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Form SSCS4 UK: Appeal NHS Charges Recovery Decision

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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
If the Compensation Recovery Unit at the Department for Work and Pensions has issued a Certificate of NHS Charges you believe is wrong, Form SSCS4 is the route to challenge it. The form starts a formal appeal to the First-tier Tribunal (Social Entitlement Chamber) and is used in England and Wales when a compensator disputes the amount the DWP says is recoverable for NHS treatment costs following a personal injury compensation payment. Getting the form right matters. The tribunal relies on the information and evidence you supply to register the appeal and decide whether the decision should stand. This guide walks through what SSCS4 covers, each section you will need to complete, and how to put together a clear case. It also explains where to find the official form and what to do if you want to talk through your situation before submitting.

What this document is

Form SSCS4 is the notice of appeal used to challenge a decision by the DWP's Compensation Recovery Unit (CRU) about the recovery of NHS charges. When a person receives compensation for an injury, the NHS can recover the cost of treating that injury from the compensator (usually an insurer).

The CRU issues a Certificate of NHS Charges setting out the amount owed. If the compensator believes the certificate is incorrect, for example because the treatment was not related to the injury, or the amount is wrong, they can appeal using SSCS4.

The appeal is heard by the First-tier Tribunal. The form captures the basic facts the tribunal needs: who is appealing, what decision is being challenged, the reasons, and any supporting evidence. A copy of the Certificate of NHS Charges must be submitted alongside the form. Time limits apply to appeals, so it is worth checking the deadline on the certificate before sending anything in.

How to use this document

  1. Gather your paperwork first. Before opening the form, pull together the Certificate of NHS Charges, your CRU reference number, any correspondence with the Compensation Recovery Unit, and evidence that supports your grounds for appeal. Medical records, the original claim details, and documentation of the compensation payment are often relevant.
  2. Complete Section 1 with the decision details. This section asks about the decision you are challenging. Attach a copy of the Certificate of NHS Charges and record the date shown on it. The tribunal uses this to confirm the appeal relates to a valid, appealable decision and that it has been submitted within the relevant time limit.
  3. Fill in appellant and representative information. Sections 2 and 3 capture who you are and who, if anyone, is acting for you. Include the firm or organisation name, full address with postcode, CRU reference, compensator reference, and phone number. If a solicitor or claims handler is representing you, their details and case reference go in Section 3.
  4. Set out your grounds for appeal clearly. Section 4 is the heart of the form. Explain why you believe the decision is wrong. Common grounds include treatment unrelated to the injury, incorrect duration of treatment, or errors in the amount claimed. Reference the certificate date and the date the compensation payment was made, and be specific about which charges are disputed.
  5. Submit the form and keep copies. Send the completed SSCS4 with all supporting documents to the address specified in the tribunal guidance. Keep a full copy for your records. After submission, the tribunal will acknowledge receipt and write to you about next steps, which may include a hearing or a decision on the papers.

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 can use Form SSCS4?
Form SSCS4 is generally used by compensators, such as insurers, or their representatives, who have received a Certificate of NHS Charges from the Compensation Recovery Unit and believe the decision is incorrect. It applies to NHS charges recovery decisions in England and Wales. If you are unsure whether you have standing to appeal, it can help to check the guidance on the certificate or speak with an experienced adviser before filing.
Q What is the deadline for submitting an SSCS4 appeal?
There is a statutory time limit for appealing a CRU decision, and the deadline is normally set out on the Certificate of NHS Charges itself. Missing the deadline can mean the tribunal refuses to hear the appeal unless there are exceptional reasons for the delay. Check the certificate carefully and submit well before the cut-off date where possible. Late appeals may require a separate application explaining the delay.
Q What grounds can I use to appeal?
Common grounds include that the treatment listed was not caused by the accident or injury the compensation related to, that the charges cover a period outside the relevant treatment window, or that the amount has been calculated incorrectly. Your grounds should be specific and supported by evidence where possible. Vague or unsupported grounds are less likely to succeed, so it is worth setting out the argument clearly in Section 4.
Q Do I need a solicitor to complete SSCS4?
No. The form is designed so that compensators or their in-house teams can complete it without legal representation. That said, NHS charges appeals can involve technical medical and legal points, and many compensators use solicitors or specialist claims handlers. If you want to talk through your situation first, an experienced legal adviser can offer practical perspective based on what you describe.
Q What evidence should I include with the form?
At a minimum, you must attach a copy of the Certificate of NHS Charges. Beyond that, it helps to include anything that supports your grounds, such as medical records showing which treatment related to the injury, correspondence with the CRU, and documentation about the original compensation claim and payment. Clear, well-organised evidence makes it easier for the tribunal to understand your position.
Q What happens after I submit the appeal?
The tribunal will acknowledge receipt and review whether the appeal has been properly made. The DWP will be asked to respond and may provide further information about how the charges were calculated. The tribunal may decide the appeal on the papers or list it for a hearing. You should be given the chance to respond to the DWP's submissions before any final decision is made.
Q Is there a fee to appeal?
Fees for tribunal proceedings can change, and the position on NHS charges appeals depends on the rules in force at the time. Check gov.uk for the current position before submitting. If a fee applies, details of how to pay or apply for help with fees will be in the tribunal guidance that accompanies the form.
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.