“Things finally started to make sense, the result was a huge relief.” 

At 26, *Jim was struggling to cope with the combined pressures of poor health and mounting debt. Living with complex PTSD, anxiety, and depression made daily life difficult, while chronic knee pain and limited mobility added to his challenges. As his health declined, financial difficulties built up and soon became overwhelming. 

Jim reached out for debt advice and was referred to South West London Law Centres for help with his benefits. When he met with our welfare benefits adviser, Nick, things began to change. 

“Before coming to the Law Centre, I was dealing with a lot of debt and felt completely overwhelmed. When I spoke to Nick, things finally started to make sense.” 

Nick spent time understanding how Jim’s health affected his day-to-day life and identified that he could be eligible for disability benefits. Together, they documented the impact of his health conditions and gathered supporting evidence, including a letter from Jim’s therapist, to strengthen his claim. 

Thanks to this support, Jim was successful in securing disability benefits. The award more than doubled his income, including a one-off payment of £2,800 and an additional £6,000 a year, providing vital financial stability and easing the pressure of living with long-term health conditions. 

“The result was a huge relief. I would definitely recommend the Law Centre to anyone in a similar situation.” 

The outcome has allowed Jim to focus on his health and recovery, without the constant strain of financial insecurity. 

Our Economic Justice Team provides essential support to individuals and families across South West London, helping them secure the financial help they are entitled to and protecting their right to live safely and securely. 

If you’re experiencing health problems, disabilities, or financial hardship and need advice about the benefits you may be entitled to, we encourage you to get advice here. We are always here to help. 

*Name has been changed.