Who can change this decision, and by what date will they answer me?
Use when no one is named and no date is given.
Language people can use
Questions to send when an automated decision is made about you. Each asks for one thing: the reasons, the record, who can change it, or when you will hear back.
Six questions to send
Send them by email, by chat, or in the form you were given.
What were the reasons for this decision?
Use when you were told the outcome but not why.
Please send me the record of this decision and the information it used.
Use when you want something in writing you can check and show to someone else.
If this decision was wrong, what will you do to put it right?
Use before you challenge it, to learn what winning would get you.
Have other decisions made under the same rule been overturned?
Use when you think your case is not the only one. It asks whether upheld challenges have changed the rule.
If this decision cannot be changed, please tell me that in writing.
Use to get the answer on the record, from someone who has to stand behind it.
Questions for your setting
Three more for each kind of organization, to send as written.
Workplace systems
For HR, scheduling, access control, or performance decisions inside companies.
- Who can change this decision?
- By what date will I get a final answer?
- If this decision stands, what options do I still have?
Public services
For benefits, housing, healthcare, or licensing decisions run by public agencies.
- What is the deadline for appealing this decision?
- Please tell me in writing what evidence this decision relied on.
- If this decision is overturned, will I get back what I missed?
Platforms and marketplaces
For content moderation, account restrictions, payouts, or ranking changes.
- What content or activity led to this action?
- How do I ask a person to review this?
- If my appeal succeeds, when will my account be restored?
Source: Ethotechnics guidance on challenging a decision · https://ethotechnics.org/explainers/language-people-can-use