Fightback

FIGHTBACK4JUSTICE

Non Profit CIC offering expert Welfare Benefit advice on PIP, ESA, DLA & UC. Click Join Now to access all the tools you need to process your claim to the highest possible standard.

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Fightback Web Page

The VIP Features

Factsheets on ESA/PIP/DLA

The Document Vault section should be your ﬁrst port of call when you join the Platform. This is the area where we store our extensive range of documents from our popular Well Completed Forms to helpful Information Factsheets.

Live 1on1 Support

As part of the VIP service, we offer a dedicated VIP 1 on 1 live chat service that only VIP members have access to. You can contact us on the VIP live chat which is always treated as a priority during open office hours.

VIP Contact Details

As part of the VIP service, we offer a dedicated VIP email address that only VIP members have access to. All emails sent to this address will receive a fast response within 24 hours on weekdays.

Forums

The VIP Forums are a place where you can interact with other VIP Members if you wish to do so. It is a great place to leave your advice or tips, which you may feel will help others, or it can be simply used to share your success story about a claim.

Document Review

This section of the VIP Platform is where you will need to upload your Application Form, Mandatory Reconsideration or Submission for review and critique from the FB4J Team. Reviews may take up to 3 working days.

Video Guides

This is a brand new section of our VIP Platform which we have introduced in recent months. We will be developing new content and guides over the course of the year to provide additional support to our members.

Assessment Prep Call Back

If you are still unsure or anxious about your phone assessment after reading over our resources on assessments, you can schedule a preparation call with our team. Please note: This service is for VIP2 members only.

Interactive Letters

The aim of this service is to provide you with a range of professional letters that have been written by our legally qualified team. We have developed an interactive service that will require you to answer a few simple questions.

Example Forms

Users can access fully completed example forms that have been created by our team. We store examples for the majority of conditions that we have been asked about over the years. This is a great way to ensure that you are completing your own form correctly and that you are including all of the information that you need.

Hero

Certified By The DWP

Through Disability Confident, DWP are working with employers to ensure that disabled people and those with long term health conditions have the opportunities to fulfil their potential and realise their aspirations. We have been assessed and meet the criteria for a disability confident employers/voluntary organisation.

Read More About The Scheme

Michelle

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Michelle

Founder and Lawyer

Michelle is the founding member of Fightback, she is also a lawyer and deals with the majority of the court submissions and attendances, she deals with Upper-Tier, Mandatory Reconsiderations, manages the VIP Platform, helps with all aspects of Customer Care and Drop-in sessions – without Michelle’s passion, strength and determination Fightback would not be here.

‘I started Fightback because I believe that everyone deserves the right to fight unjust decisions. At Fightback, we really do make a difference and every day we get confirmation of that.’

Chloe

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Chloe

From Filling Expert

Chloe has been with us for almost 10 years now and is one of our form filling experts. Chloe specialises in PIP/ESA/UC/ADP and attendance forms and also manages the mandatory reconsiderations.
Chloe is also the daughter of Fightback’s founder, Michelle.

“I love being part of the Fightback family. The amount of people we are able to help on a daily basis is incredible. It is great to see the results of the hard work that we put in and the difference it makes to people’s lives.”

Amanda

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Amanda

Director & Mandatory Reconsideration Expert

Amanda has been with Fightback for over six years. She is one of Fightback’s Directors and manages the day to day running of the office, alongside Michelle. She is also trained to deal with the mandatory reconsiderations and PIP/ESA forms.

“The process of claiming welfare benefits can be quite daunting – even if it’s not your first time. Fightback offer a vital service to relieve the stress that it can cause. It is great to be park of that relief”

Louise

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Louise

Appeals and Court Hearings

Louise has been with us for 4 years and manages our appeal files and deals with a lot of our court hearings, you may have also spoken to her on the VIP Chat. Louise is a great asset to the team and is also like our mother constantly cleaning around us!

