Marko, a Ukrainian national of working age, arrived in the UK with his wife after fleeing the devastating war in their homeland……….
Client Profile: Marko, a Ukrainian national of working age, arrived in the UK with his wife after fleeing the devastating war in their homeland. Despite being granted permission to live here, Marko faced significant challenges due to a serious health condition that impacted his daily life.
Reason client needs advice: *Marko approached us for help applying for Personal Independence Payment (PIP), seeking essential financial support for his condition.
The challenge:
Our Benefits Specialist guided him through the application process, but his journey was far from straightforward.
Initial rejection: The Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) refused Marko’s application just 10 days after submission, awarding him only 2 points for Daily Living and none for Mobility. This decision ignored extensive medical evidence provided in support of his claim.
Dispute over mandatory reconsideration: Despite submitting a recorded delivery Mandatory Reconsideration Notice (MRN), the DWP claimed they had not received it, issuing a direction to strike out the case.
How we helped:
Our Benefits Specialist stood firm, opposing the strike-out attempt and escalating the case to His Majesty’s Courts and Tribunal Service (HMCTS). Through determined advocacy we:
Prevented the case dismissal: HMCTS ruled against the strike-out, allowing Marko’s case to proceed.
Negotiated with the DWP: A month later, the DWP contacted us to amend the decision and avoid Tribunal proceedings, making an offer to award him the benefit instead of pursuing the appeal, which Marko accepted.
Outcome:
Marko’s perseverance, supported by our Benefits Specialist, delivered a life-changing result:
Backdated payment: £7,400 in arrears.
Weekly award: £101.35 for both Daily Living and Mobility components over 77 weeks.
Total financial impact: Marko is now £15,373.35 better off, receiving the crucial support he needs to rebuild his life.
NOTE: * All client stories have had certain details changed or omitted to preserve the clients’ anonymity.