If you don't understand a Housing Benefit decision you can ask for a further explanation, or if you think the decision we made is wrong, you can ask us to look at it again or make an appeal

What to do if you think a decision is wrong

You must write to us within one month of the date on your decision letter. 

We may be able to consider late reconsideration requests or appeals made up to 13 months from the date on your decision letter.  You would need to ask us to consider a late request and give reasons for it being late.

When you write to us you can:

  • ask for a further explanation, this is called a ‘statement of reasons’
  • ask us to look at our decision again, this is called a ‘reconsideration’
  • ask to appeal to an independent tribunal

You must tell us:

  • which decision you would like us to explain or look at again
  • why you think the decision is wrong
  • if there are other factors we need to take into consideration

You must write to the address at the foot of this page if you want an explanation , reconsideration or to appeal.  The person who made the benefit claim must make the request.

What happens next

We agree the decision is wrong

We’ll make corrections to your benefit entitlement and send you a new benefit decision letter.

We feel the decision is correct

We’ll write to you confirming this.

You may still be able to appeal if you think our decision is wrong.

We feel the decision is correct and you’ve made an appeal

We'll send your appeal to an independent tribunal who'll make a decision.

Appeals are dealt with by the First-tier Tribunal, which is independent of the council.

We’ll send the appeal on your behalf to HM Courts and Tribunals Service and they’ll get in touch with you.  They’ll explain what happens next and tell you when your appeal will be dealt with by the First-tier Tribunal.

Contact information

Housing Benefit and Council Tax Reduction (100TS)

Bristol City Council
PO Box 3399
Bristol BS1 9NE

Contact us online

You can contact us using our online form.

Contact us by phone

Tel: 0117 922 2300

Opening Hours

Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 6pm
Except Wednesday when we're closed for training between 12noon and 1.30pm