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How to ask the DWP to look at their decision again

You can ask over the phone or in writing. You must do it within one month of the date on the letter.

If you are going to do it over the phone, make a list of everything you want to say and tick them off as you say them.

You should give them as much detail as you can about why their decision was wrong. The sorts of things you should include are the same as if you are asking for an appeal - see the list below.

If you have any more evidence that you think will help (for example, a letter from your doctor, or social worker) send that too.

What next? You should hear back in 8-12 weeks. If they have changed their minds, congratulations! Your benefit will be backdated to the date they received your original claim form.

If they didn't change their decision or did, but didn't give you the amount you think you are entitled to, remember that you can still appeal. You need to tell them within one month.

Children

If you want to change a decision about your child's claim, you need to explain what needs your child has compared to the needs of other children the same age.

We recommend that you get as much help preparing for the appeal as possible. It can be very upsetting to have to explain all the difficulties your child has in detail. There are also extra problems about evidence. See Useful contacts - click on the link in the menu on the right hand side.

December 2009

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