Aziz had been a victim of a violent attack that had left him fighting for his life.

Client profile: 

Aziz was referred to Citizens Advice Harlow via our Community Hub project with Rainbow Services. Aziz had been a victim of a violent attack that had left him fighting for his life. For months, his family waited and hoped as he fought through serious injuries and a long recovery in hospital. 

After many months, Aziz was finally strong enough to be discharged. But the attack had left him with life-changing consequences that would affect every aspect of his daily life. 

Aziz is single and lives in a council property with his children. During his long hospital stay, his family stepped in to care for the children and support them through an incredibly difficult time. Their support became a lifeline while Aziz focused on surviving and rebuilding his strength. 

Reason client needs advice: 

When Aziz returned home, the reality of his new circumstances quickly set in. Due to the health conditions caused by the attack, he could no longer work. Bills began to mount up, and he struggled to make ends meet while trying to recover and care for his children. 

Aziz was claiming LCWRA (Limited Capabilities for Work Related Activities) and had also submitted a PIP (Personal Independence Payment) claim to the DWP (Department of Work and Pensions). Unfortunately, his claim had not been successful. 

Aziz had already submitted a Mandatory Reconsideration which was only partially successful, awarding him the lower rate of the ‘Daily Living’ element. However, this did not reflect the reality of the difficulties he was facing every day. Aziz needed our assistance to challenge the decision and pursue an appeal. 

What we have done to help the client: 

Our Benefit Specialist supported Aziz in launching an appeal against his PIP decision. Together, they began the complex process of gathering evidence from his hospital and medical specialists to strengthen his claim. 

Our Benefit Specialist also gathered supporting legal evidence in the form of relevant case law to demonstrate how Aziz’s circumstances met the criteria for a higher award. 

This was an exceptionally difficult process for Aziz. He was navigating complex and ongoing health conditions while also caring for his children and dealing with significant financial stress. At times the process felt overwhelming. 

However, with determination and resilience, Aziz persevered. With the support of Citizens Advice Harlow, all the evidence was collected and the appeal was submitted. 

Outcomes: 

Citizens Advice Harlow is pleased to report that justice was achieved. 

Not only was Aziz awarded the higher rate of Mobility, but the Daily Living element was also upgraded to the high rate and backdated to the start of his claim. 

Including the backdated award and PIP payments up until August 2028, Benjamin was awarded just over £40,000. 

This life-changing outcome will provide Aziz and his children with much-needed financial stability as he continues to rebuild his life after the devastating attack. 

NOTE:  * All client stories have had certain details changed or omitted to preserve the clients’ anonymity.