What People Say About Me

Asha
Great experience

Prakash Ruparelia was extremely knowledgeable about my benefits issue, where other firms had not been able to help me. He was communicative and reassuring, and provided sound advice that helped me to avoid issues further down the line. I would recommend his services.

Elisabeth
Pensions advice

I highly recommend Prakash Ruparelia from Scott-Moncrieff & Associates. He helped my mother to find a prompt and cost-effective way of resolving her case. At each stage of legal process Prakash gave clear and concise advice and provided an honest appraisal about the merits of our case. This helped us to make informed decisions about what steps to take. Always calm and well-prepared, Prakash worked tirelessly to achieve a brilliant result for us.

Mussarat
M. Zeban

I was very fortunate to have found Prakash Ruparelia to help me. I was going through a bad time physically and mentally to deal with my claim.he made the process so easy and efficient. He is a very honest and professional at what he does . I’m very appreciative of his help.

Julian
PIP 1st Tier Tribunal Appeal

I would like to thank Prakash Ruparelia for preparing appeal and representing my son at the PIP Tribunal last week. It was really helpful to have his expert guidance and reassurance throughout what has been a difficult and stressful process. The appeal was successful.

Anna
Pip appeal / Tribunal

I had a fantastic experience with Scott-Moncrieff & Associates, my named solicitor was Prakash Ruparelia, he was very knowledgeable/ experienced in the process of personal independence payments appeals, he guided me through the process, reassuring me at all times. He was professional and communication was key for me, he always responded to any queries I had.

I would highly recommend their services and wouldn’t hesitate to use them again.

Personal Independence Payments (PIP Appeals)

Personal Independence Payments (PIP), is the benefit that has replaced the Disability Living Allowance for people between the ages of 16-64.

You should note that PIP is not based on the condition you have or the medication you take.

It is based on the level of help you need because of how your condition affects you.

You will be assessed on the level of help you need with specific activities.

When can you Appeal

You can challenge the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) decision about PIP if:

  • The DWP made no award of  PIP
  • A lower rate of PIP was awarded than you expected
  • You think your award isn’t long enough

If your claim for Personal Independence Payments (PIP) has been turned down, or your award has been reduced, you should seek advice to see if you have merits to appeal the decision.

I can also assist you if you have lost your Motability Scheme Vehicle due to your PIP payments being reduced.

If You do not agree with the DWP Decision

If you disagree with a decision that has been made about your Personal Independence Payments (PIP) claim, you have the right to challenge it. Firstly, this can be done by requesting the DWP carry out a mandatory reconsideration.

Request a Mandatory Reconsideration

You will need to request the mandatory reconsideration within one month of the date on the decision letter. If the request for a mandatory reconsideration is conducted successfully then your Personal Independence Payments (PIP) will be reinstated.

A successful reconsideration at this stage can save a lot of time, stress, and money and you should carefully consider if you need assistance in putting forward your request for a mandatory reconsideration at this stage.

Appeal to Social Security Tribunal

If your application for a mandatory reconsideration is unsuccessful then you will have the opportunity to have your appeal heard on papers or in person before an independent panel, called a tribunal.

Further information about social-security first-tier tribunals can be found here. First Tier Tribunal Appeals page

To request an appeal after an unsuccessful mandatory reconsideration you will need to complete an SSCS1 form.

It is also possible to request a Personal Independence Payments (PIP) appeal through the government online system by clicking on this link https://www.gov.uk/appeal-benefit-decision

What happens when you lodge an appeal

Once the DWP receives your request for a Personal Independence Payments (PIP)  appeal they will send you a tribunal bundle. This will consist of the reasons why they have made the decision to refuse or not give you the level of Personal Independence Payments (PIP) that you may have desired.

Receiving the tribunal bundle can be daunting for some appellants and most choose to request legal assistance at this stage. I can assist in putting forward a tribunal submission appealing against the DWP’s decision. I will make sure that the correct and relevant case laws and regulations are used. This will give you the best chance of success at the tribunal hearing. 

I can also assist appellants with assistance for the tribunal hearing at the first tier tribunal stage. With over 20 years of experience in dealing with welfare benefits appeals. I am one of a few qualified solicitors in the country that specialises in welfare benefits law.

How Appointments work

I take on clients from all over England and find that most of the work can be done over the phone and email.

When required I can offer virtual meetings via Zoom or Microsoft Teams but if a face-to-face appointment is needed this can also be arranged.

Funding

Due to legal aid no longer being available for welfare benefits appeals I offer a fixed fee service. You can therefore be assured of the amount that you will be charged and you will not receive any unexceted bills at the end of your case.

As a fully qualified and regulated solicitor, my services are offered through the award-winning national firm Scott-Moncrieff & Associates Ltd Solicitors.

More information about the firm can be found at www.scomo.com.

A recent case study of one of my PIP appeal cases can be found at the following link:  https://www.scomo.com/News/Pip-payments-nottingham-woman-s-court-win-against-reduction-in-personal-independent-payments-leads-way-for-others-with-disabilities.html

For further information please do not hesitate to contact me.

How to find us

London Office

Scott-Moncrieff & Associates Ltd Solicitors
Temple Chambers
3-7 Temple Avenue
London
EC4Y 0HP
Office: 0203 9729011
DX 116 LD
www.scomo.com

Leicester Office

Scott-Moncrieff & Associates Ltd Solicitors
New Walk House
108 New Walk
Leicester
LE1 7EA
Office: 0203 9729011