Appeal a benefit decision

Did you know, you can appeal a decision about your entitlement to benefits? For example, on Personal Independence Payment (PIP), Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) or Universal Credit.

(You must ask for the decision about your benefits to be looked at again before you can appeal, unless your decision letter says you do not need a ‘mandatory reconsideration’.)

You’ll need:

• your National Insurance number
• the details of the representative helping with your appeal (if you’re using one)
• your mandatory reconsideration notice – you get this after you ask for the benefit decision to be looked at again

If you do not need a mandatory reconsideration your decision letter will say why. Include this explanation when you submit your appeal.

You’ll need to choose whether you want to go to the tribunal hearing to explain your appeal in person. If you do not attend, your appeal will be decided on your appeal form and any supporting evidence you provide.

If you need help appealing online

You can get help submitting an appeal online if you:

• do not feel confident using the internet
• do not have access to a computer or smartphone

Phone the Digital Support helpline to speak with someone about appealing online.