Which expert do I need?
Answer a few questions, or jump straight to a situation below. This is a starting point, not a diagnosis or legal advice.
Question 1 of 9
Has a disability benefit such as PIP, ADP, DLA or Attendance Allowance been refused, reduced or stopped?
Start with free benefits advice. A specialist can help you decide whether to ask for a mandatory reconsideration or appeal, and whether representation is available.
Do you need help with an EHC plan, additional learning needs in Wales, or additional support for learning in Scotland?
Free, specialist education advice is available in each UK nation. Solicitor firms with an education legal aid contract may be able to take on some cases.
Has a local authority or NHS care package been reduced, delayed, refused, or charged in a way that seems wrong?
This is often a community care or public law problem. Free legal advice and, in some cases, legal aid may be available.
Are you facing disability discrimination, or being refused reasonable adjustments, at work?
Employment time limits are often short. Get advice quickly from a specialist employment or discrimination service.
Have you been treated unfairly because of disability when using a service, or refused a reasonable adjustment?
This can include shops, transport, health services, housing providers and schools. Specialist discrimination advice is available.
Do you need an occupational therapy assessment, equipment, or adaptations to your home?
Start with your local authority or NHS occupational therapy service. Independent occupational therapists can also assess privately.
Do you need an independent advocate to help you express your views or understand your rights?
In some situations you have a legal right to an advocate. Advocacy is usually commissioned by your local council or health body, so the provider depends on where you live.
Do you need help with a personal budget, direct payments, or employing a personal assistant?
This is a specialist area. Disability Rights UK runs a personal budgets helpline, and community care advisers can help if the council's decision is wrong.
Do you, or someone you support, need help with rights under the Mental Health Act or the Mental Capacity Act?
Independent Mental Health Advocates and Independent Mental Capacity Advocates are specialist advocates. Legal advice may also be needed.
Or choose a situation
- A disability benefit has been refused or reducedStart with free benefits advice. A specialist can help you decide whether to ask for a mandatory reconsideration or appeal, and whether representation is available.
- Problems with an EHC plan, ALN or additional support for learningFree, specialist education advice is available in each UK nation. Solicitor firms with an education legal aid contract may be able to take on some cases.
- A care package has been cut, delayed or refusedThis is often a community care or public law problem. Free legal advice and, in some cases, legal aid may be available.
- Disability discrimination at workEmployment time limits are often short. Get advice quickly from a specialist employment or discrimination service.
- Discrimination when using a service, shop, school or public bodyThis can include shops, transport, health services, housing providers and schools. Specialist discrimination advice is available.
- Home adaptations or equipmentStart with your local authority or NHS occupational therapy service. Independent occupational therapists can also assess privately.
- I need someone to help me be heardIn some situations you have a legal right to an advocate. Advocacy is usually commissioned by your local council or health body, so the provider depends on where you live.
- Personal budgets, direct payments or employing a personal assistantThis is a specialist area. Disability Rights UK runs a personal budgets helpline, and community care advisers can help if the council's decision is wrong.
- Mental Health Act or mental capacity rightsIndependent Mental Health Advocates and Independent Mental Capacity Advocates are specialist advocates. Legal advice may also be needed.