“We have an incredible team at Fightback. I love playing a vital role in helping people’s live. The hard work that we all put in is incredibly gratifying”

Hayley

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Hayley

VIP Chat Assistant and Tribunal Appeals

Hayley has been with Fightback nearly 5 years. If you are a VIP member, you will have more than likely spoken to her over on our chat. She deals with not only the chat, but the post, emails, answering the calls and she also takes appointments throughout the day, lodging appeals with the tribunal service for our appeal clients.

“I love to help our vulnerable clients gain the benefits that they are entitled to. Taking away the stress of the system is what it’s all about”

Emma

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Emma

Office Admin

Emma is the newest member to join the Fightback family. She is joining us in an admin role but will also be training up eventually as a PIP form-filling advocate, as she also has legal and court experience in her previous role.

“I love to know how much we are helping others get what they deserve and making the overwhelming process that little bit easier for our clients”

Syd

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Syd

From Filling Expert

Syd, a valued member of our team for over 5 years, specialises in PIP/DLA/ESA and UC application forms. Working remotely from home, she has been instrumental in our success since joining. Syd also assists with VIP documents and reviews, and you may have corresponded with her via email.

“I love to help our vulnerable clients gain the benefits that they are entitled to. Taking away the stress of the system is what it’s all about”

Karen

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Karen

Assessment Buddy

Karen has been a vital part of Fightback since 2014, serving as our primary assessment buddy. She annually prepares hundreds of individuals for their ESA/UC or PIP assessments, ensuring they know what to expect. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she participated in assessment calls and actively advocates for change in our regular meetings with assessment providers.

“I love to help our vulnerable clients gain the benefits that they are entitled to. Taking away the stress of the system is what it’s all about”

Lucy

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Lucy

PIP, Child DLA, ESA and UC From Filling

Lucy has been a valuable member of Fightback for approximately 6 years, working remotely from home. Her responsibilities include completing PIP, child DLA, and ESA/UC forms. Lucy’s dedication and expertise have positively impacted countless individuals, as she has assisted hundreds of people with their forms, making her a significant asset to our team.

“I love to help our vulnerable clients gain the benefits that they are entitled to. Taking away the stress of the system is what it’s all about”

Dee

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Dee

Enquiries and VIP Factsheets

Dee has been with Fightback since its inception, being the first page like and a close friend of Michelle’s. As a dedicated volunteer since the beginning, she assists with managing all Facebook messages and contributes to writing and compiling our VIP factsheets. Dee’s unwavering commitment and altruistic nature shine through as she generously dedicates her spare time to helping others in any way she can. She is a truly wonderful asset to our team.

“I love to help our vulnerable clients gain the benefits that they are entitled to. Taking away the stress of the system is what it’s all about”

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In The Media

LBC Shoutout

In The Media

WATCH NOW: ITV News Contribution For The 2nd Week Running

We are proud to have once again contributed our expertise to ITV News, providing insight into the government’s latest proposals for changes to welfare benefits. As dedicated welfare benefit experts, we understand the profound impact these reforms could have on millions of individuals who rely on essential support. Click to WATCH NOW.

LBC Shoutout

In The Media

LISTEN NOW: Another Name Check on National Radio!

We have been inform about a feature on Ian Payne’s show on LBC last week, where he dedicated a full hour to discussing the recent changes to benefits. One caller shared their personal experience, giving a powerful insight into the challenges they’ve faced. Right at the end, there was even a little shoutout – such a nice surprise!

Expertise

In The Media

WATCH NOW: National News Feature – Recognised For Our Expertise

We were delighted to welcome a national news crew to our offices this week as they sought our expert insight into the upcoming changes to welfare benefits. As a trusted voice in the welfare sector, we take pride in providing informed perspectives on policies that impact individuals and families across the country.

BBC Sounds Interview

In The Media

LISTEN NOW: Fightback’s Founder Highlights Concerns Over DLA to PIP Transitions on BBC Radio Surrey

This morning, Fightback’s founder, Michelle, appeared on BBC Radio Surrey to discuss the alarming number of 16-year-olds losing their disability benefits during the transition from Disability Living Allowance (DLA) to Personal Independence Payment (PIP). Click to have a listen!

