What to do if you appeal is turned down.

Its very important to have a representative present at your tribunal, currently there is only an 17% success rate at social Security Appeal Tribunal paper hearing appeals, whereas

Your chances at an Oral hearing increase to 48%
this is increased further if your take a representative.

In the late 90's, the benefit Integrity Project identified fraudulent claims worth £8million and spent £8.7million in administrative costs.

If you need advice on the various benefits contact the Welfare Rights Team, which is part of the Community Support Unit. It is independent and has no connection with any agencies administering payment of benefit.
The main part of its work is to maximise benefit and to represent those who have had their claims rejected or their benefit reduced or removed.

What sort of help can they offer?

Provide advice and information

Check your income to see if you are getting all the right benefits

take up your case with the relevant organisation

give you honest advice about your chances of success

provide local advice surgeries

They won't
fill in claim forms

visit you at home

collect medical evidence on your behalf

give advice on matters unrelated to Social Security, Housing and Council Tax Benefit e.g debt advice, employment advice etc

what you should do before contacting them
Keep any letters you get from the Department of Works and pensions

Collect medical evidence (if appropriate) to help you win your case

If you get a decision you disagree with make an appeal within the time limits

If you have an appeal, agree to have an oral hearing and be prepared to attend your tribunal hearing

Help and advice
contact Julie Birkett on the link below for your nearest welfare rights worker