential
items, or
any other evidence that proves the decision they have made about
you is incorrect.
They should respond in two months. If they feel their original decision was
right and don’t agree with your appeal then you can apply to the Valuation
Tribunal Service (VTS). If you want to appeal to the VTS you need to do
this within two months of the local authority’s decision.6
At appeal you have to send an appeal form and the following information:
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name and contact details,
address of the property,
why you feel you should have a discount or exemption,
the time period you think is relevant,
the date the local authority told you their decision (together with a
copy of the decision letter).
You can do the appeal online on the VTS website or contact them and
they will send you the form.
Telephone: 0300 123 2035,
Address: 2nd Floor, 120 Leman Street, London, E1 8EU
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.valuationtribunal.gov.uk/Home.aspx
You need to keep paying your council tax during the appeal period. If you
are successful and your council tax bill is reduced they will take into
account the amount you have already paid.
When you send in your appeal form the VTS will send you a guide to what
happens during the appeal process. When they have set a date for your
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appeal they will send you a Notice of Hearing which tells you when your
hearing will be. If you cannot make this date, you can ask them to
reschedule it.
You can contact the VTS who will give you advice about how to prepare
for the hearing. Take evidence with you to the hearing and explain why
you do not agree with the decision. You can bring someone with you and
they can speak for you. You can send someone to speak for you if you
don’t go. If you want to do this, you need to send the VTS a letter telling
them about this before the hearing date.
The hearings are open to the public and you may find it useful to go to
someone else’s tribunal first so that you are familiar with the surroundings
and process.
Housing benefit
If you don’t agree with your housing benefit decision you can ask the local
authority to look at their decision again or appeal. You can do both at the
same time. If the local authority decides that their original decision was
right, you can continue with the appeal. If they change their decision you
can withdraw the appeal.
If you want to appeal you need to fill in your local authority’s appeal form.
The letter about your decision will tell you where to send your appeal. You
may have to send it back to the local authority or directly to the Tribunal.
Read the Appeals section of this factsheet for more information about
appealing to a tribunal. You normally have one month to appeal or to ask
the local authority to look at their decision again.
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Appeals

If you want to appeal to the tribunal service, you have to do it within
1 month of the date on the Mandatory Reconsideration Notice or
decision by your local authority.
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The tribunal will look at all the information that you, the Department
for Work and Pensions (DWP) or local authority (LA) give. They will
decide if the decision should change or stay the same.
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If you decide to appeal you will need to prepare the appeal yourself.
You can see if there is a service in your area to help you with this
appeal.

You may find it useful to give information to the tribunal service
before your hearing.
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The section covers:
5. The appeals process
6. Preparing your appeal
7. Going to the hearing
8. Tips for self-representation
9. Sample Letters
5. The appeals process
You can only appeal to the tribunal if you have:

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asked the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) or local
authority (LA) for a mandatory reconsideration, and
you have a Mandatory Reconsideration Notice. (see section 1)
You do not need a mandatory reconsideration notice to appeal a housing
benefit decision (see section 4).
You have to appeal straight to the tribunal service. This is called ‘direct
lodgement’. The DWP will not send your appeal to the tribunal.
To make a direct lodgement you have to send the tribunal:
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one copy of your Mandatory Reconsideration Notice, and
a letter about your appeal or the SSC1 appeal form, which you can
get here:
www.justice.gov.uk/downloads/forms/tribunals/sscs/sscs1.pdf
We recommend that you send the form rather than a letter. This will make
sure you send the tribunal service the information it needs for the appeal.
The form will ask if you want to have a paper or oral hearing. A paper
hearing means that the tribunal will look at your case without you being
there. An oral hearing means you have to go to a tribunal. You are more
likely to be successful if you have an oral hearing.7 You should fill in the
form and send it to:
Address: HMCTS, SSCS Appeals Centre, P.O Box 1203, Bradford BD1
9WP
The tribunal will tell the DWP you are appealing. The DWP should respond
within 28 days and should send you copy of this.
You might get a lot of paperwork from DWP. Do not feel that you need to
go through it all at once. Read through it at your own pace. You may have
your tribunal hearing in a few weeks or months. It can be a long wait.
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What are the time limits?
You have 1 month to submit your appeal from the date on the Mandatory
Reconsideration Notice.
If you miss the 1 month time limit because of special circumstances, you
can ask the tribunal to accept your appeal late. Special circumstances
could be that you or your partner was seriously ill. You can’t ask for this if
it is more than 13 months since the original decision.
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6. Preparing your appeal
How can I find support for my appeal hearing?
You could try and get help with your appeal from a specialist welfare rights
adviser at your local Citizens Advice Bureau, independent advice agency
or your local authority’s welfare rights service, if they have one.
