What our clients say
We had an unsuccessful PIP application and Mandatory Reconsideration. Crystal Law lodged an SSCS1, and the DWP changed their decision before the Tribunal Hearing, and gave us the maximum possible award.
Colin S.
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Are you facing hardship due to your benefits being suspended?
Unfortunately, benefits can be rejected/suspended simply by an anonymous false allegation, failing to update the benefit office of changes to your circumstances or even not meeting enough points on your medical assessment. This is not uncommon, so it is essential that this is remedied at the earliest opportunity.
It is advisable to seek assistance immediately at this stage, as the information presented at the interview will undoubtedly have an impact on the outcome of your case. We at Crystal Law understand each step of the benefit fraud process and can assist you from as early as the Interview Stage.
Understanding benefit suspensions
A benefit suspension occurs when your benefit payments are temporarily stopped while the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), HMRC or your local authority reviews your claim. There are several reasons benefits may be rejected or suspended, and not all of them involve wrongdoing or fraud. In many cases, the issue arises from an administrative error, missing evidence or an incorrect record of your circumstances. Understanding the cause is the first step to putting matters right.
Common reasons for rejected/suspended benefits include:
- Changes in circumstances (e.g. income, savings or household composition) that have not been recorded correctly.
- Incomplete or missing evidence during an assessment or review, e.g. example payslips or medical reports.
- Administrative errors by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), a local authority or HMRC.
- Allegations of fraud, such as undeclared work or cohabitation.
- Failure to attend assessments or respond to correspondence, including medical examinations.
If your benefits have been suspended, it’s important to act quickly. You should receive a letter explaining the reason for the suspension and any action you need to take. Responding promptly and providing the requested information can help prevent further delays.
Challenging your rejection/suspension.
A Mandatory Reconsideration (MR)/Reconsideration is your legal right to challenge a welfare benefit decision. This is usually the stage immediately following a rejection of entitlement. We have found that many individuals who have completed forms without advice or assistance are often faced with a negative decision and need to challenge it. We offer an initial consultation to anyone faced with a negative decision, and with our experience, we are generally able to advise you on the prospects of success and strategies to secure entitlement. In the past few years, we have seen that the DWP, HMRC, and Local Authority rejection rates increase dramatically, and we encourage claimants to challenge this if they feel the decision is incorrect.
We have a fantastic success rate of overturning the decision at the reconsideration stage for clients. Once you have lodged your Mandatory Reconsideration, you will typically be issued with a final decision on a Mandatory Reconsideration Notice (MRN). If the decision has been changed in your favour, and you are happy with it, there is nothing further to do. If, however, the decision is negative or less than expected, you have the option to appeal to the First-Tier Tribunal.
Next steps
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What our clients say
Customer centred service within the expected time frame. They are a God-send in this corporate world, they are so human, sensitive and understanding.
N Gill.
Why Crystal Law?
Our team are here to make the law crystal clear.
Our expert solicitors have a wealth of experience, bourne from years of helping 1000s of clients located across the UK on a wide variety of legal matters.
With our extensive knowledge and understanding across many key areas of UK civil law, we're able to provide bespoke legal advice that's tailored to your circumstances.
We know that the law can feel extremely complex and we are there to guide our clients with our down-to-earth approach and jargon-free legal advice.
Expert Welfare Benefit Suspension Solicitors
At Crystal Law, our expert welfare benefits solicitors have extensive experience helping clients challenge benefit rejections, suspensions and overpayment decisions. We provide clear, practical legal advice to ensure your case is handled professionally and efficiently from start to finish.
We understand how stressful it can be when your benefits are stopped, reduced or withdrawn. Our solicitors are here to guide you through every stage of the process, from requesting a Mandatory Reconsideration to representing you at a First-tier Tribunal if needed.
A Mandatory Reconsideration Notice (MRN) is the official letter you’ll receive once your benefit decision has been reviewed. It explains whether the decision has been changed or upheld, the reasons for the outcome and your right to appeal to an independent tribunal if you disagree.
The time it takes can vary depending on the complexity of your case and the benefit involved. Some decisions are reviewed within a few weeks, while others may take several months. The DWP or local authority should keep you informed of progress.
In most cases, benefit payments are not reinstated during a Mandatory Reconsideration. However, you may be able to apply for Hardship Payments or alternative benefits while your case is being reviewed. It’s important to seek advice as soon as possible to avoid financial difficulty.
If your reconsideration is unsuccessful, you can appeal to an independent tribunal. The tribunal is separate from the DWP, HMRC or local authority, and will assess your case based on the evidence provided.
Yes. Our experienced solicitors can help you prepare your case, gather supporting evidence and challenge any incorrect or unfair decisions. We’ll guide you through each stage of the process to give you the best chance of success.