Vale of White Horse District Council
Abbey House, Abbey Close,
Abingdon, OX14 3JE
Email: comments@whitehorsedc.gov.uk
Telephone: 01235 520202

Vale of White Horse District Council

How benefit decisions are made

Once your application form and all the relevant documents have been received your claim will be processed. This usually happens within fourteen days providing we are satisfied with the level of information and evidence you provided. We may have to ask you for more details.     

You will receive letters giving details of how much benefit you are entitled to, and from what date this will be paid. The letters will also show the details we have used to calculate your claim.     

Your benefit is calculated by comparing your income to your needs. This is done by using an allowance known as your applicable amount. 

If your assessable income is less than or the same as your applicable amount you will get maximum benefit less any deductions for other people who live in your household if applicable.   

If your income is more than your applicable amount you are expected to use a percentage of the excess income towards payment of your rent/council tax.   

This can appear complicated, and if you have any queries please contact the Benefits Team and ask for the decision to be explained to you.     

The following explanations may be able to help you:   

• Applicable amount- This is the amount that the Government states that your household can live on per week before contributing towards rent and council tax liabilities.
  
• Assessable income - The total income of you and/or your partner less any income disregards (more information about the disregards are available from the benefits staff).
  
• Excess income - This is the difference between the income you have coming into the household (assessable income) and the amount the government states that you need to live on (applicable amount). 

What to do if you don't agree with a decision

If you are not happy with the decision about your benefit you can ask for an explanation. You must do this within one calendar month of the decision letter.   

If you are still not satisfied with the decision you can make an appeal to an independent tribunal. These will be sent by us to the Appeals Service who will arrange for it to be heard by an independent Appeal Tribunal.    

Please ask the Benefits Team for advice if you are not sure about the decision or wish to make an appeal.