Housing benefit - appeals

If you receive a decision about housing or council tax benefit and you think it is wrong, or if you have been refused benefit when you think you are entitled to it, you can ask for a written statement of reasons explaining the decision.

This must be done within ONE MONTH of the date of the decision letter.

The staff at the council's revenues unit are always willing to help, discussing any part of your claim which you don't understand. You can either speak to someone in person at the revenues unit - or give staff a call. If, after having the decision explained, verbally or in writing, you still think it is wrong then it will be looked at again. You will be given a new notice confirming whether the original decision is to stand or if it has been changed.

If the decision is not changed you may be able to appeal to an independent tribunal called The Appeals Service, who can change the decision if they agree that it is wrong.

Remember: the council's revenue unit only deals with enquiries about council-related benefits.

If you don''t think you are getting the right amount of Housing Benefit, then you can: 

• Telephone the council and ask for your award to be explained to you in detail. The number is 01506 776800.
• Ask for a full written explanation of how your Housing Benefit has been worked out.
• Write to the council asking for your benefit award to be reconsidered. You must do this within one month of receiving your benefit award letter. We will then look at it again. After which we will write to you letting you know whether we can change your benefit award or not.
• Write to the council telling us that you want to dispute the decision. You must put your reasons for disagreeing with the original award. You must do this within one month of receiving your original award letter.

Remember: the council's revenue unit only deals with inquiries about council-related benefits. For other benefits, please contact the Benefits Agency who are based at West Lothian Connected in the Almondvale Cente, Livingston.