LONDON

Suite 6, 3-5 Belfour Road

Ilford IG1 4HP

0204 577 3395

MANCHESTER

66 Dickenson Road

Manchester M14 5HF

0161 566 3492

How we help

Guidance through a complex system, and firm representation when a decision needs challenging. Your matter is handled by a solicitor who knows the file, so the person advising you is the person you speak to.

Select any of the areas below to see what that work involves.

Benefit entitlement and applications
Working out what you may be entitled to and helping you make the claim correctly first time.
Mandatory reconsideration requests
The required first step in challenging most decisions, with the evidence needed to change the outcome.
First-tier Tribunal appeals
Preparing and presenting appeals where a reconsideration has not put the decision right.
Overpayment and sanction challenges
Disputing recoverable overpayments and challenging sanctions applied to your award.
Universal Credit, PIP and ESA matters
Advice on the assessment process, points scoring and evidence for the main disability and income benefits.

How the process works

Every matter is different, but most follow broadly these stages. We will tell you at the outset which apply to you and roughly how long each takes.

  1. Reviewing the decision

    We read the decision letter and the assessment behind it, and identify where it has gone wrong.

  2. Mandatory reconsideration

    For most benefits this is the required first challenge, and it must be made in time.

  3. Gathering evidence

    Medical evidence and supporting statements often make the difference between a refusal and an award.

  4. Appeal to the tribunal

    If the reconsideration does not put it right, we prepare the appeal and the submissions.

  5. The hearing

    We advise on what to expect and can represent you before the First-tier Tribunal.

What we will need from you

Having these to hand at the first appointment saves time and cost. Do not worry if something is missing — we will tell you how to obtain it.

  • The decision letter you disagree with
  • Your assessment report, where there was one
  • Medical evidence — GP records, consultant letters, prescriptions
  • Details of how your condition affects daily activities
  • Any previous awards or decisions

Fees for this work

Most of this work is done for a fixed fee agreed in writing before we start.

Universal Credit, PIP, DLA, Housing Benefit£400 + disbursements
Welfare appeal (UC, PIP, HB, ESA)£800 + disbursements
Homeless application£600 + disbursements

Disbursements — court, tribunal and Home Office fees, and any experts or interpreters — are payable in addition. See the full fees page for the complete list.

Common questions

How long do I have to challenge a decision?
Time limits are short — usually one month from the date of the decision, though late requests can sometimes be accepted where there is good reason. Check your decision letter and get advice quickly.
Is it worth appealing?
Often, yes. A significant proportion of benefit decisions are changed on appeal, particularly where fresh medical evidence is provided. We will give you an honest view of your prospects.
Will I have to attend a hearing?
You can ask for a decision on the papers, but appeals where the appellant attends tend to do better. We will explain both options.
Can my benefits be stopped while I appeal?
This depends on the benefit and the decision. We will explain what happens to your payments during the process.

The law changes. This page is general information, not advice on your situation. We will advise you on the rules as they stand when you instruct us

Aldgate Chambers Solicitors is authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA no. 821470). This website is for general information only and does not constitute legal advice; no solicitor–client relationship is created by using it.

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