For Disabled People
Know your rights under the Equality Act 2010, challenge benefit decisions, request reasonable adjustments, and access legal support.
Common Problems
Your Rights
Your Rights as a Disabled Person
Know your rights to reasonable adjustments, access, employment protection, and support under the Equality Act 2010.
Your Rights Under the Equality Act
Your rights against discrimination at work, in services, education, and housing based on protected characteristics.
Your Rights to Benefits and Welfare
Your rights to Universal Credit, PIP, and other benefits — eligibility, appeals, and sanctions.
Your Rights as a Mental Health Patient
Your rights if you are detained under the Mental Health Act 1983, including the right to a tribunal, an advocate, and treatment safeguards.
Key Legal Topics
Equality & Discrimination Law
Protection against discrimination based on protected characteristics under the Equality Act 2010.
Social Welfare & Benefits Law
Universal Credit, disability benefits, benefit appeals, and social security tribunals.
Mental Health Law
Legal framework for the assessment, detention, and treatment of persons with mental disorders under the Mental Health Act 1983.
Education Law
School admissions, special educational needs, exclusions, and academy governance.
Useful Guides
Challenging a PIP Decision
How to challenge a PIP award decision through Mandatory Reconsideration and appeal, including how assessments work.
Appealing a Universal Credit Decision
How to challenge an incorrect Universal Credit decision through Mandatory Reconsideration and the Social Security Tribunal.
Requesting Reasonable Adjustments at Work
How to request reasonable adjustments from your employer under the Equality Act 2010 if you have a disability or long-term health condition.
Filing a Discrimination Claim at the Employment Tribunal
How to bring a claim under the Equality Act 2010 for workplace discrimination, harassment, or victimisation.
Appealing to the SEND Tribunal
How to appeal an Education, Health and Care (EHC) Plan decision to the First-tier Tribunal (Special Educational Needs and Disability).
Appealing a Benefit Decision
How to challenge a decision about Universal Credit, PIP, ESA, or another benefit: mandatory reconsideration by the DWP first, then an appeal to the independent Social Security and Child Support Tribunal. Covers the one-month time limit for reconsideration and what the tribunal can decide.
Challenging a Benefits Decision (Mandatory Reconsideration)
How to challenge a DWP decision on Universal Credit, PIP, or other benefits through mandatory reconsideration and tribunal appeal.
Appealing to the SEND Tribunal
How to appeal a local authority's decision about Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) provision to the First-tier Tribunal.
Applying for Legal Aid
How to check eligibility and apply for legal aid funding in civil and criminal cases in England & Wales.
Letter Templates
Workplace Grievance Letter
Raise a formal workplace grievance under the ACAS Code of Practice on Disciplinary and Grievance Procedures.
Complaint to an Ombudsman Service
Formal complaint letter to an ombudsman service — adaptable for the Financial Ombudsman Service, Energy Ombudsman, Telecoms Ombudsman, Property Redress Scheme, or Legal Ombudsman.
Legal Tools & Calculators
Benefit Appeal Router
Find out whether to request a Mandatory Reconsideration or appeal directly to the First-tier Tribunal (Social Entitlement Chamber), with timelines and free representation options.
Legal Aid Eligibility Checker
Get a quick indicative assessment of whether you might qualify for civil or criminal legal aid in England & Wales based on your case type and financial circumstances.
Employment Tribunal Deadline Calculator
Calculate the 3-month minus 1 day deadline for bringing an employment tribunal claim, including ACAS Early Conciliation extension adjustments.
Common Scenarios
Frequently asked questions
- Who can help me if I am facing discrimination or benefit disputes?
- If you are facing benefit disputes, discrimination, or difficulties accessing public services, you should seek advice from a welfare rights specialist, a disability charity, or Citizens Advice. For specific employment discrimination claims, it is essential to get legal advice early because strict time limits apply. Specialist help is also available from organisations like Disability Rights UK, the Equality Advisory Support Service (EASS), and local law centres.
- Is legal aid available for disability discrimination or benefit appeals?
- Yes, legal aid may be available for discrimination cases and benefit tribunal appeals. However, eligibility depends on your specific circumstances and financial situation. It is recommended to seek advice from a welfare rights specialist or a local law centre to determine if you qualify for legal aid in your particular case.
- How long do I have to make a discrimination claim at work?
- For employment discrimination claims, strict three-month time limits apply. Because of these tight deadlines, it is essential to seek legal advice early on. Delaying action could result in missing the deadline to bring your claim, so contacting a specialist or legal service promptly is crucial to protect your rights.
- What law protects the rights of disabled people in the UK?
- The Equality Act 2010 provides the legal framework for protecting the rights of disabled people. Under this legislation, you can challenge benefit decisions, request reasonable adjustments from service providers or employers, and take action against discrimination. Knowing your rights under this Act is the first step in addressing issues related to disability in the UK.
- Which organisations provide specialist help for disability rights issues?
- The Equality Advisory Support Service (EASS) is one of the organisations mentioned that can provide specialist help. Other useful resources include Disability Rights UK, local law centres, welfare rights specialists, and Citizens Advice. These bodies can offer guidance on challenging assessments, appealing decisions, and understanding your legal rights.
When to Get Legal Advice
Disabled people facing benefit disputes, discrimination or difficulties accessing public services should seek advice from a welfare rights specialist, disability charity or Citizens Advice. For employment discrimination claims, strict three-month time limits apply and legal advice early on is essential. Organisations such as Disability Rights UK, the Equality Advisory Support Service (EASS) and local law centres can provide specialist help. Legal aid may be available for discrimination cases and benefit tribunal appeals.