Benefits

Someone, sometime, will simplify the benefits system. Until then we have to put up with the patchwork of different benefits we have just now. Often it is like a game of chess. You only find out you have done the wrong thing after it is too late to correct it. The language involved has it’s own jargon, and very little is clear. However the system is fair, and you are generally entitled to a reasonable amount on which to get by - if you can understand how to apply for it.

I love dealing with benefits cases. It’s nice to help people so they can cope with things. As usual, initial advice is free, but what I normally do is ask you details so I can run them through my computerised benefits checker program. I’m happy to do this free of charge, usually over the telephone. I’ll then tell you what I think you are entitled to, or send you the printout so we can discuss it over the telephone. You will probably be entitled to legal aid, so have a look at my page about this. If we can’t negotiate the correct benefits with the department concerned, I can help you with an appeal (I can’t go with you, but I can do all the paperwork which sets out the legal grounds for your appeal. You can get a friend or sometimes a social worker to come with you ). If your appeal is lost, I can help you take it further by Judicial Review, or it may be that a complaint to the Scottish Public Services Ombudsman may be the best way.