What they help with
- Benefit appeals, such as PIP and Universal Credit decisions.
- Homelessness applications and reviews.
- Possession proceedings and serious housing disrepair.
- Debt where your home is at risk.
- Community care: getting the right social care support from the council.
Legal aid
Legal aid remains available for many housing, homelessness and community care cases, subject to a means test. For most benefits appeals at the First-tier Tribunal, legal aid is not available for representation. Free help is often available from advice charities and law centres.
Questions to ask a social welfare & housing solicitor
- How many cases like mine have you handled recently, and who will do the work day to day?
- How do you charge (hourly, flat fee or contingency), and what will the total be, including expenses?
- What are the main stages, risks and likely timescale?
Frequently asked questions
Can I get free legal advice about housing?
If you are facing eviction or homelessness you may qualify for legal aid. Your local council must also provide free advice about homelessness.
Is there a time limit for benefit appeals?
Usually you must first ask for a mandatory reconsideration, generally within one month of the decision, and then appeal to the tribunal within one month of the reconsideration notice.