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Email: [email protected]
Phone: 020 39729011
Consultant Solicitor specialising in welfare benefits appeals and Tribunal representation
Prakash is primarily a specialist welfare benefits appeals and Tribunal solicitor, with wider experience in connected disputes, debt, insolvency and housing matters.
Prakash helps clients challenge decisions made by the DWP and local authorities, including decisions concerning PIP, Universal Credit, ESA, benefit overpayments and alleged benefit fraud. He provides advice throughout the mandatory reconsideration and appeal process and represents clients before the First-tier and Upper Tribunals.
With several decades of legal experience, Prakash supports individuals through complex and often stressful disputes involving the Department for Work and Pensions, local authorities and the benefits system. He is known for providing clear, practical advice and careful advocacy, particularly where a client is facing financial uncertainty, an investigation or an unsuccessful benefits decision.
Prakash regularly represents clients before the First-tier Tribunal and Upper Tribunal across England and Wales. He also advises on related litigation, debt, insolvency and landlord and tenant matters, enabling him to consider the wider legal and financial circumstances affecting each client.
“I cannot thank Prakash enough for the support he gave me with my PIP claim. From the very beginning he was professional, patient, and incredibly calm. He explained the process clearly, kept me updated, and reassured me during what was a very stressful time as I waited over 15 months from DWP! Thanks to his hard work and persistence, I was awarded Enhanced Daily Living, which has made a huge difference to my life. He genuinely went above and beyond… Prakash is your guy for anyone needing help with benefits appeals or similar cases. Truly outstanding service.” Nadeem, 27 Aug 2025
How to Prepare a PIP Mandatory Reconsideration: A Step-by-Step Guide
Welfare benefits appeals and mandatory reconsiderations
Prakash advises and represents clients in a wide range of welfare benefits matters, including:
- Personal Independence Payment appeals
- Universal Credit appeals
- Employment and Support Allowance appeals
- Limited Capability for Work appeals
- Limited Capability for Work and Work-Related Activity appeals
- Housing Benefit disputes
- Mandatory reconsiderations
His work often involves cases that have become particularly complex or in which an earlier application, mandatory reconsideration, or appeal has been unsuccessful.
Prakash carefully reviews the evidence and decision-making process in each case. This may include analysing medical and financial records, identifying legal or procedural errors, preparing written submissions and representing clients at Tribunal hearings.
His approach is thorough and evidence-led, while remaining focused on explaining each stage of the process clearly and realistically.
DWP investigations, benefit fraud and overpayments
Prakash has considerable experience advising clients who are being investigated by the DWP or a local authority in relation to alleged benefit fraud or overpayments.
He can provide advice and representation in matters involving:
- Benefit overpayment appeals
- Benefit fraud investigations
- Interviews under caution
- DWP compliance investigations
- Requests for financial or personal information
- Allegations involving undeclared capital
- Alleged cohabitation
- Disability benefit investigations
- Housing Benefit overpayments
- Alleged contrived or non-commercial tenancies
Prakash can assist from the earliest stage of an investigation, including attending interviews under caution, advising on evidence and responding to requests for information.
Where an investigation results in a benefit overpayment decision, he can also advise on challenging that decision through the mandatory reconsideration and Tribunal appeal process.
Obtaining specialist advice early can help clients understand the allegations being made, protect their position and make informed decisions about the next steps.
“Prakash Ruparelia is a very knowledgeable solicitor in his field and cares for his clients’ best interests. Prakash helped me in a number of DWP technical issues, from Tribunal advice to Universal Credit claims. Prakash will always respond in order to assist the client. So, with Prakash’s advice and guidance, I was able to win a mandatory reconsideration decision. I would be in a right mess without him. Thanks, John” John, September 2025
First-tier and Upper Tribunal representation
Prakash regularly represents clients before the Social Security and Child Support Tribunal.
