My application for a benefit has been turned down. What can I do?
If you have been turned down for a benefit you applied for, or been awarded less than you had hoped for, you can dispute the decision by contacting the relevant administering body.
You can challenge a decision on your claim for Disability Living Allowance (DLA), Child Disability Payment (CDP) (Scotland only), Personal Independence Payment (PIP), Attendance Allowance (AA), Universal Credit (UC) and Employment and Support Allowance (ESA).
The first step in challenging a benefit decision made by any of the administering bodies (DWP/DFC or SSS), is usually to ask for a mandatory reconsideration (called a re-determination if administered by SSS). Time limits apply and depending on who is administering your benefit, you will have one month (DWP and DfC) or six weeks (SSS) from the date of the initial decision to make your request.
Once your claim has been reconsidered, the administering body will send you a mandatory reconsideration/re-determination notice with the outcome of their decision.
Making an appeal or challenging a decision can be a complicated process and if you think you will need help, you can ask someone to assist you.
Further resources including a factsheet and toolkit can be found on RNIB's Benefit challenges and appeals webpage.
