People with MS sometimes face a range of legal problems - in work, housing or access to services. There are a number of organisations that can help you understand your rights and help you find ways to resolve these problems.
You will find more information on our pages on work, education, housing, grants and financial help.
If you have MS, you may not feel that you are disabled. However, the Equality Act gives you protection from discrimination on the basis of your condition.
If you are faced with a legal problem, consider which of the following organisations might be best placed to support you. The MS Trust Helpline is not able to give legal advice, but we can help you understand who might be the right organisation to contact.
This directory lists organisations that can offer legal advice, support with asserting your rights or help with legal costs. Check that they do offer services for people in your nation or region.
Disability Rights UK: An organisation working to champion the rights of disabled people. A good source on disability law news.
Turn2Us - Find an adviser: A directory of providers of advice on benefits, housing, jobs and legal issues across the UK.
Citizens Advice: This organisation can give free legal advice in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. They may also have information on getting help with legal costs.
Disability Law Service (DLS) : An independent charity providing legal information and advice to people with a disability, their families and carers. The service can advise on:
- Disability discrimination
- Consumer law
- Community care
- Employment
- Welfare benefits
There is a dedicated MS Legal Officer supporting people affected by multiple sclerosis who are seeking legal advice.
Find a legal adviser or family mediator: A government directory of services with a legal aid contract in England and Wales.
Civil Legal Advice (CLA): A network of organisations in England and Wales offering advice about legal rights around discrimination to people who are eligible for legal aid.
Law Society of Scotland: Includes a directory of solicitors in Scotland and the rules and standards for practice laid down by the Law Society.
Scottish Legal Aid Board: Includes a database of solicitors who are registered to carry out legal assistance work.
Citizens Advice Scotland: Citizens Advice can help you find organisations offering help with legal issues. Also information on help with legal costs.
The Law Society of Northern Ireland: Includes a directory of solicitors in Northern Ireland.
