These template letters cover topics commonly raised through CPAG’s advice services. Advisers are welcome to use them when supporting clients with mandatory reconsiderations and appeals. New templates will be added as capacity allows and will not be added on a request basis.
The intention is that these templates are correct at the time of writing but will not be continuously checked or updated so it will be important that advisers apply a critical eye to the templates.
1. 
SSWP refusal to extend time for revision
This template can be used when submitting an appeal after DWP have refused to carry out a mandatory reconsideration (MR) on the grounds that the MR request was late. (Last updated July 2021)
2. Appeal without MRN
This template can be used when submitting an appeal after DWP, instead of providing a mandatory reconsideration notice, simply refuse to revise a decision (e.g. by posting a note in a UC journal stating that a decision will not be changed). (Last updated July 2021)
3. MR does not apply
This template can be used to support an appeal without first seeking mandatory reconsideration. (Last updated July 2021)
4A. Misreported housing costs
This template can be used when a client failed to provide the correct housing costs on their initial UC claim but, once corrected, DWP changed the award from the date of correction - failing to pay the correct housing costs from the start of the award. (Last updated July 2021)
4B. Unreported housing costs
This template can be used when a client failed to report housing costs on their initial UC claim but, once corrected, DWP changed the award from the date of correction - failing to pay the housing costs from the start of the award. (Last updated October 2022)
5. SDP gateway, deeming provision, couple treated as claiming
This template can be used when a claimant receiving a benefit which included SDP was treated (prior to the scrapping of the SDP Gateway in January 21) as having made a couple claim for UC on formation of a couple with a UC claimant. Any adviser using the template should carefully consider the implications of a return to legacy benefit, to make sure their client would actually be better off. (Last updated July 2021)
6. DWP refusal to apply run-on after death to bereaved carer
This template can be used when supporting a carer who claimed UC after having been bereaved but DWP have refused to apply a run-on after death under reg.37 UC Regs 2013. It may be possible to adapt the template to cover other groups in reg.37. (Last updated July 2021)
7. UC transitional element erodes after claimant moves out of temporary or specified accommodation
This template can be used when a claimant in receipt of a UC transitional element moves out of either temporary or specified accommodation into accommodation which is neither temporary nor specified accommodation, which ‘erodes’ the transitional element. (last updated November 2021)
8. UC transitional element erodes after the claimant’s entitlement increases due to meeting the overnight care condition
This template can be used when the overnight care condition applies so that their housing costs element increases (whether due to removal of the bedroom tax or due to a higher local housing allowance) and that this, in turn, ‘erodes’ the transitional element. (last updated March 2022)
9. Someone aged 16 or 17 is refused UC despite waiting to be referred for a WCA
This template can be used when a 16 or 17 year old is refused UC despite having provided evidence of having LCW. Note that this template has been drafted on the basis that the claimant is not receiving education. (last updated March 2022)
10. Carer loses UC transitional element after being assessed as having limited capability for work related activity
This template can be used when someone with a transitional element included in their UC award calculation, and for whom the LCW element has not been abolished, goes from having been determined to be a carer with LCW to having been determined to be a carer with LCWRA (last updated May 2022)
11. Student in non-advanced education is refused UC without DWP considering whether their education is compatible with their work-related requirements
This template can be used when a student - who is not a qualifying young person, is not in advanced education, and is not receiving student finance – is refused UC without DWP having considered whether their education is compatible with their work-related requirements. A future template is planned which will cover the same scenario but in which DWP have set inappropriate work-related requirements. Note – advisers should consider whether a pre-action letter might be more appropriate, please contact [email protected] to discuss this further (last updated July 2022)