Cases we handle
Social fund payments
You can appeal to the First-tier Tribunal and, on a point of law, to the Upper Tribunal about:
- funeral payments
- cold weather payments
- winter fuel payments
- Sure Start maternity grants
You have to apply to the First-tier Tribunal judge for permission before you appeal to the Upper Tribunal.
Other social fund payments are discretionary and you cannot appeal about them to the First-tier Tribunal or the Upper Tribunal. These are:
- budgeting loans
- community care grants
- crisis loans
You can apply to have a decision about these payments reviewed by a social fund review officer in the local DWP office and then, if you are not satisfied with the outcome, by an independent social fund inspector at the Independent Review Service.
Relevant legislation
- Sections 8(3) and 12(1)of the Social Security Act 1998
- Paragraphs 31 – 39 of the Social Fund Directions, published in the Social Fund Guide.
Note:
From 3 November 2008 the new Upper Tribunal has taken over the work of the Social Security, Child Support and Pensions Appeal Commissioners. The Commissioners formerly handled appeals from tribunals that are now covered by the Social Entitlement Chamber, and the War Pensions and Armed Forces Compensation Chamber of the First-tier Tribunal.
The Upper Tribunal also deals with appeals from the Health, Education and Social Care Chamber of the First-tier Tribunal.
This page was last updated on 03 November 2008
