Free Welfare Rights Advice: Where to Get Expert Help With Benefits
By the RightfulUK team • • 4 min read • Reviewed for accuracy
Welfare rights advisers are experts in the benefits system. They know the rules, the loopholes, and the language that works. And many of them are completely free.
Here's where to find free expert help with your benefits claim.
What Is a Welfare Rights Adviser?
A welfare rights adviser is someone trained in benefits law and policy. They can:
- Check what benefits you're entitled to - Help you fill in application forms - Write Mandatory Reconsideration letters - Represent you at tribunal - Challenge DWP decisions - Calculate backpay owed
They know the system better than the DWP. That's why they're so effective at winning appeals.
Free Sources of Welfare Rights Advice
Citizens Advice — The largest free advice service. Every area has a bureau. They can help with PIP forms, appeals, and tribunal representation.
Local council welfare rights teams — Many councils employ welfare rights advisers. Ask your council if they offer this service.
Disability organisations — Scope, Disability Rights UK, and local disability charities often have welfare rights workers.
Law centres — Free legal advice including benefits. Find your nearest at lawcentres.org.uk.
Trade unions — If you're a union member, many provide benefits advice.
RightfulUK — Our free online tools guide you through MR letters, assessment preparation, and tribunal preparation.
Getting Help With Your PIP Claim
Specific help is available at every stage:
Application stage: Citizens Advice and welfare rights teams can help fill in the PIP2 form.
After denial: Welfare rights advisers can write your Mandatory Reconsideration letter or check the one you've written.
Tribunal stage: Many organisations provide free tribunal representation. A representative can speak for you, present your case, and cross-examine the DWP's evidence.
Having a representative at tribunal significantly increases your chances of winning.
Should You Pay for Help?
No. Some companies charge hundreds of pounds for PIP help. You don't need to pay.
Free advisers are often MORE qualified than paid services. Citizens Advice advisers and welfare rights workers have specialist training and years of experience.
If someone is charging you for PIP advice: - Check if they're regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority - Ask for their success rate - Check free alternatives first
In almost every case, free help is better than paid help.
What to Prepare Before Getting Advice
When you contact a welfare rights adviser, have ready:
1. Your PIP decision letter (if you have one) 2. Your assessment report (request from DWP if you don't have it) 3. Your original PIP form (keep a copy) 4. Medical evidence (GP letters, consultant letters) 5. A list of your conditions and medications 6. A summary of how your conditions affect daily life
This helps the adviser give you the best possible guidance quickly.
Related Articles
- PIP Help UK: Free Help With Your PIP Claim, Appeal & Tribunal (2026) — 6 min read
- Disability Support Groups UK: Where to Find Help and Community — 5 min read
- PIP for Mental Health: Why Claims Fail and How to Get It Right — 5 min read
- PIP Backpay: How Much Could You Get? (Calculator + Guide) — 3 min read
Related Tools & Guides
- Free PIP Eligibility Checker — estimate your likely points
- Mandatory Reconsideration Letter Builder — challenge the DWP decision
- Tribunal Preparation Tool — practice panel questions
- PIP Condition Guides — descriptors for your condition