Independent Benefit Services
Welfare rights · Cardiff · Working UK-wide
Independent Benefit Services

A specialist welfare rights service for disability benefit claims and appeals.

A trusted, culturally competent service helping clients across the UK navigate the welfare system — written submissions for applications, mandatory reconsiderations and tribunal appeals. Available in fluent English and Somali.

Start your enquiryWhat to prepare first

Please send your enquiry by message — not by phone.

Independent Benefit Services is not a telephone advice line. The best way to reach us is by WhatsApp message, so your enquiry can be read carefully and answered properly.

How to reach us
About

A specialist welfare rights service, trusted in the community.

Independent Benefit Services is a specialist welfare rights service with a strong track record of securing successful outcomes in disability benefit claims and appeals. The service is widely trusted within the Somali community and other marginalised groups, offering culturally competent, accessible and personalised support.

We understand the barriers many clients face when navigating the welfare system — language challenges, limited awareness of legal rights, and difficulty engaging with statutory agencies. We provide clear explanations of the legal process, support clients through each stage of completing and appealing benefit applications, and ensure they are fully informed and empowered throughout.

Clients receive dedicated one-to-one support, delivered in both Somali and fluent English, enabling them to communicate their needs confidently and accurately. Independent Benefit Services is committed to fairness, dignity, and advocacy, ensuring that individuals from all backgrounds can access the benefits they are entitled to.

1.

Culturally competent

Service delivered in English and Somali, by someone who understands the community.

2.

Clear & informed

You'll understand each stage of the legal process — no jargon, no surprises.

3.

Confidential

Your information is handled privately and only used to support your case.

Services & pricing

Clear, fixed pricing — written submissions only.

Every service is delivered as a written submission. We do not provide phone advice and we do not represent clients at tribunal hearings.

Welfare benefits support & form completion

  • Disability benefit applicationsPIP · DLA · Attendance Allowance — full form completion
    £100
  • Work capability assessment formsESA / Universal Credit — Limited Capability for Work
    £50

Appeals & legal submissions

  • Mandatory reconsiderationWritten reconsideration request
    £100
  • Tribunal appeal submissionsWritten submissions only — no representation at hearings
    £200
  • Appeal submissions, all benefitsWritten submissions only — no representation
    £200
Independent Benefit Services prepares written submissions only. We do not attend tribunal hearings.

Additional services

  • Letter writingPer letter — housing, council, medical, school, immigration support letters and more
    £25
Documents needed · Dukumiintiyada loo baahan yahay

Please have these ready before you contact us.

To complete any disability benefit application, we will check your identification and review all medical evidence and supporting documents related to your health condition. Providing as much evidence as possible strengthens your claim.

For children · Carruurta

Disability Living Allowance (DLA) — children

Lacagta Naafada Carruurta (DLA)

  • Education Health and Care Plan (EHCP)Qorshaha Waxbarasho, Caafimaad iyo Daryeel (EHCP)
  • Diagnosis letters from paediatricians or specialistsWarqadaha cudur-baadhista oo ka soo yimid dhakhaatiirta carruurta ama takhasusleyaasha
  • Occupational therapy reportsWarbixinada daaweynta shaqada (occupational therapy)
  • Care package assessments from social servicesQiimaynta xirmada daryeelka oo ka timid adeegyada bulshada
  • Medical or support letters from school (SENCO, pastoral team, school nurse)Warqado caafimaad ama taageero oo iskuulka ka yimid (SENCO, kooxda lataliyaha, kalkaalisada iskuulka)
  • Any additional medical reports related to the child's conditionWarbixino kale oo caafimaad oo la xiriira xaalada caafimaad ee ilmaha
For adults · Dadka waaweyn

Personal Independence Payment (PIP)

Lacagta Madaxbannaanida Shakhsi ahaaneed (PIP)

