0141 275 4844 mu@normanlawsonsolicitors.co.uk
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Norman Lawson & Co. Solicitors
Norman Lawson & Co.

Guiding clients with clarity and integrity
Law Society of Scotland Regulated
Legal Aid Available

Welfare Rights Solicitors in Glasgow

Norman Lawson & Co. are specialist welfare rights solicitors based in Glasgow city centre. We provide expert representation on benefits appeals, welfare disputes and social security claims. Whether you are appealing a PIP decision, challenging a Universal Credit sanction, or need guidance on Scottish devolved benefits, our experienced team is here to help. Legal aid and private clients welcome.

Free Initial Enquiry 0141 275 4844
20+
Years of Experience
1000+
Clients Represented
6
Practice Areas
Global
Clients Worldwide
Regulated by the Law Society of Scotland
Registered with the Scottish Legal Aid Board
Legal Aid & Private Clients Welcome
Expert Tribunal Representation
Our Welfare Rights Services

Comprehensive Benefits Appeal Representation

Norman Lawson & Co. provides specialist advice and representation on all aspects of welfare benefits, social security claims and appeals. We assist clients challenging unfair decisions by the Department for Work and Pensions and Social Security Scotland across the full range of benefits available.

Universal Credit Disputes

Expert assistance with Universal Credit issues including wrongly calculated awards, disputed work capability assessments, sanctions appeals and mandatory reconsideration requests. We help challenge decisions and ensure you receive the correct amount.

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Personal Independence Payment (PIP) Appeals

Specialist representation for PIP appeals. We gather medical evidence, prepare detailed submissions and represent you at tribunal hearings. We have extensive experience challenging refusals and appeals against lower awards of PIP.

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Employment & Support Allowance (ESA) Appeals

We help clients challenge ESA refusals and Work Capability Assessment decisions. Our solicitors prepare comprehensive appeals that highlight the impact of your medical condition and limitations on your ability to work.

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Disability Living Allowance (DLA)

We provide representation on Disability Living Allowance claims, appeals and reviews. We help both adults and families with children secure DLA awards to support their care and mobility needs.

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Housing Benefit & Council Tax Reduction

Expert assistance with housing benefit and council tax reduction disputes. We help clients secure and maintain housing and council tax benefit awards, and challenge wrongful decisions or overpayment claims.

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Carer’s Allowance

We assist carers with Carer’s Allowance claims, appeals and disputes with the Department for Work and Pensions. We help ensure that carers receive recognition and financial support for the care they provide.

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Further Welfare Rights Support

Additional Benefits & Specialist Areas

Beyond the main benefit types, we also provide advice and representation on a range of other welfare rights matters, including pension credits, Scottish social security benefits and social security tribunal appeals.

Pension Credit

Assistance with Pension Credit applications, disputes and appeals. We help pensioners secure the financial support they are entitled to through Pension Credit and Guarantee Credit.

Adult Disability Payment (ADP)

Expert representation on Adult Disability Payment claims and appeals. This Scottish devolved benefit replaces PIP for working-age adults in Scotland. We help clients navigate the application and appeal process.

Child Disability Payment (CDP)

Specialist advice on Child Disability Payment applications and appeals. We help families claim CDP for disabled children and challenge refusal or lower award decisions made by Social Security Scotland.

Scottish Child Payment

Support with Scottish Child Payment claims and appeals. We assist families in securing this Scottish devolved benefit designed to support households with children in lower income brackets.

Sanctions & Mandatory Reconsideration

We help clients challenge benefit sanctions and prepare comprehensive mandatory reconsideration requests. If you believe a sanction was applied unfairly or incorrectly, we can help appeal the decision.

First-tier Tribunal (Social Security) Appeals

Full representation at Social Security tribunal hearings. Our solicitors prepare detailed written submissions and present oral arguments to judges and tribunal members on your behalf.

Upper Tribunal Appeals

Representation on appeals to the Upper Tribunal on points of law. We handle complex welfare rights cases that raise issues of wider legal significance or procedural unfairness at the First-tier Tribunal.

Court of Session Appeals (Scotland)

Where necessary, we can assist with judicial review and appeals to the Court of Session in Scotland on welfare rights matters involving breaches of law or fundamental rights.

Tax Credits & Working Tax Credits

Guidance and representation on tax credits appeals and disputes with His Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC). We help clients challenge underpayments and wrongly calculated awards.

The Benefits Appeal Process

Your Journey Through the Welfare Rights System

Understanding the appeal process is crucial when challenging a benefits decision. Here is what you can expect at each stage when you instruct Norman Lawson & Co. to represent you.

1

Initial Decision

The Department for Work and Pensions or Social Security Scotland makes a decision on your benefits claim. You receive a decision letter setting out their reasoning.

2

Mandatory Reconsideration

Before appealing to the tribunal, you must request mandatory reconsideration within one month. We prepare a detailed MR request explaining why the decision is wrong and presenting new evidence.

3

First-tier Tribunal Appeal

If the MR is refused, we submit your appeal to the First-tier Tribunal (Social Security). We prepare your case file, written submissions and represent you at a hearing before a judge and tribunal member.

