Disagree with a decision

What to do if you don't understand, or disagree with, a decision we've made.

If you don't understand our decision

You can call us and ask to speak to a benefits assessor on 01298 28429 or email benefits@highpeak.gov.uk. We will be able to explain to you why we've reached the decision we have.

If you think the decision is wrong

If you are a pensioner and you received  a decision in writing from us about Housing Benefit or Council Tax Reduction and you think it's wrong, you can ask us to look at it again within one month of the decision for Housing Benefit and two months for Council Tax Reduction.

If you are working ageand you think a decision in writing from us, about Housing Benefit is wrong, you can ask us to look at it again within one month of the decision letter.

If you are working ageand you think your Council Tax Reduction is incorrect you can ask us to look at it again within 21 days of receiving your bill which states the amount of Council Tax Reduction you have been paid.  Details are on the back of the bill.  If you would like to see a breakdown of how your Council Tax Reduction has been calculated you can ask for a notification letter to be issued.

If you have missed the time limits stated above please contact us in some circumstances we can still accept your request.

If we don't change our decision

Housing Benefit

If we don't change our decision on your Housing Benefit claim you may be able to appeal to an Independent Tribunal. The letter telling you about the decision will tell you if you can appeal. There are time limits for asking for decisions to be looked at again and for appealing. The time limit is one month. If you have missed the time limit please contact us as in some circumstances we can support your appeal to the Independent Tribunal.

Council Tax Reduction

If we don't change our decision on your Council Tax Reduction claim you may be able to appeal to a Valuation Tribunal. The letter telling you about the decision will tell you if you can appeal. There are time limits to this appeal which are two months from the decision. If you miss the time limit please contact us as in some circumstances your appeal can still be accepted by the Valuation Office.