Webinar - Benefit revisions: second time lucky

About this course

In this webinar, CPAG’s experts will take an in-depth look at revisions and the strategies advisers can use to ensure claimants receive their full entitlement when an incorrect decisions is made.

A revision of a benefit decision changes the decision with effect from the date it was made. Requesting a revision (often called applying for a mandatory reconsideration) is therefore a powerful remedy available to claimants which is capable of putting right a decision from when an underpayment or refusal first occurred. .

‘Any grounds’ revisions are those made within the one month time limit (or the extended time limit). Importantly, they are a ‘no fault’ procedure - it does not matter why the original decision was incorrect, simply that it was incorrect. For example, a claimant who has been underpaid UC housing element because they gave incorrect information about their rent liability can have it corrected from the date of the error, provided they ask for this within the time limit.

Unfortunately, the DWP frequently overlooks such requests and instead treats them as notifications of changes of circumstances. This can mean less money for the claimant because the correct entitlement is only paid from when they notify DWP of the error. We will look at what can be done to compel the DWP to pay the right entitlement from the right date.

‘Specific grounds’ (or 'any time') revisions work differently. Where the time limit for an ‘any grounds’ revision has passed, claimants who want to put right an incorrect decision will need to show that the decision falls into one of the specific circumstances in which time limits do not apply. In practice, this will usually mean establishing that the original decision was wrong due to official error. A three judge panel of the Upper Tribunal has now been directed to consider issues about the relationship between revision for official error and appeal: difficulties that arise largely because of what appear to be unforeseen consequences of the mandatory reconsideration requirement. We will discuss how the decision in this case might change things for claimants.

Topics covered include:   

• ‘Any grounds’ revisions. We will provide an overview of the any grounds revision rules, highlighting procedural requirements and deadlines and drawing out the consequences of this being a “no fault” remedy. 
• ‘Specific grounds’ (or ‘any time’) revisions. We will highlight the different possible grounds for an any time revision, using practical examples 
• Official error. We will take an in-depth look at the official error ground, talking about what counts, what doesn’t, and issues arising at appeal. 
• Revision vs supersession. How to spot where a revision is needed, and where a supersession would be appropriate instead.
• Recurring issues. We will look at common mistakes identified through CPAG’s Early Warning System and best practice for addressing these.   

This webinar will be useful to experienced advisers and assumes a working knowledge of the rules of the benefit system.

Please note that the material covered on this webinar does not apply to Social Security Scotland benefits.

Speakers will include:    

Martin Williams – CPAG Welfare Rights Adviser with experience in cases raising issues about decision making rules and procedure.    

Kirsty McKechnie – CPAG Scotland Early Warning System Manager  

Ruby Sullivan – CPAG Welfare Rights Adviser and Early Warning System Officer  

Carri Swann – CPAG Welfare Rights Adviser   

Method of delivery and timings:    

• The webinar will run from 1:30pm to 4pm on Thursday 27th March 2025.
• It will be delivered live online, via Zoom, and there will be an opportunity for attendees to ask the speakers questions.  
• Participants will receive an email link, a few days before the webinar, to allow access to the event.   

Ticket prices start from £68 for CPAG members and £85 for non-members.