Fightback4Justice Featured on BBC Morning Live: Empowering People to Access Benefits and Support

In The Media

WATCH NOW: Fightback4Justice Featured on BBC Morning Live!

At Fightback4Justice, we are proud to have been featured in a recent BBC Morning Live report, highlighting how individuals can access much-needed financial support and benefits. This feature serves as a powerful recognition of the work we have been doing for years – helping people navigate the often complicated welfare system.

Granada Reports Advent Heroes: Meet Michelle Cardno founder of Fightback4Justice

In The Media

WATCH NOW: Granada Reports Advent Heroes: Meet Michelle Cardno founder of Fightback4Justice

Every day in December, ITV open a door of their Granada Reports Advent Calendar of local heroes. Each day, they showcase someone who has gone above and beyond in what has been a very difficult year.

Fightback on ITV

In The Media

WATCH NOW: Fightback on ITV

Towards the end of last year, we were delighted to take part in a report for ITV which aimed to highlight the floors in our current benefit system.

ITV News Report

In The Media

WATCH NOW: ITV News Report

Towards the end of last year, we were delighted to take part in a report for ITV which aimed to highlight the flaws in our current benefit system. The ITV film crew spent the morning in our offices where they interviewed a number of our past clients and team members.

Exposing the Failings of the Welfare System and the Tribunal Stage.

In The Media

WATCH NOW: Fightback4Justice Featured on ITV News: Exposing the Failings of Tribunals

We at Fightback4Justice were recently featured in an ITV News report highlighting the serious failings within the welfare system. This segment focused on the struggles many people face when trying to obtain or retain the benefits they are rightfully entitled to, particularly at the tribunal stage.

Fightback Featured Once Again In Bolton News

In The Media

Fightback featured in Bolton News regarding PIP assessments.

This week, we have once again been featured in Bolton News for their article regarding PIP assessments. In the article, Dina Volovik documents how campaigners have called on the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) to stop repeating Personal Independence Payment (PIP) assessments for disabled people.

‘MY PIP WAS STOPPED AFTER BRAIN SURGERY – THE DWP THOUGHT I WASN’T ILL ENOUGH’ – FIGHTBACK FEATURED IN INEWS

In The Media

‘My PIP was stopped after brain surgery – the DWP thought I wasn’t ill enough’ – Fightback Featured in iNews

We were contacted by Aasma Day from iNews who was covering a story on a lady who had her PIP stopped after having brain surgery. We are always happy to share our honest experiences when asked about the struggles that claimants experience when claiming welfare benefits. Click to read more.

iNews – ‘I almost died of an overdose after my PIP suddenly stopped’

In The Media

iNews – ‘I almost died of an overdose after my PIP suddenly stopped’

This month, we were contacted by Aasma Day from i News who was covering a story on Personal Independence Payments. We are always happy to share our honest experiences when asked about the struggles that claimants experience when claiming welfare benefits. Click to read more.

Healthwatch Live

In The Media

WATCH NOW: Healthwatch Bury Live

We were delighted to take part in Healthwatch Bury Live to discuss our work within the local area in relation to PIP and disability benefit applications.

If you have a spare moment, please feel free to watch the full chat which has been uploaded to YouTube.

Fightback Featured In The Big Issue

In The Media

Fightback Featured In The Big Issue

We were delighted to be featured in The Big Issue’s latest article regarding the alarming number of appeals which have been rejected by the DWP recently. Click to read more!

We have recently been asked to contribute to an article in The Lancashire Telegraph

In The Media

Wales Online! We have been asked to comment on a great article about PIP rejections.

We have once again been contacted by a major news outlet to comment on an article that they have written about welfare benefits and PIP in particular. In this article, Wales online highlight how ‘many people are being turned down, according to statistics.’

We have recently been asked to contribute to an article in The Lancashire Telegraph

In The Media

We have been featured in an article in The Lancashire Telegraph!

