Hugh James helped a woman obtain back payment and PIP component she was previously refused. Kath previously had a clinical negligence claim with the firm and her file was eventually closed as it was not meritorious.
However, Peter Renshaw, our Welfare Benefits solicitor, had knowledge of how vulnerable Kath was in terms of disablement, including mental health issues and regarding her housing position.
Kath has multiple physical conditions and suffers from cancer and so she was charged no legal costs for the work carried out on her behalf.
Kath was assisted by the firm over a period of many months involving intensive contact and support on multiple matters.
There was a challenge regarding her Work Capability Assessment position where we were able to help Kath receive an increase in the weekly amount of Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) award payable to her and remove a regime of conditionality.
Kath was also refused her Personal Independence Payment (PIP) application and so we supported her during an Appeal Hearing against this refusal.
Kath won the appeal at the Hearing which meant Kath received an award of the standard rate of PIP Daily Living Component which, before now, she was refused.
In turn, this led to a further extra ESA entitlement of £61.85 per week, by way of the Severe Disability Premium and she also received around £10,000 back-pay.
Hugh James also assisted Kath in relation to her housing matters which included her Housing Benefit and Council Tax entitlement.
On the service received from Hugh James, Kath said:
With multiple problems in recent years with illness, in and out of hospital, anxiety and mental health issues, with no knowledge of where and how to get help and the complex benefits system, I don’t know what I would have done without Peter’s help.
I have never met anyone that has been so dedicated, hard-working and professional but still kept a sense of humility. Both Peter and Carol, his secretary, have work so hard to help me and others, especially the vulnerable and isolated, I cannot comment you enough. I am forever grateful.
There is nothing that could be done to improve the level of service that Peter provides as many people would benefit from his invaluable help. Both Peter and Carol go beyond the duties of the job and they are a credit to the firm – I cannot thank them enough!
The names and identifying details of the client have been changed to protect the privacy of individuals involved.
