Social security help for members of the public
We provide advice and representation on welfare benefits and tax credits to members of the public.
Advice line
Our social security team provides free, specialist and confidential advice on social security issues.
- Monday to Friday
- 09.00 to 17:00
- Tel: 028 9024 4401
We do not offer a drop-in advice service. Advice is provided via our telephone advice lines and we arrange face to face meetings with clients where required.
Legal representation
Our social security team provides advice and representation on appeals to the Appeals Tribunal and to the Social Security Commissioner.
We also pursue strategic litigation, which means we challenge decisions in the High Court, Northern Ireland Court of Appeal, Supreme Court and Court of Justice of the European Union that raise complex or technical legal issues or points of public importance.
Jack's story
Jack found himself in a difficult situation when his Disability Living Allowance (DLA) was stopped after his claim for PIP was unsuccessful. Jack had attended his medical assessment, but his attendance was subsequently disputed by Capita.
As this issue could not be resolved, we supported Jack to appeal the decision. A lengthy delay in listing Jack’s case had a detrimental effect on his mental health. We were only able to secure an appeal date after making detailed representations about the impact of this delay.
Jack’s DLA was reinstated, and he was put back on the PIP process. He received £14,000 in a backdated payment and we provided assistance to Jack on his PIP journey.
