Benefit Advice

General Queries
We appreciate that the benefits system can seem very complicated and is commonly described as the “benefits maze”. We hope that we can help you navigate your way through the system and answer any questions that you may have. 

Our advisers can help answer queries about general entitlement and can check to see whether you are receiving all of the benefits that you might qualify for.  For example, if you are on a low income, you may qualify for tax credits (links to PDF document) or for help with your rent and council tax.

Not all benefits are means tested.  For example, if you are disabled you might qualify for Disability Living Allowance (if you are under 65) or Attendance Allowance (for over 65s).  These benefits are not affected by your income or any savings that you have.  

Many people are not claiming the benefits that they are entitled to.  Older people with savings or income often assume that they are not entitled to receive any benefits, especially if they have never claimed before.  This is not always the case and it may be that the person would qualify for Pension Credit, which can be a real help in making ends meet.

If you would like to review general information about benefits, information can be found on our Advice Guide website, which also has a number of useful fact sheets.


Specialist Advice
We have a number of benefits specialists who can help with more difficult issues such as benefit renewals or making an appeal if your benefit claim is refused.  Appointments with our specialists are usually made after your situation has first been discussed with one of our generalist assessors or advisors.

If you do need help with an appeal, please contact us as soon as you can.  In many instances there is a one month time limit and it is important that you respond within this period.  Otherwise your request for a review or appeal might be refused.

If you would need help with your benefits, or if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.