You can usually find details of local services in the telephone book, Yellow
Pages or on the internet.
What if I have to represent myself?
If you can’t find a local organisation to help with an appeal, you will have to
represent yourself at the hearing. Appealing and representing yourself
may sound overwhelming but you can do it.
The tribunal system is set up so that people can represent themselves,
and people do this every day. Be prepared and understand the process to
help your chances of success.
You can also ask a friend or family member to help you prepare. .
Getting supporting evidence
Try to get evidence for your appeal. You can send evidence with your
appeal form, but don’t worry if you can’t get the evidence in time. You can
send it after you've sent the form. You can give evidence to the tribunal on
the day of the hearing, but it is best to tell them before the hearing. If you
have a lot of evidence on the day the tribunal panel will need time to read
it, and this could delay the hearing.
The tribunal will not contact your GP, psychiatrist or any other medical
professional to ask for evidence. You need to speak to them yourself and
ask them if they will support your appeal. You can ask them for a letter or
report that backs up your claim. Be aware that some medical professionals
will charge you for a letter or report. If paying would cause you hardship,
make this clear to the medical professional.
There are some template letters you can use for evidence at the end of
this document.
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If a carer or relative has information about your condition they can also
send this to the tribunal before the hearing.
Make copies of the medical evidence and bring it with you to the tribunal,
just in case anything is missing on the day.
Setting out your arguments in writing
You can set out your arguments for the tribunal in writing. This is called a
‘submission’. You do not have to do this, but it can help to focus the
tribunal on the matters that are important to you in the appeal. You can
simply go to the tribunal hearing and give your evidence orally instead of
writing a submission.
To be successful at your hearing you need to show the tribunal that you
meet the criteria for the benefit. By explaining in writing how you meet the
criteria, you can make your situation clearer than if you only explained in
person.
Try to avoid criticising the DWP or the service that did your work capability
assessment. . You will not be successful at appeal by criticising an earlier
decision. Instead you should stick to facts and explain why the decision is
wrong.
When writing your submission, do not feel that you have to complete it in
one go. Splitting the submission into different issues and focussing on one
at a time can help.
The tribunal panel will only look at evidence and examples about your
condition at the time the decision about your benefit was made. For
example, if the DWP made their decision in December 2014 and your
hearing is in May 2015, the tribunal can only think about how your health
affected you in December 2014. If your illness has got better or worse
since then, think about how it was at the time.
Tips for writing your submission
You should:
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look at the criteria for the benefit you are applying for,
explain what you disagree with the DWP’s decision and why,
split up your submission so that it deals with each of your points
one-by-one,
point out supporting evidence that backs up your argument, and
write in plain, simple English and don’t use legal jargon. It should be
clear and make sense.
Send your submission to the tribunal service before the hearing.
If you decide not to make written submissions, try to make notes before
the appeal hearing and take them with you so that you remember
everything you want to say. It can be easy to forget something important
because of the stress of a hearing.
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Joe’s Submission: Limited Capability for Work and Work Related
Activity
The DWP awarded me 0 points for my awareness of hazards or danger. I
was assessed as not needing supervision to keep myself safe. This is not
true, and I believe I should have been awarded 15 points.
I need supervision to keep myself safe the majority of the time. I needed this
supervision at the time when the original DWP decision was made, and I still
need it now. For example, I always need to be supervised when taking my
medication. I take the wrong amounts if I am not supervised.
This is confirmed in a letter from my GP, Dr Roberts, dated 12th April 2013,
which I have stapled to my submission. In the letter Dr Roberts confirms that
I need someone with me when I take medication.
The statement by my partner Ms Jane Smith, dated 10th April 2013,
confirms that she has to supervise me when I take medication every
morning and evening. I have stapled this to my submission.
This is why I believe that I should have been awarded 15 points when
assessed on my awareness of hazards or danger.
Making arrangements for the tribunal
If you need a translator or have any communication problems, tell the
tribunal a few weeks before your hearing to give them time to arrange
support.
If you would like someone to come with you, ask them a few weeks before
the tribunal so they can make sure they are available.
It is important to plan how to get to the tribunal. Make sure you know
where the venue is and you have worked out how you will get there.
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7. Going to the hearing
What happens when I get to the tribunal building?
Your letter from the tribunal will say when and where your hearing is. You
should tell reception when you arrive.
You may have to wait in a separate room. The judges involved in the
tribunal will try and make sure that hearings run on time but there can be
delays. You could bring something to read and some snacks. There might
not be anywhere to buy food or drink.
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A tribunal clerk will ask you if you have any last minute evidence that you
want to give to the judges. If you have any questions about procedures for
the tribunal, you can ask the clerk.
