Challenging decisions - understanding decisions, revisions and supersessions
Next date
About this course
To successfully challenge a benefits decision understanding where it fits within this decision making machinery can make all the difference to questions such as:
- The effective date of the decision (can a sought after increase be paid from a much earlier date for example)
- Whether the Decision Maker is legally entitled to revisit the decision in the way they have done (for example can they remove entitlement retrospectively)
- Whether a new claim needs to be made and the effects on ongoing disputes if it is and a new decision is given
- Whether the matter can be resolved at all via the usual decision making process or whether judicial review is appropriate
- Whether the Decision Maker on a new claim can take a different view than previously about an issue
This course explains the jargon and takes a practical, problem-solving approach to navigating the “decision based system” of benefit entitlements set out in Chapter 2 of the Social Security Act 1998.
The course covers:
- Ways a decision can be made and then changed: decisions, revisions and supersessions in overview.
- Understanding the elements of a decision – determinations, outcome decisions, effect of notification on rights.
- Relevance of time limits and grounds for revisions
- Relevance of time limits and grounds for supersessions (late notification of changes, when notification date is irrelevant)
- Mandatory reconsideration - where this fits and how it affects appeal rights
Method of delivery and timings
This full-day equivalent, experienced-level course, is delivered online via Zoom over two consecutive mornings. It runs from 10am to 1pm on each day, with a half hour break between 11.15-11.45.
It is a practical course delivered using a combination of trainer presentation, exercises and group discussion. Participants will need a Wi-Fi connection and a suitable device to access the internet. It is not recommended to join via a mobile phone.