Social security

Garden Court North Chambers offers expert advice and representation of benefit claimants, including those with multiple and complex needs, in all areas, including:

  • Housing;
  • Council tax;
  • Maternity;
  • Industrial injuries;
  • Disability and incapacity related benefits;
  • Tax credits;
  • Income support;
  • Job Seekers’ Allowance;
  • Universal Credit; and
  • Public law challenges to decisions of the Upper Tribunal (which in the past have included issues such as the definition of a ‘judicial function’ within the meaning of the Equality Act 2010 and the direct effect of Dublin II Regulations).

We have a particular interest in social security cases involving issues of human rights and European Union law, especially those concerning discrimination.

Members have appeared before Appeal Tribunals, the Social Security Commissioners, the Social Entitlement Chamber of the First Tier Tribunal, the High Court, the Court of Appeal, and the Supreme Court concerning welfare benefits matters.

In view of the lack of Legal Aid for Appeal Tribunal and the Social Security Commissioners hearings, we can offer advice on the prospects of obtaining exceptional funding from the Legal Aid Agency.

Chambers is also aware that social security issues often overlap with other areas of specialisation and can offer complementary expertise in housing, community care and immigration law.  Furthermore, members are experienced in conducting cases in these areas of law where social security issues affect the case itself.

Although Chambers is in Manchester, our members frequently travel to courts and tribunal across England and Wales. If you would like to know more about our social security work please contact the Practice Management Team on 0161 817 6377 or at gcn@gcnchambers.co.uk.

Barristers with expertise in social security

Sign up to our mailing list

Our mailing list is dedicated to professionals with an interest in our work.

Sign up