Our lawyers provide pro bono assistance to clients of University House, a legal advice centre and Access to Justice clinic in Tower Hamlets: 

Disability benefits appeals 

In June 2023, we began assisting individuals who are appealing decisions made by the Department of Work and Pensions with regards to their entitlement to, or scope of, disability benefits. 

The disability benefits appeals project was launched by UH in response to the significant increase in individuals seeking help with their disability benefits appeals following the UK government's welfare reforms. Individuals approaching UH are often vulnerable, with complex health and social needs. 

So far, we have secured around £70,000 of backdated payments for our UH clients, as well as multiple awards for ongoing weekly benefits payments.  

Legal assistance in the process is not mandatory. However, our volunteer lawyers are an invaluable source of support through what is otherwise an emotionally draining, complicated and stressful time. They are also often instrumental in obtaining a life-changing financial award that will significantly improve the individual's – and their family's – daily quality of life.