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.

Welfare Benefits Advice

 Welfare Benefits Advice & Appeals Solicitor UK

Specialist Solicitor – PIP, ESA, Universal Credit, Overpayments & DWP Investigations

Expert Legal Support for Welfare Benefits Claims, Appeals & DWP Investigations

Whether you’ve received a DWP decision letter, been asked to attend a compliance interview, or invited to a DWP Interview Under Caution (IUC), the situation can feel overwhelming. However, with the right legal advice, you do not have to face it alone.

These situations are stressful, intimidating, and can put your financial security at risk. The benefits system is complex, the rules change frequently, and the DWP often makes mistakes that unfairly impact genuine claimants.

I am Prakash Ruparelia, a solicitor with over 25 years of specialist experience in welfare benefits law. I have successfully represented thousands of clients across the UK in cases involving:

  • PIP & ESA Appeals

  • Universal Credit challenges

  • Benefit overpayments

  • DWP compliance interviews

  • Interviews under caution (IUCs)

  • Tribunal hearings at all levels

My role is to take the pressure off your shoulders, protect your legal rights, and fight for the outcome you deserve.

Call today on 020 3972 9011 for a free initial consultation.

Why Choose Me for Welfare Benefits Legal Advice?

  • Specialist expertise – 25+ years focused on welfare benefits law.

  • Nationwide representation – We have an office in London but i advise and represent  clients all over England & Wales by phone, video or in person.

  • Tribunal advocacy – Strong record of success at First-tier Tribunal and Upper Tribunal.

  • Defence in investigations – Experienced in advising at DWP compliance and Benefit fraud interviews under caution. 

  • Personal service – You work directly with me, not call handlers or paralegals.

Services I Provide

 

PIP Appeals & Applications

  • Completing PIP forms correctly to maximise chances of success.

  • Challenging low scores or unfair refusals.

  • Preparing detailed legal submissions for PIP tribunals.

  • Arguing for enhanced Daily Living and Mobility rates.

ESA Advice & Appeals

  • Completing the ESA50 form with accurate medical detail.

  • Challenging “fit for work” decisions.

  • Securing placement in the Support Group.

Universal Credit Challenges

  • Contesting sanctions and deductions.

  • Advising self-employed claimants on UC reporting rules.

  • Challenging work capability decisions under UC.

Benefit Overpayments

  • Investigating whether an overpayment is valid.

  • Arguing against recovery where it wasn’t your fault.

  • Negotiating affordable repayment plans if recovery is unavoidable.

DWP Compliance Interviews

  • Advice before attending a compliance interview.

  • Explaining your rights and obligations.

  • Protecting you from unfair questioning or misinterpretation.

  • Ensuring the DWP’s review does not escalate into a fraud investigation.

DWP Interviews Under Caution (IUCs)

  • An Interview Under Caution (IUC) is a critical stage in the process. In fact, because it is recorded, it is frequently relied upon as evidence during benefit fraud investigations. Therefore, you should never attend without legal advice.

  • You have the right to legal representation – you should never attend an IUC alone.

  • I advise and represent clients at IUCs, protecting against:

    • Unfair questioning

    • Self-incrimination

    • Misuse of evidence

  • I build your defence by reviewing the DWP’s allegations, your records, and providing robust legal arguments.

Tribunal Representation

  • Preparing detailed written submissions.

  • Presenting your case before a tribunal panel.

  • Cross-examining witnesses and ensuring evidence is properly considered.

  • Taking appeals to the Upper Tribunal where necessary.

Step-by-Step Process

  1. Free Consultation – Quick assessment of your case.

  2. Case Review – Examining DWP letters, medical evidence, and financial details.

  3. Preparation – Drafting strong submissions for reconsiderations, appeals, or defence in investigations.

  4. Representation – Attending tribunals, compliance interviews, or IUCs with you.

  5. Outcome & Aftercare – Ensuring decisions are implemented correctly and advising on future steps.

Why Speed Matters

  • Mandatory Reconsiderations must be submitted within one month. If you miss this window, your case becomes harder to pursue. Similarly, tribunal appeals have strict time limits after an MR refusal, so quick action is essential. Finally, compliance interviews should never be ignored. Failing to attend can result in your benefits being stopped.
  • Interviews under caution– failing to prepare or attend properly can result in prosecution.

Acting quickly maximises your options and improves your chances of success.

Success with Representation

  • More PIP and ESA appeals succeed with professional representation.

  • Attending an Interview Under Caution with a solicitor makes prosecution far less likely. On the other hand, those who attend alone often increase their risk. Therefore, seeking proper legal advice is vital because it ensures the DWP’s evidence is tested and challenged correctly.

Client Feedback

“Prakash represented me at an IUC after the DWP accused me of fraud. His calm advice and defence meant the case was dropped.” – Mr A, Birmingham

“I was refused PIP twice. With Prakash’s help I won at tribunal and received back payments of over £12,000.” – Ms K, Leicester

“My Universal Credit was sanctioned unfairly. Prakash challenged the decision and got my payments reinstated.” – Mr H, London

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is a DWP Compliance Interview?
A: It’s a fact-checking interview where the DWP reviews your claim. This not the same as an IUC, but answers can still be used against you. Always seek advice before attending.

Q: What happens at a DWP Interview Under Caution?
A: An IUC is a recorded interview where you are cautioned under the Police and Criminal Evidence Act (PACE). The DWP may use it as evidence in a fraud prosecution. You should never attend without legal representation.

Q: Can you still help if I’ve already attended an IUC?
A: Yes, but it’s much better to involve me beforehand. If you’ve already attended, I can review what was said and build a defence.

Q: Do you represent clients outside London?
A: Yes – I act for clients nationwide via phone, video, and email.

Q: Do you offer free legal aid?
A: Most welfare benefit cases are no longer covered by legal aid. However, I offer affordable fixed-fee representation.

Take Control of Your Case Today

If you’ve received a refusal letter, a compliance interview notice, or an interview under caution invitation, don’t face it alone. I have over 25 of years’ experience, and can help protect your rights, challenge unfair decisions, and fight for the benefits you are entitled to.

Call me today on 020 3972 9011 for a free consultation
Or fill in the contact form below

 

 

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