  • Full medical file from your GPFaylkaaga caafimaad oo dhameystiran oo dhakhtarkaaga GP-ga ah
  • Occupational health assessment reports (if available)Warbixinada qiimaynta caafimaadka shaqada (haddii la heli karo)
  • Care Act assessments or Health & Wellbeing assessments from social servicesQiimaynta Care Act ama Caafimaadka iyo Ladnaanta ee adeegyada bulshada
  • Physiotherapy reportsWarbixinada daaweynta jirka (physiotherapy)
  • GP medical lettersWarqado caafimaad oo dhakhtarkaaga GP-ga ah
  • Prescription list showing current medicationLiiska daawooyinka aad hadda qaadanaysid
  • Any hospital or specialist reportsWarbixin kasta oo isbitaal ama takhasusle ah

Why evidence matters

Sababta caddaymuhu muhiim u yihiin

  • How your condition affects daily livingSida xaaladaadu u saameyso nolol-maalmeedkaaga
  • How your mobility is impactedSida socodkaaga ay u saameysantay
  • The frequency, severity and variability of symptomsInta jeer, darnaanta iyo isbedelka calaamadaha
  • The support you need from othersTaageerada aad uga baahan tahay dadka kale

The more evidence you provide, the stronger your application or appeal will be.
Inta caddaymo badan ee aad bixiso, ayey codsigaagu ama rafcaankaagu sii xoogaysanayaa.

Common questions

Your questions, answered simply.

Can I phone you for advice?
Independent Benefit Services is not a telephone advice line. To make sure every enquiry is given proper attention, we ask you to message us on WhatsApp. We will read your message carefully and reply to you in writing, usually within a few working days.
How much do your services cost?
Our pricing is fixed and transparent — see the Services & pricing section. Disability benefit applications are £100, work capability assessment forms are £50, mandatory reconsiderations are £100, tribunal and benefit appeal submissions are £200, and individual letters are £25 each.
Do you represent clients at tribunal hearings?
No. We prepare written submissions only — both for mandatory reconsiderations and for tribunal appeals. We do not attend hearings or provide in-person representation.
Do I need to be in Cardiff?
No. Independent Benefit Services is based in Cardiff but works with clients across the UK. Our service is delivered through written communication, so your location is not a barrier.
What languages do you work in?
Services are delivered in fluent English and Somali. You are welcome to write your enquiry in either language and we will reply in the language you prefer.
What evidence and documents will I need to provide?
Please review the Documents needed section before contacting us. The exact evidence depends on the benefit you are applying for, but at minimum we will need ID and the relevant medical evidence.
Is my information kept confidential?
Yes — completely. Your details are only used to prepare your written submission and are not shared with anyone outside Independent Benefit Services without your express permission.
How do I pay?
Payment details and timing will be confirmed in writing once we have reviewed your enquiry and agreed the scope of work with you.
Get in touch

Send us your enquiry by message.

We are not a telephone advice line. The best way to reach Independent Benefit Services is by WhatsApp message — send a short, clear note about what you need and we will reply in writing.

Please allow a few working days for a reply. Every message is read in full and answered carefully. Your information stays confidential and is only used to support your case.
WhatsApp

Message us on WhatsApp

Send your enquiry to the number below. We reply by message, usually within a few working days — please don't expect an instant or same-day response.

How to get the best help from your message

A clear, professional first message helps us understand your case and reply with a proper plan. Please include:

  1. The exact service you need. Be specific — for example a PIP / DLA / Attendance Allowance application, a Work Capability Assessment form, a mandatory reconsideration, a tribunal or appeal submission, or letter writing. See Services & pricing if you're not sure which applies.
  2. A short, professional description of your situation. Stick to the key facts and any important dates — for example the date on a decision letter or the deadline you've been given.
  3. Confirmation you can provide evidence. Check the Documents needed section and let us know you can supply the relevant medical and supporting documents.
  4. Your preferred language for our reply — English or Somali.

Please keep messages courteous and to the point — it helps us help you more quickly. We respond in writing only and do not give advice by phone.