What is the time limit for lodging an appeal? 

What is the time limit for lodging an appeal?

An appeal should be made within one calendar month from the date of the decision. This date will be printed or written on the decision. 

   
Can an appeal be admitted outwith the one month time limit?

An appeal will only be admitted late if there are exceptional circumstances and the appeal is made no later than 13 months after the date of the decision. You must give reasons why your appeal is outwith the one month time limit. 

   
Do I have to use a special form to make an appeal?

There is a form GL24 for making appeals. An appeal that is not made on the approved form can be admitted if it contains all the necessary information. 

  
   
What information must I put in my appeal?

An appeal must specify the date of the decision in dispute, the name of the benefit and give reasons why the decision is wrong. 

   
What happens after I lodge my appeal?

The Decision-Maker will prepare a set of appeal papers giving their reasons for the decision and will include copies of your claim form and any other evidence used to make the decision.
A copy of the appeal papers will be sent to you, your representative and to the Appeals Service. Approximately 14 weeks after receiving your appeal documents your appeal will be heard.

If you have arranged for a Glasgow City Council Welfare Rights Officer to represent you we will write to you when we receive your appeal documents and, if appropriate. advise you about obtaining additional evidence. 

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How do I complete form TAS1?

When you receive your appeal documents you will also receive a form TAS1 which you must return to  Appeals Service within 14 days. This form asks you about your preferences for your tribunal.  Assistance for filling in the form is available here.

    
How do I get a representative?

If you are a Glasgow resident then you can be represented by one of our Welfare Rights Officers. If you have not already indicated on your appeal letter or TAS1 form that you are to be represented by the City Council Welfare Rights you will need to complete a mandate form.

You can fill in a mandate form at your local social work office  or you can complete an online appeal form. You should notify the Appeals Service before they schedule your appeal otherwise we may already be fully booked.

If you live outwith Glasgow you will need to contact your local welfare rights team or a advice agency to find out if they can represent you. 

  
   
I have a date for my appeal but I did not arrange to have
a representative. What can I do?

You do not need to have a representative but statistically you have a better chance of winning your appeal if you do. If you do not wish to proceed without a representative you can ask in writing for a postponement or ask on the day of your tribunal for an adjournment.

Please note that postponements and adjournments are not granted automatically and requests simply to obtain a representative are often refused.

If your request for a postponement is refused it is important that you attend on the day to ask the tribunal to consider an adjournment. A tribunal can go ahead in your absence.

If your appeal goes ahead and you are turned down then you may be able to challenge the decision. (see next question)

  
   
Can I challenge a tribunal decision?

You can appeal to the Commissioner against a tribunal decision but only on a point of law.
You must firstly request a full written statement of reasons for the tribunal decision. You have one month from the date of the tribunal in which to request this document.
The time limit for making the application for leave to appeal to the Commissioner is one month from the date the full statement was issued to you. This will be printed clearly on the covering letter.

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