Benefits advice
If you need financial advice or support due to Coronavirus (COVID-19), please view our guideance here
Our approach to advice on benefits
We work with partners to provide free, independent and confidential advice about benefits through the Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB)
You may also be interested in our debt advice service or budgeting advice service. We also have a financial inclusion officer who offers more in depth one-to-one support with budgeting, making the most of your income and reducing debts.
What we mean by advice on benefits
We can provide advice and support on issues relating to benefits such as:
- which benefits you may be entitled to
- how to go about claiming them
- help with completing benefit claims forms
- what the benefit cap means for you if you claim housing benefit,
- what the ‘bedroom tax’ means for you if you receive council tax benefit,
- what the new local contribution requirements mean for you
- what the switch to Universal Credit means for you and how direct payments will affect the way you pay your rent.
What you can expect from our service
All our debt, budgeting and benefits advice services provide practical guidance and tools to help you manage your money more effectively. Any information you provide is kept completely confidential and does not affect your tenancy in any way. The StepChange service can be accessed anonymously if you prefer.
What will happen after you ask us for advice on benefits
Your income officer will try to answer any questions you have and they can help you with completing benefit claims forms. If you need further advice, your income officer will put you in touch with an independent specialist adviser or our financial inclusion officer.
We hold two CAB drop-in Benefits advice surgury every Friday at our offices from 9.30am – 12.30pm (no appointment needed) and 1.30pm – 4.30pm (appointments only).