Welfare support and Welfare rights

We are working in partnership with organisations and agencies to provide advice and support to people in crisis. Examples of crisis may include:

• Having no means of providing food for yourself or your family
• Being homeless or finding yourself at risk of being homeless
• Having no basic necessities to manage your home.

If you find yourself in crisis you can apply for welfare support online, which may qualify you for food support, energy vouchers and furniture packages. The scheme intends to meet one off needs rather than ongoing expenses. The form is also for professionals making a referral for welfare support on someone else's behalf.

• Apply for welfare support online
• Alternatively you can call 01942 705221, Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm.

Welfare rights advice and guidance

We can offer:

• Free, confidential advice and support on a range of welfare benefits
• Help with completing claim forms
• Guidance and support when making appeals
• Request support from a Welfare Rights Advisor

We can arrange face to face appointments at our Life Centres or a a home visit if you are house bound.

There are a number of ways you can access welfare rights advice and guidance:

• Arrange a home visit if you are house bound
• Visit GOV.UK to get advice about individual benefits and tax credits.

Personal budgeting support

We can offer :

• Assistance/support with money management – prioritising and budgeting
• Help and advice surrounding Council tax and rent arrears, Utilities – gas, electricity, water, unsecured loans, charge cards, credit cards, overdrafts and benefit overpayments
• Checking liability and establishing repayment arrangements based upon budget analysis
• Information on setting up bank accounts
• Make a referral to Citizens Advice for multiple debt issues and insolvency options
• Reducing outgoings.