4

Upper Tribunal & Beyond

If the First-tier Tribunal decision is wrong in law, we can appeal to the Upper Tribunal and ultimately to the Court of Session (in Scotland). These are for complex cases raising points of law of wider significance.

Scottish Social Security Benefits

Your Rights Under Scottish Devolved Benefits

Scotland has devolved powers over certain social security benefits, administered by Social Security Scotland. These devolved benefits include Adult Disability Payment (ADP), Child Disability Payment (CDP), and Scottish Child Payment. The Scottish government has established a new framework based on the Scottish social security principles which should guide all decision-making on devolved benefits.

Dignity

People have dignity and should be treated with respect. They should be supported to participate fully in society as equals. Social Security Scotland should treat applicants with respect and support their independence.

Fairness

People are treated fairly and consistently. Decisions must be based on relevant circumstances and consistent application of the law. We hold Social Security Scotland to account where decisions are unfair or inconsistent.

Respect for Privacy

People’s privacy must be respected. Personal information is handled securely and in accordance with data protection law. Only information genuinely needed to assess entitlement should be requested or disclosed.

Accountability

Social Security Scotland is accountable for its decisions and the way it treats applicants. There must be clear processes to challenge decisions and transparent administration of the scheme.

No Stigma

Claiming social security should not be a stigmatised experience. Benefits should be administered in a way that does not reinforce harmful stereotypes or make people feel they are ‘less than’ others.

Accessibility

The system should be accessible to all. Information should be clear and available in multiple formats. People should be able to apply and communicate with Social Security Scotland in ways that work for them.

Why Norman Lawson & Co.

What Sets Us Apart in Welfare Rights

Choosing the right solicitor for your welfare rights appeal matters. Here is why clients across Glasgow and Scotland trust Norman Lawson & Co. with their benefits disputes.

Specialist Welfare Rights Expertise

Longstanding experience in welfare rights, benefits appeals and social security law. We attend Social Security tribunal hearings regularly and understand the latest changes in UK and Scottish benefits law.

Confidential & Regulated

Fully regulated by the Law Society of Scotland. Your privacy is protected at all times. We adhere to the highest professional standards and you can verify our credentials with the Law Society.

Legal Aid & Affordable Access to Justice

Registered with the Scottish Legal Aid Board. We accept both legal aid and private work, ensuring that everyone has access to expert legal representation when they need it most, regardless of financial circumstances.

Dedicated & Supportive Service

We understand that benefits appeals can be stressful. We provide clear, jargon-free advice and keep you updated at every stage. Your dedicated solicitor is committed to achieving the best possible outcome for your case.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common Questions About Welfare Rights & Benefits Appeals

Answers to the questions we hear most from clients seeking welfare rights advice and benefits appeal representation in Glasgow. Can’t find your answer? Get in touch and we’ll be happy to help.

If your PIP claim has been refused or awarded at a lower rate than expected, you can ask the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) to reconsider the decision through mandatory reconsideration. This must be requested within one month of the decision letter and is free. If you disagree with the mandatory reconsideration decision, you can appeal to the First-tier Tribunal (Social Security and Child Support). We can represent you throughout this process, gathering evidence, preparing submissions and attending your tribunal hearing.
Yes. Many welfare rights cases qualify for legal aid through the Scottish Legal Aid Board, particularly if the appeal involves complex issues, you are vulnerable, or you cannot afford to pay privately. Norman Lawson & Co. is fully registered to provide legal aid services. We will assess your eligibility at your initial enquiry and advise you on whether you qualify and the best option for your case. Even if you do not qualify for legal aid, we offer competitive private rates for welfare rights work.
Mandatory reconsideration (MR) is a free process where the Department for Work and Pensions reviews their original decision on your benefits claim. You must request MR within one month of receiving your decision letter. The DWP then has 28 days to consider your request and either uphold or change their decision. If they uphold the decision, you receive a Mandatory Reconsideration Notice (MRN) which allows you to appeal to the tribunal. We can help you prepare a strong MR request with new evidence and detailed arguments explaining why the original decision was wrong.
Scotland has devolved powers over certain social security benefits that are administered by Social Security Scotland rather than the UK Department for Work and Pensions. These include: Adult Disability Payment (ADP), which replaces Personal Independence Payment (PIP) for working-age adults in Scotland; Child Disability Payment (CDP), which replaces Disability Living Allowance (DLA) for children; and Scottish Child Payment. These benefits are governed by the Scottish social security principles of dignity, fairness, respect for privacy, accountability, no stigma and accessibility. We provide specialist advice and representation on all Scottish devolved benefits.
The timescale for a benefits appeal varies depending on the tribunal’s current workload and the complexity of your case. A mandatory reconsideration typically takes around 28 days. A First-tier Tribunal appeal can take several months from the date you submit your appeal to the tribunal hearing. Some cases are resolved on the papers without an oral hearing; others require a hearing before a judge and tribunal member. The Upper Tribunal and Court of Session can take longer, sometimes many months. We will keep you informed of progress at every stage and manage the process efficiently on your behalf.

Speak to a Welfare Rights Solicitor in Glasgow Today

Whether you need help with a benefits appeal, advice on a welfare rights issue, or representation at a Social Security tribunal, we offer a free initial enquiry by phone or email. No obligation.

0141 275 4844
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