This is the second in a series of snapshots from our Annual Report, which was presented at our AGM 28th September 2017.
In this section on Services and Case Studies, we describe the work we do on the ground, helping individuals fighting for justice.
GMLC offers specialist welfare rights advice and representation for those who are most disadvantaged in society. Not only has the Government removed Legal Aid for those who seek help with the overly complicated bene t system, they have introduced a host of welfare reforms to slash billions from the welfare budget.
Our specialist advisors help people from the very start by assisting them to complete ESA, Universal Credit and PIP claim forms. These forms are not simple, but the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP), and later the Tribunals Service, use these to assess entitlement to benefits, and claims can be severely compromised if vital information is missed at the very start.
Our work focuses on the needs of clients who are unable to access this support anywhere else. Face-to-face advice is particularly important for vulnerable clients.
All our specialist volunteer advisors have extensive knowledge of welfare benefits appeals and have successfully challenged DWP decisions both at review and appeal stage.
“I cannot praise highly enough the support and professionalism shown to myself during the process of Mandatory Reconsideration for PIP. The Greater Manchester Law Centre and my volunteer advisor Shaheen Mansoor kept me informed every step of the way.”