His Tribunal work includes:
- Preparing detailed appeal submissions
- Reviewing medical, financial and supporting evidence
- Identifying errors in benefit decisions
- Advising on the strengths and risks of an appeal
- Preparing clients for hearings
- Representing clients before the Tribunal
- Requesting permission to appeal to the Upper Tribunal
Where a First-tier Tribunal may have made an error of law, Prakash can advise on whether there are grounds to seek permission to appeal to the Upper Tribunal.
He understands that Tribunal proceedings can feel daunting, particularly for clients who are already managing illness, disability or financial pressure. His role is to bring clarity and structure to the process, ensuring that the client’s case is properly prepared and presented.
Contact Prakash Ruparelia
To discuss a welfare benefits appeal, DWP investigation, Tribunal matter or related legal dispute, contact Prakash directly for a confidential initial discussion.
Telephone: 020 3972 9011
Email: [email protected]
Prakash’s wider litigation and financial experience enables him to advise where a welfare benefits matter is connected with debt, housing, insolvency or another civil dispute.
Civil litigation and dispute resolution
Alongside his welfare benefits practice, Prakash advises individuals and businesses on a range of civil and commercial disputes.
He takes a practical approach to dispute resolution and considers the likely cost, risk and benefit of each available option. Court proceedings are not always the most appropriate way to resolve a disagreement, and Prakash will explore negotiation, mediation and other forms of resolution where these may better serve the client.
Where proceedings are necessary, he is an experienced advocate who regularly represents clients in the County Court and Tribunals.
“Very knowledgeable, friendly and explained things well, He got me a great result when other lawyers had told me they wouldn’t take on my case.” MS, Leeds
Debt advice, IVAs and bankruptcy
Prakash provides calm, practical and non-judgmental advice to individuals experiencing debt or financial difficulty.
Financial problems rarely exist in isolation. A benefits dispute, housing issue or change in personal circumstances may also affect a client’s ability to manage debts and financial commitments.
Prakash’s experience across welfare benefits, debt and civil disputes allows him to consider these connected issues and provide practical advice tailored to the client’s wider circumstances.
“Prakash was very useful in helping our firm reach its debt recovery goals, we have instructed him over the last 5 years and have always found him to be sharp, enthusiastic and well presented. We would recommend his services to anyone looking for a high quality lawyer that adds real value.” G. Graham, Leicester
Prakash advises individuals on bankruptcy and personal insolvency options, including whether bankruptcy or an Individual Voluntary Arrangement may be appropriate.
He explains the potential advantages, risks and longer-term consequences of each option, helping clients make informed decisions rather than feeling pressured into a particular course of action.
He can also advise creditors and individuals who have received statutory demands or are facing insolvency proceedings.
Debt recovery and enforcement
Prakash assists businesses and individuals seeking to recover unpaid debts.
He takes a proportionate and commercially sensible approach, considering whether the likely recovery justifies the time and cost involved.
“Prakash handled my Insolvency matter. Excellent service, would highly recommend.” RK, Nottingham
Landlord and tenant disputes
As part of his wider litigation practice, Prakash advises landlords on residential landlord and tenant matters across England.
Prakash works with landlords nationally and can advise on both the legal process and the practical steps required to manage a dispute effectively.
A clear and considered approach
Clients often approach Prakash at a time of considerable uncertainty. They may be facing the loss of essential benefits, an allegation of fraud, mounting debts or the prospect of court or Tribunal proceedings.
Prakash provides direct, honest advice without unnecessary jargon. He takes time to explain the legal position, the available options and the potential risks involved.
His approach is methodical, approachable and focused on achieving the best realistic outcome for each client.
Where appropriate, Prakash may be able to offer fixed-fee advice.
National legal support
Prakash sees clients at Scomo’s London offices and advises clients throughout England and Wales.
Meetings can also be conducted remotely by Microsoft Teams or Zoom, helping clients access specialist legal advice without the time and expense of travelling.
Contact Prakash Ruparelia
To discuss a welfare benefits appeal, DWP investigation, Tribunal matter or related legal dispute, contact Prakash directly for a confidential initial discussion.
Telephone: 020 3972 9011
Email: [email protected]
