Universal credit - disputes and appeals

About this course

Advisers spend a lot of time challenging benefit decisions. With universal credit (UC), this can mean appealing a work capability assessment, disagreeing with the amount of UC being paid, disputing a sanction or overpayment, and more. 

This online training course gives a comprehensive overview of steps in the UC disputes process, from mandatory reconsideration through to appeal.  

Covering both hard rules and practical tips, this course will increase your confidence as an adviser and improve your ability to represent your clients. 

The course covers: 

• The mandatory reconsideration requirement
• Lodging a UC appeal
• Drafting appeal submissions
• Key skills for representing at an appeal hearing
• Challenging a work capability decision – some ideas
• Which UC decisions can’t be appealed
• Complaints, compensation and judicial review 

For the essentials on claiming and calculating UC, see our companion course UC – claims to decisions. 

For more detail on the work capability assessment, see UC – the work capability assessment and disability rules. 

Method of delivery and timings 

This standard-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 11.15am-11.45am. 

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.