RAD Legal Services currently advises in the following areas:

Welfare Benefits

If you are entitled to benefits, claim what is rightfully yours.

At RAD Legal Services we understand the rules regarding Welfare Benefits are complicated. Constant changes to the welfare system make it increasingly more difficult for applicants to receive their fair share.

The sort of questions you can ask us are:

• “What benefits can I get?” Find out!
• “Am I being paid the right amounts of benefit?” Find out if you can get paid more.
• “My benefits have been overpaid.” Find out if you can dispute this.
• “My benefits have been stopped!”" Find out why.
• “I don’t agree with my benefit decision.” Get advice on how to appeal to a tribunal.
• “I want to get DLA.” Get advice on how to complete your DLA application.
• “I don’t understand what the DWP said.” Get a letter translated into BSL.
• “I want to start work. Will my benefits be affected?” Compare your income.

Employment

When employment disputes arise, they can have a profound effect on those involved.

Employment is one of the single most important aspects of the working person’s life. We understand that people care passionately about their cases and demand the best legal advice.

Employment Law is currently undergoing rapid change and in order to cope with the increasing complexity of employment legislation, you will require up-to-date and timely advice.

The sort of questions you can ask us are:

• “I have been dismissed, what should I do?” Ask us!
• “Why am I earning less in my wages then before?” Find out why from us.
• “I think someone is discriminating me. Is there anything I can do?” Get advice about discrimination at work.
• “I am not happy with my employer. Can I complain?” Ask one of us how to raise a grievance.
• “I have been made redundant. What can I do?” Get advice about redundancy.
• “My workplace is not safe. Do I have rights?” Find out!
• “I do not have a contract of employment. Can I get one?” Give us a call to get advice.

Debt

We are experienced in helping resolve all your debt related issues. Our knowledge has helped clients recover money owed to them and aided clients who face debt-related problems.

As we all know, when debt mounts up it can sometimes seem impossible to sort out. However, in reality there is always a way out. We can advise you on the best ways to manage your personal debt, removing much of the worry and allowing you to get back to living your life.

The sort of questions you can ask us are:

• “What would happen if I cannot pay my debts?” Get advice about this.
• “When will a bailiff call? Do I have to let the bailiff in?” Know your rights.
• “What happens if I receive court papers?” Find out what happens with court proceedings.
• “What is Bankruptcy?” Get an explanation of what this means.
• “What is an IVA?” Get advice about this.
• “What can I do if I cannot pay my mortgage/rent?” Find out your options!
• “I have received a penalty charge, what can I do and can I appeal?” Ask us what to do.
• “I have not paid my council tax and now I have received a ‘liability order’. What is this and what happens now?” Get advice!
• “I have not paid my gas/electricity/water – will I be disconnected?” We can advise you.

Housing

We are experienced in helping resolve your housing issues. Our knowledge has helped prevent clients being evicted and to ensure that those waiting for housing transfers are as high as possible on the waiting list.

• “What type of tenancy do I live in?” Find out!
• “Is it right that my landlord can evict me with only two months notice?” Find out what steps the landlord should take to lawfully evict you.
• “My central heating has stopped working.” Find out what you can do to get your heating working again.
• “My homeless application has been refused!” Find out why and what you can do.
• “My housing allocation team has placed me in band 3 or C on the register. I do not agree with this.” Get advice on how to review your place.
• “My neighbour’s lights are too bright.” Get advice on how to resolve neighbour dispute.
• “I received a letter from the housing team. I do not understand.” Get a letter translated into BSL.
• “My house is being possessed. How can I stop this?” Get help for your court proceedings.

Immigration

We are the only organisation that provides legal advice on immigration matters to D/deaf and hard of hearing people in the UK.

We are here to help with any problems you may have about entering, or settling in, the UK.

We are registered at Level 1 by the Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner to provide basic immigration advice in the following areas:

• Limited asylum assistance;
• Applications for entry clearance, Leave to Enter or Leave to Remain;
• Nationality and citizenship under UK law; and
• European Union (EU) and European Economic Area (EEA) immigration law.

More information about what services we can offer can be found here.

Family and matrimonial

In trying times when you need trusted advice, we can provide legal assistance.

We understand the sensitive nature of family and divorce proceedings, especially when children are concerned, and we make a concerted effort to provide solutions that reduce the strain on all those involved.