For years, the Government has had reams of evidence handed to them showing not only why the disability benefits assessments processes are simply not working – but also how they’re actively harming people. For too many who apply for health and disability benefits, they are met with barriers, hostility, and stigma, and are denied the income they’re entitled to.
£23.70 a week is the amount awarded at the Standard Rate of the mobility component of the Personal Independence Payment (“PIP”), the benefit that helps people living with long term health conditions or disabilities. For Sarah*, a client referred by Z2K, that £23.70 a week was life changing.
I first got involved through a new partnership that was launched between Charles Russell Speechlys, Atkins and Z2K. I was particularly drawn to this pro bono project after finding out that Z2K had a 93% success rate and that 70% of all disability benefit appeals are successful. I found these statistics to be staggering and what is clear is that a small amount of our time can make a huge difference to people’s lives.
Z2K is an amazing charity that provides specialist welfare benefit support to individuals and working with them has been an incredible privilege for me. I cannot speak more highly of Z2K and the importance of the work they do supporting individuals who are often the most vulnerable in society. Many of us here at Kingsley Napley might say that one of the reasons that they decided to pursue a career in the law was to fight injustices in the system. Well, here is your chance!
Over the last two years I have run the Tenants Voice project for Z2K, working with renters at the ‘sharp end’ of the Private Rented Sector (PRS) – those reliant on benefits or on very low incomes, living in tiny, cramped spaces, and often in unfit conditions, subject to exploitation, aggression, and discrimination by landlords, and with very little way of fighting back.
The team at Z2K, as well as hundreds of law firms, chambers, and other supporters of access to justice took part in the 10k #LegalWalk on Monday 18th October. Our team consisted of staff and trustees, who took to the streets of London to raise vital funds for access to justice charities, including Z2K.
If you’re battling with housing, disability or welfare issues, there are many ways we could help you. Alternatively if someone you know needs our help you can refer them to us
