Benefit Advisory Service

Welfare Rights

Your Benefit Advisory Service

The Welfare Rights Team provides advice on the whole range of Social Security benefits, including disability benefits, housing and council tax benefits and benefits when you are in or out of work. Our trained welfare rights advisers can give you help and advice with:

Benefits Advice

· Information and advice on all benefits

· Help with completing forms

· Benefit checks and working out your entitlement

· Advice on reviews and appeals

Getting Welfare Rights Advice

To access our service you must be resident within the Braintree District although family, friends or any other relevant third party can contact us on your behalf.

Telephone advice can be accessed during the Councils office hours and we aim to answer all telephone queries the same day.

Appointments with advisers are booked in date order of when referrals are received.

Appointments can be held at the Council offices or advisers are able to visit people in their own homes. Home visits are generally arranged where a person is disabled, housebound or lives in a rural part of the district.

If you would like further information, to refer someone to us or to speak to an adviser please contact the Welfare Rights Service on 01376 557826 or 01376 557868

or email - benefit_advice@braintree.gov.uk

Homelessness and Housing Advice

If your query relates more to a housing matter please email the Housing Advisory Team and Homeless section on housingadvice@braintree.gov.uk

Useful Links

Further information can be found on the following websites:

The Department for Work and Pension (DWP)

- dwp.gov.uk/

The Jobcentre Plus (JCP)

- jobcentreplus.gov.uk/JCP/

The Pension Service

- thepensionservice.gov.uk/

HM Revenues and Customs (HMRC)