Appeals and challenging decisions

Half day

Background

The rules governing the way in which unfavourable benefit decisions can be challenged are complex. Often claimants will be confused about what to do, the time in which they have to take action and what to put in appeal forms and letters when challenging decisions. Appeal rights are often lost through inappropriate or overdue action.

Aims

To provide a user friendly overview of the system for challenging decisions.

To provide an opportunity to develop practical skills in completing appeal forms and applications for decisions to be reconsidered.

Contents

• Who makes decisions on benefits and how
• The difference between reconsiderations, supersessions and appeals
• How to write an appeal form / reconsideration letter
• Time limits
• Tips, tactics and skills for challenging decisions.

Suitable for

Anyone involved in supporting people with their benefit problems. Participants need to have a basic working knowledge of the benefits system.

What participants said last year

“All very suitable and easy to understand”

“Life examples and tribunal tasters very useful”

“Excellent”

This page was last updated on 4 October 2009