What is the appeal hearing like?
A tribunal is not like going to court and is less formal. The people who
decide the case are called ‘the panel’. They will be wearing suits, not
robes or wigs. The tribunal is not in a court room and there will be no
witness box or jury. The tribunal will sit around a table. The panel may
have computers on the table. There may be a tribunal clerk who sits at the
back of the room.
In Disability Living Allowance (DLA) or Personal Independence Payment
(PIP) appeals there will be:
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
a judge,
a doctor, and
someone called a ‘disability member’. They could be a social
worker, nurse or occupational therapist or anyone else who
understands disabilities.
For Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) appeals there will be:


a judge, and
a doctor.
They will ask you questions and take notes about what you say. The panel
are trying to work out the facts and will not be aggressive or accuse you of
anything.
If your appeal is complicated, there might be someone from the DWP at
the hearing. They are called a presenting officer and their job is to
represent the DWP and put their case across. They can ask you questions
about your condition, illnesses or situation. You have to answer any
questions they ask you. They can make legal arguments to the tribunal.
How long will my hearing last?
The hearing will last around 30 to 40 minutes. Everyone will speak in
everyday English and should not talk about the law or use jargon unless
they have to. The tribunal will be based on the facts of your claim. You do
not need to know the law to represent yourself.
When will they tell me their decision?
The tribunal will usually tell you their decision on the day. They will ask
you to step out of the room while they decide. If they cannot make a
decision on the day they will send the decision to you by first class post.
If you disagree with the tribunal’s decision, ask for written reasons. You
need specialist welfare benefits advice if you want to challenge a tribunal
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decision, because you can normally only appeal it if they have got the law
wrong.
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8. Tips for representing yourself
Take your time. Ask for more information or a break if you need to
The panel will ask you questions about your illness and how it affects you.
You should take your time when answering. If you do not understand the
question, ask them to repeat it or to explain it.
It is important to be polite to the panel. If you feel that you are finding it
difficult to stay calm or you are becoming upset you can ask the panel for
a short break.
Answer the questions as fully and as honestly as you can
When giving your answers, be open and honest.. It can be hard to talk
about medical problems and the help that you need. You can plan what
you will say about issues you find difficult to talk about. You can practise
saying it out loud. Or you may want to write it down in your written
submission and then make the tribunal aware of it during the hearing.
Give specific examples
It may be helpful to bring notes and examples so you remember what you
want to say.
The panel probably ask you to describe your typical day. It can be hard to
describe a ‘typical’ day if your mood or health can be different from day to
day. Try to explain this to the panel. Let them know what you can do on a
good day and a bad day and how often you have bad days.
Take along a friend or relative
You can take along a friend, carer or relative for support. They can help
you during the tribunal by asking you questions. They can remind you of
things you may have forgotten, but they cannot speak for you. You have to
answer the questions yourself. If someone tries to talk to the tribunal for
you the judge will probably stop them.
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9. Sample letters
Example letter to ask a health care professional for evidence to challenge a Limited
Capability for Work or Limited Capability for Work Related Activity decision
To: (add name of professional)
Address: (add address of professional)
Date: (add date)
Dear Sir/Madam (delete as applicable)
Request for medical evidence
Name:
(add your name)
Address:
(add your address)
D.o.B:
(add your date of birth)
I am appealing a decision about my entitlement to Employment Support Allowance (ESA) /
Universal Credit (delete as appropriate) and I am writing to ask if you would offer some
evidence which may help my case. Evidence from medical professionals can be extremely
useful in helping decision makers at the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) make
correct decisions. .
I would be very grateful if you could answer the questions that you think are relevant to my
condition from the list below and return them to me in the envelope provided. (Please be aware
that I am not in a position to pay for any report or information) (Insert if applicable).
The appeal is about a decision made in (add date mm/yy) so I would be grateful if you could
provide information based on how my condition affected me at that time.
The questions focus on my mental health rather than my physical health. But if you have
information regarding my physical health, please include this at the end of the form.
Yours sincerely
(add your name)
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Please state what condition(s) I suffer from and what medication(s) and treatment(s) have been
prescribed.
Can you look at the questions below and add some information for the ones you think are
relevant for me.
1. How is my ability to learn simple tasks (e.g. setting an alarm clock or operating a washing
machine) affected by my medical condition(s)?
2. How is my awareness of everyday hazards, (e.g. Boiling water or sharp objects), affected
by my medical condition(s)? Does this pose a significant risk to my safety or others?
3. How is my ability to initiate and complete personal tasks affected by my medical
condition(s)?
4. How is my ability to initiate and cope with change affected by my medical condition(s)?
Does this affect my ability to manage my day to day life?
