Housing Benefit Appeals Officer

3-month contract position with a local authority

Summary

Responsibilities

• Manage a caseload of Housing Benefit appeals, including specified and exempt accommodation cases.
  


• Review decisions to determine whether cases should be revised, withdrawn, or progressed to Tribunal.
  


• Prepare and submit high-quality Tribunal documentation, including Statements of Case, written submissions, and evidence bundles.
  


• Ensure all appeals are progressed in line with statutory deadlines and Tribunal requirements.
  


• Represent the organisation at Tribunal hearings where required.
  


• Apply and interpret Housing Benefit Regulations, DWP guidance, and relevant case law.
  


• Assess whether cases meet the legal definition of specified and exempt accommodation.
  


• Review complex issues including rent liability, support provision, contrived tenancies, and commerciality.
  


• Evaluate rent levels, eligible service charges, and restriction decisions.
  

Requirements