Appeals process


The DWP revised its appeals process for the benefits it administers and for child maintenance case, introducing the following changes in 2013 and 2014:


• Mandatory reconsideration: When a person receives a decision from the DWP that they dispute, they must request that the Department conducts a mandatory reconsideration before they are allowed to lodge an appeal. This reform aims to resolve more disputes at an earlier stage.


• Direct lodgement: People who want to appeal after mandatory reconsideration must send their appeal directly to HM Courts & Tribunals Service (HMCTS). This change aligns the appeals process for the Social Security and child maintenance jurisdiction with the other major tribunal jurisdictions within HMCTS. 


• Time limits: The introduction of time limits for the DWP to return responses to HMCTS means it has 28 calendar days to provide an appeal response in benefits cases, and 42 calendar days in child maintenance cases.