An elderly client who had recently arrived from Bangladesh came to us after her Universal Credit payments were reduced. She was unfamiliar with the UK welfare system and had received no explanation she could understand.
Working with a volunteer adviser, and with an interpreter present, we traced the reduction back to a paperwork error rather than any change in her circumstances.
The adviser helped her gather the right evidence, put together a mandatory reconsideration request, and keep a record of every submission and reply so nothing was lost in the process.
The decision was overturned within six weeks. Her full entitlement was restored and backdated, which prevented a period of real hardship for her household.
Outcome
The decision was overturned within six weeks, restoring her full entitlement and preventing real hardship.
Details have been changed to protect client confidentiality. We provide general legal information and advocacy rather than advice on individual circumstances, and outcomes vary from case to case.
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