Between 2013 and 2020, over 7,000 disabled individuals in East Lancashire successfully appealed against benefit stoppages, according to Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) data, as reported by Joe Harrigan in the Lancashire Telegraph. We were delighted to be contacted by Joe and asked to give our opinion on the recent news. Please click to read more.

Fightback Featured Once Again In Bolton News

In The Media

Great To Receive Local Recognition as Demand for Support Rises

The Bury Times has recently featured Fightback4Justice, highlighting the increasing demand for our services as more individuals struggle to navigate the complex benefits system. As a Tottington-based non-profit, we specialise in supporting people with disabilities, not just in the local area but UK wide, ensuring they receive the financial aid they are entitled to through expert advice, advocacy, and representation.

Coverage of Fightback4Justice in The Bolton News

In The Media

Coverage of Fightback4Justice in The Bolton News

We are thrilled to share that Fightback4Justice has been featured in The Bolton News, highlighting our ongoing dedication to helping individuals navigate complex civil disputes. This recognition is a testament to our total commitment to ensuring that those in need have access to vital legal support and guidance.

Fightback In The Bury Times

In The Media

Fightback In The Bury Times

This week we have been contacted by Joe Harrigan for a comment in his report on benefits and terminally ill claimants.

Nominated for National Diversity Award – Featured in The Bolton News!

In The Media

Nominated for National Diversity Award – Featured in The Bolton News!

We have been nominated for a National Diversity Award, recognising our dedication to supporting individuals through advocacy and legal assistance.
Our story has been featured in The Bolton News, which highlighted our ongoing efforts and the growing demand for our services.

Able Magazine Cover Our Diversity Award Nomination

In The Media

Able Magazine Cover Our Diversity Award Nomination

We are thrilled to announce that Fightback4Justice has been shortlisted for the National Diversity Awards 2018 in the category of Community Organisation for Disability. This prestigious nomination highlights our dedication to providing legal support and advocacy for individuals with disabilities. Thanks to Able Magazine for covering our nomination on their website!

Fightback Featured In The Mail Online

In The Media

Fightback Featured In The Mail Online

In the most recent budget, Rishi Sunak announced a reduction from 63p in the pound to 55p in the universal credit taper rate. We were asked to comment for the mail online.

Fightback Featured In The Mail Online

In The Media

Fightback Featured in The Guardian’s Report About Appeals

In a 2016 article, The Guardian reported on a pilot scheme allowing disabled individuals to appeal benefit decisions online, aiming to simplify the process and reduce waiting times. The Guardian highlighted the efforts of Fightback4Justice as non-profit organisation dedicated to assisting individuals in navigating the complexities of welfare benefits.

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Latest News

Scope Petition

Latest News

Please Sign Scope’s Petition: The Cost of Cuts

You will have heard about the Government’s plans to cut £5 billion from disability benefits. This proposal is devastating for so many. Fightback stand in solidarity with other disability organisations and campaign groups, such as Scope, in strongly opposing these cuts. Please click HERE to sign the petition.

Have your say!

Latest News

WELFARE REFORMS: Your Voice Matters. Have Your Say Now!

After recent announcements regarding the proposed welfare benefits, we know that many people are worried, scared and angry about the proposals. There is a consultation period, and if you would like to make your voice heard about the proposals, the time is NOW to act. There is an online form where you can have your say. Click for more

Clarification

Latest News

Clarification Regarding The Proposed Welfare Reforms

You may have seen or heard a lot in recent weeks about reforms regarding welfare benefits, and we have been inundated, and we mean inundated, with claimants who are worried about the changes. Due to this, we wanted to clarify a couple of points to try to provide some understanding and ease some immediate concerns.

12th Birthday

Latest News

Nearly 100K Strong – Thank You, Fightbackers!

We are on the verge of reaching an incredible milestone—100,000 followers! This journey has been one of resilience, community, and unwavering support, and we couldn’t have done it without each and every one of you.

