Social Welfare
Social Welfare Law Solicitors
Refused benefits, turned away as homeless or not getting the care support your council should provide? Many of these decisions can be challenged. This guide explains how in England and Wales.
- Verified solicitors
- Regulated firms
- Free to use
Overview
What this area covers
Social welfare law is about people’s rights to support from the state. That includes welfare benefits, community care for disabled and older people, homelessness assistance and other local authority services. Decisions can often be challenged, but procedures and deadlines vary.
Common situations
When you may need a social welfare solicitor
- Your benefit claim has been refused or reduced.
- Your council has refused help with homelessness.
- You or a relative is not receiving the care support needed.
The solicitor’s role
How a social welfare solicitor can help
Solicitors advise on entitlement, request reconsiderations and reviews, bring appeals and, where needed, challenge public bodies through judicial review. Free advice agencies also help in this area.
Costs
What does a social welfare solicitor cost?
Legal aid is available for some housing, community care and judicial review matters, subject to eligibility. Advice on welfare benefits appeals is often available free from advice charities.
Getting ready
What to prepare before contacting a solicitor
- Decision letters
- Assessments and care plans
- Evidence of income and circumstances
Choosing a solicitor
Choosing a solicitor
Ask whether the firm holds a legal aid contract for your type of problem.
Every firm listed on Verified Solicitors is regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority. You can compare firms’ profiles, locations and reviews before getting in touch.
Find social welfare solicitors
Search Verified Solicitors for SRA-regulated firms that handle social welfare matters, then compare their profiles.
- Verified solicitors
- Regulated firms
- Free to use
A common question
Is legal aid available for benefits appeals?
Legal aid is generally limited in welfare benefit matters. It remains available for certain appeals on a point of law, and exceptional case funding may be available in appropriate circumstances. Free advice agencies can often help.
Related legal services
The information on this page is general information, not legal advice. The law and procedures can change and how they apply will depend on your circumstances.