Universal Credit Appeals in Northern Ireland

Who this guide is for

People in Northern Ireland who disagree with a Universal Credit decision made by the Department for Communities and want to challenge it.

What this guide does not cover

• People in England, Wales or Scotland: see the Great Britain guide.
• How much Universal Credit you should get, and what to claim when you lose your job: see our unemployment guide.
• Which benefits you can claim: see our benefits guide.
• Complaints about how you were treated: see our benefits complaints guide.
• How late an appeal can be accepted, and appeals after the tribunal. Ask Advice NI.

What the rules depend on

1. Where do you live? Northern Ireland: this guide. England, Wales or Scotland: the Great Britain guide.
2. Have you had your Mandatory Reconsideration Notice? No: ask for mandatory reconsideration first. Yes: you can appeal to the Appeals Service.
3. What date is on the letter? The decision letter starts the month for mandatory reconsideration. The Mandatory Reconsideration Notice starts the month for an appeal.

"How do I ask for mandatory reconsideration?"

Contact the office that made the decision, by phone or in writing, or fill in form MR2(NI). The contact details are on your decision letter. Say why you think the decision is wrong and send any evidence you have.

You have one calendar month from the date on your decision letter. If your request is late, you must give reasons why.

"How do I appeal?"

Send your appeal to the Appeals Service, not to the office that made the decision. You can complete form NOA1 (SS) online, download it, or ask the Appeals Service for one. You can also appeal by letter: it must be in writing, give your reasons, be signed by you or someone legally allowed to act for you, and include the Mandatory Reconsideration Notice.

Your appeal must be received by the Appeals Service within one month from the date of the Mandatory Reconsideration Notice. If your appeal is late, you must explain why.

"I've been told I was overpaid"

• If the overpayment was your fault, you will have to pay it all back. If it happened because of a mistake by the benefit office, you may still have to pay it back, particularly if you could reasonably have been expected to realise you were being overpaid.
• It can be taken back by reducing your benefit, by your employer taking money from your earnings (a Direct Earnings Attachment), or by passing it to a debt collection agency or court action. Fees are added.
• You can ask Debt Management to reduce your repayments.
• If you disagree, first contact the benefit office for an explanation. You can then challenge the decision in the same way as above.

Deadlines you must meet

• Mandatory reconsideration: one calendar month from the date on your decision letter. Late: give your reasons.
• Appeal: received by the Appeals Service within one month from the date of the Mandatory Reconsideration Notice. Late: explain why.
• This is not an industrial tribunal. Employment time limits do not apply.

Traps

• Great Britain's Social Security and Child Support Tribunal and form SSCS1 are not used in Northern Ireland.
• You cannot appeal before the decision has been reconsidered.
• The two one-month limits run from different letters: the decision letter, then the Mandatory Reconsideration Notice.
• The appeal must be received in time, not just posted.