7. Challenging a hardship payment decision
If you are refused hardship payments, you can appeal to the First-tier Tribunal
(see Chapter
57). You must apply for a mandatory reconsideration
first. Ask for a written statement of reasons for the decision if this has not already been provided (see
here).
Remember to tell the DWP if your circumstances worsen while you are applying for a reconsideration or appealing. Ask it to consider whether hardship payments can now be paid based on your new circumstances.