A disability benefit has been refused or reduced

Start with free benefits advice. A specialist can help you decide whether to ask for a mandatory reconsideration or appeal, and whether representation is available.

What to do first

1. Read the decision letter carefully and note the deadline for challenging it. Deadlines are often one month from the date of the letter, but check your letter and official guidance.
2. Get free benefits advice first. A local Citizens Advice service, a law centre or a specialist charity can help you understand the decision.
3. If you challenge the decision, you will usually need to ask the decision-maker to look at it again before you can appeal. In England, Wales and Northern Ireland this is often called a mandatory reconsideration.
4. Legal aid for first-tier social security appeals is limited in England and Wales. Some law centres and charities can still help, and legal aid may be available for some Upper Tribunal work. In Northern Ireland, Law Centre NI describes tribunal representation among its services.
5. This site is information, not legal advice. Confirm current rules and deadlines on GOV.UK or with an adviser.

If the problem is a social care decision rather than a benefit, see the care package pathway.

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