5. How is my ability to get to places affected by my medical condition(s)? Do I need
supervision to get to familiar or unfamiliar places?
6. How is my ability to cope with social engagement affected by my medical condition(s)? Am I
caused distress by social engagement and does this preclude social engagement?
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7. How is my behaviour affected by my medical condition(s)? Do I show signs of aggressive,
uncontrolled or disinhibited behaviour? And could this be considered unreasonable in a
workplace?
8. If I am required to attend work focused interviews or job programmes. Would this have a
detrimental affect on my health? If yes, how would I be affected?
9. Is there any other information that you think is relevant?
Signature
Date
Hospital/Surgery Stamp
Thank you very much, in advance for any help you can provide towards my appeal
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Example letter to ask a health care professional for evidence to challenge a decision
about Personal Independence Payment (PIP).
To: (add name of professional)
Address: (add address of professional)
Date: (add date)
Dear Sir/Madam (delete as applicable)
Request for medical evidence
Name:
(add your name)
Address:
(add your address)
D.o.B:
(add your date of birth)
I am appealing a decision about my entitlement to Personal Independence Payment and I am
writing to ask if you would offer some evidence which may help my case. Evidence from
medical professionals can be extremely useful in helping decision makers at the Department for
Work and Pensions (DWP) make correct decisions.
I would be very grateful if you could answer the questions that you think are relevant to my
condition from the list below and return them to me in the envelope provided. (Please be aware
that I am not in a position to pay for any report or information) (Insert if applicable).
The appeal is about a decision made in (add date mm/yy) so I would be grateful if you could
provide information based on how my condition affected me at that time.
The questions focus on my mental health rather than my physical health. But if you have
information regarding my physical health, please include this at the end of the form.
Yours sincerely
(add your name). .
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Please state what conditions I suffer from, and what medications, treatments and therapies have
been prescribed or recommended.
Can you look at the questions below and add some information for the ones you think are
relevant for me.
When answering the relevant questions please think about my ability to perform each
activity safely, to an acceptable standard, repeatedly (as necessary) and within a
reasonable time. Please indicate where I am unable to perform these activities without
either physical help, or someone prompting me to carry out the activities.
To what extent do my condition(s) affect my ability to prepare food?
To what extent do my condition(s) affect my ability to take appropriate nutrition?
To what extent do my condition(s) affect my ability to manage therapy or monitor my health
condition?
To what extent do my condition(s) affect my ability to wash or bathe?
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To what extent do my condition(s) affect my ability to manage my toilet needs or incontinence?
To what extent do my condition(s) affect my ability to dress or undress?
To what extent do my condition(s) affect my ability to communicate verbally?
To what extent do my condition(s) affect my ability to read and understand signs symbols and
words?
To what extent do my condition(s) affect my ability to engage with other people (who I both know
and do not know) face to face?
To what extent do my condition(s) affect my ability to make budgeting decisions?
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To what extent do my condition(s) affect my ability to plan and follow journeys (both those that
are familiar and unfamiliar to me)?
To what extent do my condition(s) affect my ability to physically move around?
Signature
Date
Hospital/Surgery Stamp
Thank you very much, in advance for any help you can provide towards my claim
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You can find more information in the following factsheets:


Universal Credit (UC)
Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
at www.rethink.org. Or call our Support Care Team on 0121 522 7007
and ask them to send you a copy of the factsheet. For advice, call 0300
5000 927.
1
Reg 1. The Universal Credit, Personal Independence Payment,
Jobseeker’s Allowance and Support Allowance (Decisions and Appeals)
Regulations 2013. SI 2013/381
2
Reg 7 (4). The Universal Credit, Personal Independence Payment,
Jobseeker’s Allowance and Support Allowance (Decisions and Appeals)
Regulations 2013. SI 2013/381
3
Reg 5 (1) The Universal Credit, Personal Independence Payment,
Jobseeker’s Allowance and Support Allowance (Decisions and Appeals)
Regulations 2013. SI 2013/381
4
As note 3
5
Reg 6. The Universal Credit, Personal Independence Payment,
Jobseeker’s Allowance and Support Allowance (Decisions and Appeals)
Regulations 2013. SI 2013/381
6
Valuation Tribunal What are the time limits for making appeals?
www.valuationtribunal.gov.uk/faqs/faqs3b_35f_17_56.aspx (accessed
May 2015).
7
Child Poverty Action Group, Welfare Benefits and Tax Credits Handbook
2014/2015, 16th edition, pag 1317
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© Rethink Mental Illness 2014
Last updated April 2015
Next update April 2017
Version number 3
This factsheet is available
in large print.
Last updated 01/10/2010