Fighting Unfairness in the Benefits System
With recent changes to who can claim, how much they can claim and how they claim it, many people now find the benefits system even harder to traverse than ever before, with thousands of people every year missing out on the benefits that they are legally entitled to.
Much is made of chasing the benefits cheats, with stories about people working and claiming illegally, or inventing disabilities or even extra children, but little if nothing is known about how to fight for your rights when you have been refused that which is yours, or if you have been falsely accused of making a wrongful claim.
In these circumstances it is good to know that there are specialist solicitors who can fight on your behalf, both for the money to which you are entitled and for your reputation.
The problem with claiming
Despite the campaign to ‘out’ the fraudsters, cheating the system is not as easy as we are led to believe. In fact, you are far more likely to be denied a benefit that you are entitled to than to be accused of claiming illegally. When this occurs, you are faced with numerous problems.
Firstly, when you need benefits it is because you need more money than you have coming in. If those benefits are stopped you can find yourself in real financial hardship and this can lead to a knock on effect, with people getting into increasing debt and incurring a great deal of money in interest.
Secondly, being branded a benefits cheat can lead to people assuming that there is no smoke without fire, leaving a black cloud over a previously unblemished reputation.
Sometimes, the issue can simply be that the numerous forms, some of which are almost book-like in their length, are easily completed incorrectly. The slightest mistake can lead to a claim being rejected, which is both distressing an potentially disastrous for the claimant.
Seeking help form a good solicitor can help prevent such problems in the first instance and is always a good option if a claim is not straightforward. Help is also available for those who do not speak English as a first language.
Services provided
A good solicitor who specialises in benefits, claiming and the law surrounding such issues can be an enormous help to you if you have been wrongly refused help, or if you have been wrongly accused of fraud.
They will look at the facts of your case and will help you to navigate the minefield that is the benefits system. In disputed cases they may even be able to fight your corner and have your benefits paid or reinstated.
Quality Solicitors recognise that such matters need to be dealt with on an individual basis and that each set of circumstances is unique. Unfortunately, the one-size-fits-all approach to the benefits system can lead to a high margin of error, so knowing where to turn for help and advice can make all the difference to lives and to reputations.
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Category: Law