Free Monthly Drop In

Latest News

Free Monthly Drop-In Sessions for Welfare Benefit Support

Are you struggling with a welfare benefit issue? Need guidance on PIP, ESA, DLA, Universal Credit, or any other benefit-related concerns? We’re here to help! We run a free monthly drop-in session on the first Wednesday of every month at our offices in Bury. Our dedicated team is available from 9:30 AM – 2:30 PM to offer expert advice and support.

DWP has indicated that they want to increase the number of face-to-face assessments for PIP this year

Latest News

DWP has indicated that they want to increase the number of face-to-face assessments for PIP this year

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) plans to increase face-to-face assessments for Personal Independence Payment (PIP) this year, aiming for more accurate evaluations and fewer disputes.

12th Birthday

Latest News

We’re celebrating our 12th Birthday!

As we celebrate our 12th birthday at Fightback, whew are a few words of thanks from our founder, Michelle.

Anual Giveaway Returns

Latest News

Our annual big giveaway returns for another year.

We are delighted to bring back our big giveaway once again for Christmas 2024! We are asking our followers to nominate someone who they feel is deserving of winning a Christmas dinner.

Annual Christmas Party

Latest News

The DWP and the Scottish Government face a legal challenge to their decision to cut winter fuel payments for many.

A Scottish couple has launched a legal challenge to reinstate the universal winter fuel benefit for all pensioners. Peter and Florence Fanning, from Coatbridge, North Lanarkshire, are pursuing legal action against the UK and Scottish governments through the Govan Law Centre.

Festive Period Dates

Latest News

How Universal Credit and other benefit payment dates will change over the festive period.

Universal Credit and other benefit payments that were scheduled to be made between December 25, 2024, and January 2, 2025, will be made earlier than anticipated this year, as confirmed by the Department for Work and Pensions.

Annual Christmas Party 2024

Latest News

Fightback’s end of year celebrations

What a year it has been! As is tradition, our team celebrated a brilliant night out to mark the end of another year for Fightback. This Christmas, we partied in style in Manchester City Centre, and what a brilliant night it was!

Annual Christmas Party

Latest News

Employment Support Launched For Over A Million People

New Back to Work Plan to help up to 1,100,000 people with long-term health conditions, disabilities or long-term unemployment to look for and stay in work.

DWP Technology

Fightback News

DWP Conversational Platform technology

On 30 November DWP introduced a new technology called Conversational Platform onto the Department’s telephony channels, starting with Universal Credit.

Annual Christmas Party

Latest News

Annual Christmas Party ‘23

This week we had our annual Christmas party for ‘23! We have worked incredibly had this year and so a team night out was long overdue and was a brilliant way to see out 2023!

Team building day out

Fightback News

Team Building Day

This past weekend, we took our hardworking office Fightback crew for a treat as a team building exercise. It was so good to get together outside the busy office, especially as the girls have put in long extra volunteer hours this month to cope with the extra enquiries we’ve had.

10 years of fightback

Fightback News

10 Years Of Fightback

January 2023 marks the 10th Anniversary of Fighback4Justice! It is an incredible achievement to reach this milestone and it has been one hell of a journey to get here!

Annual Christmas Party

Latest News

Annual Christmas Party

This week we had our annual Christmas party in Manchester; our hard-working team got dolled up in our office over bucks fizz breakfast before letting our hair down in the city centre.

Let’s Live Well Drop In Session

Latest News

Let’s Live Well Drop In Session

Today we look part in the first of our ‘Let’s Live Well’ drop ins supported by Bury Council. The aim of today’s session was to offer the local community advice on Welfare Benefits.

MS Society Partnership

Latest News

MS Society Partnership

We have some exciting news! We have expanded our service contracts the MS society and now partner with them in the York and Ryedale districts.

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Testimonials

Click The Following Icons To View All Reviews

‘Worth Every Single Penny’

‘It was worth every single penny’

Lauren Jones – Nov 2024

I have a disability but using the right words to claim PIP was proving difficult, even failing with the Mandatory Reconsideration. Fightback4justice and their legal knowledge were able to do this for me at a tribunal. I paid for their VIP service and paid for them to support me at the appeal. It was worth every single penny. If you’re reading this and wondering if you should use fightback4justice – definitely do it! Without them I would have failed again to get the PIP and I’m more than happy to recommend them, knowing that they could help you too.

