How to appeal

loobie

Long story short:

Dh was unemployed.

We applied for c tax benefit. Refused as I work p/t.

Informed that dh had started work. Then we were notified that we were entitled to a c tax reduction. Queried it, as dh was working. Informed we were entitled. All ok.

In2012-13 and 2013-14, bills were covered or partially covered by benefit. Council were informed each time that dh was working, each time we were informed that we were entitled and all was ok.

Received a Benefit review form. Completed it,with dh wages etc.

Have been told now have a £3400 overpayment! They want it in full by 31st March, which we can’t do.

I asked for them to look again at the decision (as per their procedures),re-iterating that they had been informed on SEVERAL occasions that dh was working.

I sent the letter to ask them to reassess their decision. What we got back was just a breakdown ofthe (non) allowance. I'm not sure what to do next. We want to appeal, but not the decision regarding the allowance for benefit, just the overpayment amount, as they were repeatedly informed that dh was working, but they kept saying that we were entitled.

I need some sort of template letter, as they haven't told me how to appeal, and we only have a month to do it.

I have done our budgeting and we can afford to pay £15 a week to the overpayment as well as the normal weekly amount for the standard bill. I'm hoping they will accept this.

Mersey_2

You need to complete a GL24 appeal form. They are available online or from any JobCentre etc. Yes, you have one month from the date of a decision letter. But before a formal appeal you can also ask for an explanation or reconsideration of that decision.

But given the date above you're best getting your appeal in asap.

Good luck!