Has a valid MR been carried out in relation to my friend's housing benefit overpayments?

Peter99

Hi,
I recently made an MR for a friend in regard to his housing benefit overpayments, but we did not made out any Ground for appeal. We simply wrote we did not believe he was overpaid. The Counci did the reconsideration anyway without asking us for the Grounds but still said 'NO'.  We wonder if a valid reconsideration has been carried out. 

calcotti

A request for a Mandatory Reconsideration is a request for a different Decision Maker to review the available evidence. If you wanted to provide additional evidence you needed to provide it. You can now appeal to the tribunal service if you wish to.

Peter99

@calcotti
Thanks. But they are now saying the appeal is out of time and too late to be admitted at the Tribunal 

calcotti

Then I think that's the end of the matter. How long have you left between the MR decision and submitting the appeal?
https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/benefits/benefits-introduction/problems-with-benefits-and-tax-credits/challenging-a-benefit-decision/challenging-a-dwp-benefit-decision-on-or-after-28-october-2013/appealing-against-a-benefit-decision/late-benefit-appeals/

Peter99

@calcotti
Glad to know that is the end of the matter. I can breath easy now. Thanks.

Cher_Alumni

Hi @Peter99

Just to advise, I've deleted a duplicate thread you posted so all responses to your question can keep in this once place.  I've also tweaked the title of your post to help others spot what it's about.

I'm glad @calcotti was able to reassure you.  

calcotti

Realised I posted wrong link earlier, I overlooked that the question was about Housing Benefit. The link I posted before was for DWP benefits. The one for for HB is
https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/benefits/help-if-on-a-low-income/housing-benefit/problems-with-housing-benefit/appealing-a-housing-benefit-decision-at-a-tribunal/

Think I was thrown by reference to MR which is a DWP process and not used in connection with HB.

I am not familiar with HB appeals but I note that the link says that the council should automatically send an appeal on to the tribunal service so I am not clear what has happened in this case.