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Upper Tribunal Appeal Forms UK: UT1, UT2, UT3 Guide

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Part ofUK Court & Tribunal Forms

Written by Brad Askew Solicitor (non-practising)
Brad is on the roll of solicitors of England & Wales but does not hold a practising certificate and does not provide legal advice.
Updated June 2026 · England & Wales
When a decision from a First-tier Tribunal or a public body goes against you, the Administrative Appeals Chamber of the Upper Tribunal is often the next port of call. Different forms exist for different situations, and choosing the correct one matters because the Upper Tribunal will not process an appeal on the wrong paperwork. This page walks through the main forms used in this chamber, including UT1 for permission to appeal in benefits and tax credits matters, UT2 for decisions made by government departments and local authorities, and UT3 for mental health cases in England. It explains who files what, what each form captures, and where the official versions sit on gov.uk. If you are unsure which route applies to your situation, an experienced legal adviser can talk it through with you by phone.

What this document is

The Administrative Appeals Chamber sits within the Upper Tribunal and hears challenges to decisions from the First-tier Tribunal across areas including social security, child support, tax credits, housing benefit, council tax benefit, and mental health. It also deals with certain decisions from other chambers and bodies.

The forms used in this chamber are the mechanism by which an appellant, or a public body acting as appellant, starts the process. Each form is designed for a particular combination of subject matter and applicant, so picking the right one is a practical first step rather than a formality.

The forms typically ask for the names of the parties, a description of the decision being challenged, the grounds on which the appellant says the decision was wrong in law, and what the appellant wants the Upper Tribunal to do. A declaration confirming that the information given is accurate is also part of the paperwork.

Time limits are strict in tribunal work, so checking the deadline that applies to your particular decision before completing any form is sensible. The current versions of all these forms can be found on gov.uk.

How to use this document

  1. Identify the correct form for your situation. UT1 is generally used by individuals seeking permission to appeal in social security, child support, tax credits, housing benefit and council tax benefit cases. UT2 is used when the appellant is the Secretary of State, HMRC or a local authority in those same subject areas. UT3 is for permission to appeal and notice of appeal in mental health cases in England. Check the heading of each form carefully before you start.
  2. Gather the decision you want to challenge. You will need a copy of the First-tier Tribunal decision or the decision of the public body, along with any statement of reasons that was issued. These documents anchor the appeal because the Upper Tribunal needs to see exactly what is being challenged and on what basis. Keep the reference numbers to hand because the form asks for them.
  3. Set out your grounds of appeal clearly. The Upper Tribunal generally considers whether the original decision contained an error of law, so your grounds should explain what went wrong in legal terms rather than simply repeating that you disagree with the outcome. Be specific, concise, and link each point to a part of the decision you are challenging. Vague grounds tend to weaken an application.
  4. State what you want the Upper Tribunal to do. Each form asks for the proposed order, in other words the outcome you are asking for. This might be setting the decision aside, remitting the case to be reheard, or making a fresh decision. Being clear about the remedy you want helps the tribunal understand the shape of your appeal from the outset.
  5. Sign the declaration and submit within the deadline. You must confirm that the information and documents you have provided are accurate. Filing routes and deadlines are published by the Upper Tribunal, and late applications usually need a separate request for an extension of time with reasons. Check the current guidance on gov.uk before sending anything in.

Common questions

If you're dealing with this kind of situation, speak to an experienced legal adviser who can walk you through it — from £89.

Common questions

Q Who is the Administrative Appeals Chamber for?
It is for people and public bodies who want to challenge certain First-tier Tribunal decisions and some decisions from other bodies. The subject areas include social security benefits, child support, tax credits, housing benefit, council tax benefit and mental health. If your matter sits in one of these areas and you believe the decision contained an error of law, this chamber is usually the next step.
Q What is the difference between Form UT1 and Form UT2?
UT1 is generally used where an individual is the appellant in benefits, tax credits, child support, housing benefit or council tax benefit cases. UT2 covers the same subject areas but is used when the appellant is the Secretary of State, HMRC or a local authority. They capture similar information but reflect who is bringing the appeal, which affects how the tribunal treats the paperwork.
Q When should Form UT3 be used?
UT3 is for applications for permission to appeal and notices of appeal in mental health cases in England. If the decision you want to challenge came from the mental health jurisdiction of the First-tier Tribunal in England, this is typically the form you will need. Different arrangements may apply in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, so check the current guidance that matches your jurisdiction.
Q Do I need permission to appeal to the Upper Tribunal?
In most cases you need permission, which is why many of the forms are titled as applications for permission to appeal as well as notices of appeal. Permission is usually sought first from the First-tier Tribunal, and if refused, you can then apply to the Upper Tribunal. The test generally focuses on whether there is an arguable error of law.
Q Is there a fee to lodge an appeal in this chamber?
Fees can change and some categories of appeal are handled without a fee. Rather than relying on figures you might see online, check the current position on gov.uk or on the Upper Tribunal's own pages before you submit. If a fee does apply, guidance on how to pay and whether any help with fees is available will be set out there.
Q How long do I have to appeal?
Time limits vary depending on the type of decision and whether you are applying for permission from the First-tier Tribunal first or going straight to the Upper Tribunal. Deadlines in tribunal work are enforced strictly, so treating them as fixed from the date on the decision notice is safer than assuming flexibility. If you are already out of time, a separate application explaining the delay is usually needed.
Q Can a phone call with an adviser help me decide which form to use?
Yes. An experienced legal adviser can talk through the decision you want to challenge and help you think through which form fits your situation, based on what you describe. They can offer practical perspective on how the Upper Tribunal process tends to work, although they will not review your documents or provide regulated legal advice during the call.
If you're dealing with this kind of situation, speak to an experienced legal adviser who can walk you through it — from £89.

Sources

This guide is based on primary UK law and official guidance.

Brad Askew, Solicitor (non-practising)

Written & reviewed by

Brad Askew Solicitor (non-practising)

Brad is on the roll of solicitors of England & Wales but does not hold a practising certificate and does not provide legal advice. LegalDocuments.co.uk is not a law firm and does not provide regulated legal advice.

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Legal disclaimer
This article is for general information only. It is a tool to help you find your way — not legal advice, and not a substitute for speaking to a qualified adviser about your situation.