What happens if Good Cause is not accepted?

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If the decision-maker doesn't think that there is evidence to show Good Cause and that the welfare of a child will not be affected, they will notify you that a Reduced Benefit Decision may be made.

You will then be given four weeks to provide further information or reasons and you can do this by phone or in writing. This time can be extended if there is a good reason, for example, you have had to wait to see an advice worker but ask Jobcentre Plus for an extension as soon as possible.

If you can't provide reasons or you do but the decision-maker still doesn't think it is enough to show Good Cause, they may make a Reduced Benefit Decision. There are some situations in which this cannot be imposed, see Who will not have their benefit reduced? under What is a Reduced Benefit Decision?

My reasons were not accepted - can I ask for the decision to be changed?
You can appeal against a Reduced Benefit Decision but only if your benefit is reduced. At this appeal you can provide information about why you think you have good cause for opting out or have given all the information it is reasonable for you to provide. You will need help to make this appeal quickly. Contact your local advice centre as soon as possible.

You may also be able to change the decision if there has been a change in your circumstances - tell Jobcentre Plus straight away what the change is and they will arrange another good cause interview.

If the decision is changed, when will my benefit reduction stop?
If you dispute the decision within a month of it being made and the decision is then changed or the decision is changed by appeal, any benefit that was deducted because of the Reduced Benefit Decision will be repaid to you.

If you provide information which results in the decision being changed after a month of it being made, the benefit reduction will stop from the beginning of the benefit week (for example, if you are paid in arrears on a Monday, your benefit week starts on the Tuesday before) that you provided the information.

For more information about changing CSA decisions, ask for our Appeals, Changes and Complaints factsheet.

Next page: What is a Reduced Benefit Decision?

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