Mandatory Reconsideration & Direct Lodgement go live in Northern Ireland

Social Security benefit decisions made on or after Monday 23rd May will be subject to a new challenge and appeal process.

Mandatory Reconsideration

Where previously, a claimant could proceed straight to tribunal when challenging a benefits decision, from 23rd May the claimant must first have their decision reconsidered by the relevant body. This is referred to as “mandatory reconsideration.”

If and when a mandatory reconsideration is unsuccessful for the claimant, they should receive a Mandatory Reconsideration Notification. They will then be able to proceed their appeal to tribunal.

Direct Lodgement of Appeals

Direct lodgement of appeals is a policy change by the Department for Communities. When lodging an appeal, claimants should send this directly to:

The Appeals Service
9th Floor, Millenium House
Great Victoria Street
Belfast
BT1 7AQ

Where possible, the claimant should include a copy of their Mandatory Reconsideration Notification with their appeal.

What benefits do these changes apply to?

These changes apply to all Social Security benefits, apart from Housing Benefit decisions made by the Housing Executive or Land & Property Services - there is no change to the appeal process for these decisions. (Mandatory Reconsideration and Direct Lodgement will also apply to decisions made by the Child Maintenance Service, from 11th July onwards.)