Reading Welfare Rights advocates for Reading’s most vulnerable citizens, many of whom experience a debilitating mixture of physical and mental health conditions. We support individuals who are entitled to state aid, but who, due to the complex nature of the benefits system, cannot access the benefits they are due without our intervention.
Our advocacy services go well beyond simply providing ‘advice’. At every stage of the Benefits process, we act as the client’s representative, including often being their legal appointee, speaking on their behalf to government agencies. We frequently represent our clients at Tribunals, arguing cases before a judge, as a barrister defends their clients in court.
We are a charity, governed by a board of Trustees that has provided free assistance to people in Reading in relation to state benefits since 1988. By helping to relieve poverty, we help to reduce sickness and distress and support people to live more independently and sustainably. In the 2020-21 reporting period, we supported over 700 individuals and secured over £500,000 in benefits and backdated monies for our clients.
Learn more about what we do here
Get in touch with us here or call 0118 955 1070