If you are unhappy with your Housing Benefit or Council Tax Benefit decision you have three options:
- If you don't understand the decision you can ask for a full explanation. This is called a "statement of reasons". You can ask for this in writing or on the telephone.
- If you disagree with the decision you can ask us to look at it again. We call this a "reconsideration". You must ask for this in writing. If you disagree with the reply you can appeal to a Tribunal.
- You can ask for a Tribunal hearing straight away. This is called an "Appeal". You must ask for this in writing. We will send your case to the Tribunal Service. They will arrange a Tribunal hearing of your appeal before an Independent Judge.
You should say in your letter which of the options you have chosen and explain why you disagree with the decision.
You have one calendar month from the date of our decision letter to ask for a reconsideration or appeal. If your letter is late you may lose your appeal rights.
If you need help:
The Welfare Rights Service and Citizens Advice Bureau give free advice about Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit. They can also help you to fill in forms, write a letter and represent you at a Tribunal hearing. You can find their telephone numbers and addresses in the 'phone book, the Thomson Local directory, Yellow Pages or at a library. Trade Unions offer free advice to their members and may represent you at a Tribunal.
It will help the advice centre if you show them any letters you have about the decision that you think is wrong.
For General Information and Advice
The Stockport Direct Centre located at Stopford House, Piccadilly, Stockport or any of the Stockport Direct Local Centres will be able to deal with any questions you may have about Housing Benefit, Council Tax Benefit or Second Adult Rebate.
For opening times and location of your nearest centre, telephone 0161 217 6009.
You can also ring any of the following numbers:
- Housing & Council Tax Benefit Section: 0161 217 6015
- Stockport Welfare Rights Unit: 0161 474 3091.
Or write to:
Stockport Council
Benefits Section
PO Box 70
Stockport
SK1 3ZY
Leaflets are also available for you to download and read.