PIP Claim Victory
Sue* applied for Personal Independence Payments (PIP), as she has severe mobility difficulties. When she came to GMLC, she was receiving insufficient support, because she had not been awarded the enhanced rate of the mobility component of PIP. Our excellent volunteer caseworker Shaheen Mansoor assisted Sue in submitting a late mandatory reconsideration request and helped to access her medical records. We are delighted to announce that, as a result, Sue was awarded the enhanced rate and received backdated payments without the need for a tribunal.
“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. Advising on what I needed to obtain and what they could obtain from several different Health Professionals, following given permission to contact them by myself. If there was a stumbling block or I was being incorrect advice over charges for obtaining certain medical records, they were there to assist in drafting a letter to ensure the correct evidence was obtained; and where a charge was required that this was the correct one. I have recommended them to numerous groups… as well as individuals who are struggling with benefits and PIP. I canny thank them enough for the help given to myself; more so as I won the Mandatory Reconsideration for PIP and had it backdated to when it was altered. Many thanks” – Sue
For information about our PIP and ESA advice services or to make an appointment, call 0161 769 or email reception[at]gmlaw.org.uk.
*First name published with permission
Positive feedback for our employment drop-in
It was a touching moment for us at GMLC when one client, remaining anonymous, recently told us that she was very happy with the service she received at our employment drop-in. She said she was extremely glad that GMLC has set up this service for people like her. She then very generously donated the money she had in her wallet (£10) to us and said she wished she could give more to help us expand our services. We are thrilled to have been able to help.
We do not and we will not ask for payment for our services. We are, however, incredibly grateful for all donations from those who recognise the important work we do. Donating is now easier than ever, as debit or credit card payment only takes a moment and a few clicks. Donate here.
Our next employment legal advice drop-in is on 1st September, 1-5pm. To book your session call 0161 769 or email reception[at]gmlaw.org.uk.
A personal thank you from one volunteer
One of our aims is to encourage the future generation of social welfare lawyers, and to share skills and opportunities with community members and volunteers. Our volunteers go on to great things, and we enjoy hearing about their experience with us. One volunteer who worked with our campaign team over the summer kindly sent us this message:
“During my time volunteering at Greater Manchester Law Centre, I got an insight into the fantastic work it’s team does for the local community. It was inspiring to see how issues such as access to justice are campaigned for so passionately and with such professionalism. I came away from the experience with new friends, skills and a better appreciation of the vital work law centres do across the country” – Chris
Click here to see how you could get involved with our volunteering opportunities.
