Over the past few years successive governments have imposed stinging welfare cuts. This has left most vulnerable in our community unable to afford the most basic essentials. At the GMLC we actively campaign for reversing these cuts and fight on behalf of those affected by providing access to free face-to-face legal advice. On this page you can find all the latest news on our campaigning and services relating to welfare benefits.
Greater Manchester has a fantastic network of hard-working and dedicated organisations providing useful help and advice to those experiencing poverty. However, knowing exactly where to turn to can be challenging. Thanks to the excellent work of our friends at the Greater Manchester Poverty Action (GMPA) finding out how to reach these organisations is now easier than…
GMLC volunteer Thomas Wood looks at the origins of PIP, the 2017 amendment that excluded claimants impaired by psychological distress, and the recent legal challenge that found this guidance ‘blatantly discriminatory’. Personal Independence Payment (PIP) is a benefit that helps with the extra costs of a long-term health condition or disability. An expansion of eligibility for…
At the end of June this year, anti-poverty charity Zacchaeus 2000 Trust (Z2K) published a new report showing how the Government’s harsh policies are preventing disabled and unwell people from getting the disability payments they are entitled to. Mandatory Reconsideration When claimants are wrongly denied benefits after their assessment, they can have decision reviewed by requesting a Mandatory…
Greater Manchester Law Centre (GMLC) and Greater Manchester Immigration Aid Unit (GMIAU) successfully worked together to represent a client whose benefits were not only stopped by the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP), but they demanded 7 years’ worth of benefits of over £30,000, back from him. The reason was that he was wrongly classified…
We are delighted to be a part of Greater Manchester Coalition of Disabled People (GMCDP)’s two-day Benefits Self Defence Training. This is a free event for disabled people to gain confidence, skills, tools and tips on how to assist themselves and others through the benefits system. The sessions will focus on ESA, PIP and Universal…
By Robert Povall. Robert is a Campaign Volunteer with GMLC. He has just completed the GDL at the University of Law and is passionate about making a difference. He wants to become a Barrister, specialising in immigration, civil liberties and human rights. Imagine that you have a severe disability and receive benefits to help…
TODAY we ask you to give to our urgent CrowdJustice fundraiser: https://www.crowdjustice.com/case/nextgenjustice/ Without access to justice, the most vulnerable in our society are denied benefits they need, housing and employment rights and more. In 2016, the Greater Manchester Law Centre (GMLC) opened because dedicated members of our community came together as volunteers to say: something must…
Press Release Issued 18th April 2018 The Greater Manchester Law Centre, Disabled People Against the Cuts, Acorn Tenants’ Union, Unite Community Union and the Greater Manchester Coalition of Disabled People carried out a day of action in Manchester city centre today, demanding that no one faces eviction as a result of delays to Universal Credit…
As part of our Pro Bono Legal Advocacy Support Project (LASP) students from the Manchester Law School represent clients at appeal hearings who are due to have their Employment and Support Allowance reduced by the Department of Work and Pensions. The project affords students with a unique opportunity to put into practice the knowledge and…
The Greater Manchester Law Centre, Disabled People Against the Cuts and Acorn tenants’ union have jointly issued a campaign demand: no one should face eviction as a result of delays to Universal Credit payments. Universal Credit is a new system that will merge many types of benefits into one single payment. It has faced harsh…