What our clients think about the BCU Law Clinic service

Case Studies

Case Study A

Our client was an elderly woman who had applied for (Personal Independence Payment) PIP and been refused.  She came to the Law Clinic and was seen by two of the Student advisers. The Student advisers perused the appeal papers and prepared a written submission. They then attended the Tribunal hearing and represented the client in an hour long hearing. Appeal was successful. Client entitled to arrears totalling £14000 and extra weekly income of £151.40.

Case study B

Our client had been in receipt of the highest rate of Disability Living Allowance (DLA) for many years. Upon transition to Personal Independence Payment (PIP) she was only awarded the standard rate of both the daily living component and the mobility component of PIP. She appealed to the Tribunal. However, when she attended the hearing she was informed that the tribunal did not feel that the points which had been awarded were justified and she risked losing her award. The hearing was adjourned for her to seek advice.

The client came to the Law Clinic. She was interviewed and advised by student advisers.  After assessing her papers and medical evidence it was felt that she had a strong case and that the likelihood of her existing award being reduced or removed was very low.  Further medical evidence was obtained from Mrs AB’s GP and sent to the Tribunal.

The client was represented at the Tribunal hearing and was successful.  Mrs AB had her award increased to the enhanced rate of both components.  The Tribunal also increased the length of the award by two years.  This successful hearing means that Mrs AB will be £68.10 a week better off and also receive arrears for just over 3 years totalling approximately £11500.

The BCU Law Clinic welfare benefits clinic is part of the LawWorks network and was shortlisted for the “Best New Pro Bono Activity Award” (2020)

What our clients say about the Family clinic