Social Entitlement Chamber (First-tier Tribunal)

Hears appeals about benefits, tax credits, child support, and compensation schemes.

This page covers UK-wide law. Where local procedure differs (e.g. courts or tribunals), this is noted in the relevant section.

Overview

The Social Entitlement Chamber hears appeals against DWP, HMRC, and CMS decisions on benefits and contributions. Appellants must usually go through mandatory reconsideration first. Hearings are listed before a judge and (depending on the benefit) a medical or financial member. Many appeals are decided on the papers without an oral hearing if both sides agree.

What it handles

Personal Independence Payment (PIP) appeals
Universal Credit decisions and sanctions
Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) work capability assessments
Disability Living Allowance and Attendance Allowance
Tax credits decisions (legacy cases)
Child Maintenance Service decisions
Criminal Injuries Compensation appeals

Deadlines

Mandatory reconsideration notice → 1 month to appeal
Late appeals → Up to 13 months from decision in some circumstances, with reasons for delay

Appeals

Upper Tribunal (Administrative Appeals Chamber).

Representation

Welfare rights advisers, Citizens Advice, and specialist solicitors; many appellants self-represent.

Official sources

https://www.gov.uk/courts-tribunals/first-tier-tribunal-social-security-and-child-support

Last reviewed: 2026-05-21. This is legal information, not legal advice.