‘Worth Every Single Penny’

‘I’m A Fightback VIP And It’s Money Well Spent’

Andrea Smith – June 2024

‘I’m A Fightback VIP And It’s Money Well Spent’

Caroline – July ’22

‘I’m a fight back VIP and it’s money well spent. I recently had a telephone assessment (3hrs ) ! Thanks to your archives I had a good idea of what they were going to ask and how I should answer. It was gruelling and inhumane, I spent 2 days in bed with a flare up. Now after 6 weeks I have the letter! Higher mobility and middle rate care awarded for 10 years. So happy I can keep my car. Thankyou everybody at fightback, you are doing a great job x’

‘You Are Angels’

Bernacka – June ’23

‘I would like to say big thank you for all team, you are Angels ! Team helped me With PiP form and Michelle you are star! thank you for supporting me on my UC hearing yesterday! we won! you where absolutely fantastic and so supporting! ps.I used for UC form VIP platform I suggest to use it is really worth it! Bless you all’

‘i’ve been awarded the higher rate in both’

Loraine – June ’24

‘Thanks to your help via FB and the vip membership i’ve been awarded the higher rate in both care and mobility and it is an ongoing award. It took 45 weeks for the review decision! so DWP very slow!!’

‘She is finally getting the financial help she needs.’

‘I know I couldn’t have done it without the support of fightback’

Kate – June ’24

‘I wanted to say the process was so daunting and my sister recommended the VIP platform from fightback, I looked through all the paperwork and took two weeks with my daughter to help her fill out her PIP form. I included all the documents we had from doctors, college, EHCP etc. She has alot going on including mild learning difficulties an ADHD an felt a paper based assessment would be best. she received a letter within 4 weeks from submitting the form enhanced for daily an mobility for two years an then they will review. I know I couldn’t have done it without the support of fightback so thank you she is finally getting the financial help she needs.’

I don’t think this would have happened – email

‘I don’t think this would have happened without the help of the website’

Annon

‘I Haven’t reached out before but I signed up to the website when I received my pip review forms as I wanted to use the filled out examples on there. I did exactly that and received a letter yesterday saying I had sent enough evidence and filled the form in well enough they had managed to do a in-house assessment without even contacting me and have awarded me until Nov 2026. I don’t think this would have happened without the help of the website as I wasn’t confident enough in my answers to their questions so just want to say a big thanks! The work you do for disabled people is absolutely amazing’

‘ABSOLUTE AMAZING SERVICE!

Courtney M- June 2024

‘ABSOLUTE AMAZING SERVICE! After several failed applications and a failed tribunal i finally got awarded from the £4.99 service!

So MUCH support and information i cant thank you enough. Would 100000% recommend. THANK YOU!’

‘You’re all doing such amazing work, thank you’ – Email

‘You’re all doing such amazing work, thank you’

Natalie – June ’22

‘I just wanted to let you know that I sent off my PIP application in June and had used your VIP service to do a digital version of the form as I struggle to hold a pen and write. I also used VIP platform examples and guidance, and your team checked it all for me before I sent it. Karen also supported in my phone assessment, and made sure I felt prepared and knew what to expect. I’ve got enhanced on both. I’m in absolute disbelief and so emotional. I 100% know that the reason this has happened is because of your support and guidance every step of the way. You’re all doing such amazing work, thank you’

‘VIP service was excellent’

Rachel Taylor

‘I used many of the example forms when helping my son move from DLA to PIP and after a long wait we got the news he was awarded pip for three years. The VIP service was excellent, I did have a few worries and questions along the way and their swift replies were always helpful. I shall continue to support Fightback to enable them to help other people fighting the system’

‘She is finally getting the financial help she needs.’

Kate – June ’24

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As Seen On