Welfare Rights

The Welfare Rights Team

Many people claim benefits at some point in their lives, often when their circumstances change. The welfare benefits system can be complicated and it is not always clear what benefits, if any, someone may be entitled to.

The Welfare Rights Team aims to ensure that the residents of Argyll and Bute are not missing out on their entitlement to both UK and Scottish Government administered benefits and other related help. We provide a free, confidential and impartial benefits advice, information and appeal representation service.

Members of our team are funded by MacMilllan Cancer Support and they are able to provide an enhanced Welfare Rights Service for people affected by cancer.

How to contact the Welfare Rights Team

  • You can refer yourself (or someone else) to the Welfare Rights Team using our Online Form
  • You can phone the Welfare Rights Contact Centre on 01546 605517
  • If it's information you are after, you can also browse our Benefits and Advice pages
  • Or find out how much you could be entitled to by using a Benefit Calculator
  • Read our privacy notice to find out how we manage your data

Why contact the Welfare Rights Team?

People contact the Welfare Rights Team with a variety of benefit related issues but it is often for one or more of the following reasons:

Reason for contact

Help Available

You have had a significant life event or change in circumstances such as being made unemployed, giving birth, relationship breakdown, being diagnosed with a health problem, bereavement etc. 

  • advice and information on all aspects of the benefits system.
  • carrying out benefit checks to ensure you are receiving all the benefits you are entitled to.
  • advice or help on how and when to apply for benefits and other related help including completion of benefit application forms

You are struggling financially

  • advice and information on all aspects of the benefits system.
  • carrying out benefit checks to establish if you are missing out
  • advice or help on how to apply for benefits and other related help, including completion of benefit application forms
  • signposting to other services that can provide help

You have been turned down for benefit or you are unhappy with a decision

 

  • advice and assistance with challenging decisions including representation at benefit appeal tribunals where appropriate.  

You are considering a change in circumstances such as:

  • thinking of moving in with a partner
  • change to your working hours
  • moving from legacy benefits to Universal Credit
  • any other change
  • Carrying out a “what if” calculation to determine the effect of any change
  • Help you understand what other options are available

Other ways we provide support

We also provide the following services:

  • delivering training to council staff and voluntary organisations on a range of welfare rights issues
  • delivering talks to community groups and organisations

Please contact the team on 01546 605517 to discuss

Council Related Benefit Information

  • Council Tax Benefit - A means-tested benefit for people who are responsible for paying Council Tax. Contact 01546 605512 
  • Housing Benefit and Local Housing Allowance - Means-tested benefit for people who rent from a housing association or registered social landlord and are responsible for paying rent. Contact 01546 605512

We can also provide information on money advice and financial hardship.

There are also benefit calculators to let you check if you are entitled to benefits.

For other non council related benefits visit the gov.uk website. 

Citizens Advice Bureau

Citizens advice bureau logoThe Argyll and Bute Citizens Advice Bureau provides free, impartial and confidential advice on:

  • Your money - Debt, Employment, Benefits, Tax
  • Your family - Family, Health, Housing, Education
  • Your daily life - Communications, Consumer Affairs, Travel
  • Your rights - Civil Rights, Immigration, Legal Rights and Responsibilties

E-mail: info@abcab.org.uk

Website: www.abcab.org.uk