Welfare Benefits The Law Centre offers a specialist advice service on social security law and offers representation at appeal hearings. What we do We can advise on all social security law, including entitlement to benefits, backdating, suspensions & overpayments. The benefits we deal with include: Disability Living Allowance Attendance Allowance Incapacity Benefit Income Support Jobseeker's Allowance Pension Credit Universal Credit Carer's Allowance Housing Benefit Council Tax Benefit Tax Credits Industrial Injuries Benefit Disability benefits You might be able to claim disability benefits if: You have difficulty with everyday tasks or getting around You cannot work because you're sick or disabled You are on a low income or have no income If one of the above statements applies to you, find out what benefits you may be entitled to here. Benefits to help with rent If you are on a low income and struggling with rent, you may be able to claim benefits to help you to pay it. You can find out which benefits you may be able to claim here. What we do not do We do not have the expertise to deal with Child Support Agency queries. Advocacy and representation - What we do The Law Centre specialises in advocacy and representation. This work includes: Advocacy and representation before all Social Security Appeal Tribunals Representation before Social Security Commissioners and higher appeal courts Judicial review proceedings Complex cases referred to us by other voluntary agencies, advice services and solicitors Advice and representation on all social security law, including entitlement to all benefits (except Child Support Agency), backdating, suspensions and overpayments Representation at all appeals covering disability living allowance, attendance allowance, incapacity for work and all other benefits We will also check whether there are any benefits or tax credits you are entitled to that you are not receiving. Challenging a Benefit Decision If you disagree with a decision about benefits or tax credits you can ask for the decision to be looked at again - this is called 'mandatory reconsideration'. You usually need to ask for mandatory consideration within one month of the date of the decision. Find out more about challenging a benefit decision on our information sheet. Challenging a Housing Benefit Decision You can appeal the Council's decision about your Housing Benefit if you think it is wrong. You usually need to appeal within one month of the Council's decision. You can find out more about appealing against a Housing Benefit decision here. Advocacy and representation - What we don't do We do not represent cases involving Interviews under Caution as this falls under Criminal Law. However, we work closely with solicitors that deal with these cases and assist with the benefits issues. What to bring to your appointment In order for your adviser to be able to help you as much as possible, and for you to get the most out of your appointment, it is important that you bring the necessary documents. The information sheet below lists what to bring, depending on what your appointment is regarding. You may not have all of the documents, and you should not delay coming to your appointment if you cannot find them. What to bring to your welfare benefits appointment