Benefits advice
In Lambeth there are many older people, ill people and disabled people who are missing out on extra cash. In many cases their carers are also losing out, including families caring for disabled or ill children.
If you fall into one of these groups, you could be entitled to more money. With Lambeth’s Every Pound Counts campaign, we aim to help make sure you claim all the benefit support you are entitled to receive. So, don’t delay. If you live in Lambeth, contact us and make sure you claim what is rightfully yours.
Am I eligible for help?
The Every Pound Counts team can help you if you live in Lambeth and are any of the following:
- aged 60 or older
- disabled or experiencing a long term ill health problem
- caring for an older, ill or disabled partner/relative/friend
- looking after a child or young person who is sick or disabled or has other special support needs.
How we can help you
By providing easy access to free benefits advice, our Every Pound Counts campaign ‘Every Pound Counts’ is helping Lambeth residents to claim all the benefits they are entitled to.
Guiding you through the benefits maze
We aim to tell you about all the additional financial help you can get. More than this, we will help you access advice services to make sure your claims are successfully dealt with.
Benefits check
The rules about which benefits you can claim change frequently, so it is worth contacting the Every Pound Counts advice helpline to get a benefits check.
You may also want to contact us if:
- you want help to fill in a benefit form
- you want help with an appeal
- you want to discuss your benefits because your circumstances are about to change.
The benefits advice helpline
If you contact the benefits advice helpline you will talk to an experienced benefit adviser. They can:
- give you free advice about the different benefits you can claim
- calculate how much extra money you may be able to receive
- help identify what benefits you may be entitled to
- help you fill in forms
- help you appeal if you are turned down for benefits
- arrange an appointment if you want to talk to someone face to face
- arrange a home visit to get advice (depending on your circumstances).
To advise you fully, the welfare rights officer may need to ask you about:
- your family circumstances
- how much money you have coming in
- your savings
- any disabilities you and your family may have
- how you are paying for your home.
The welfare rights officer will:
- provide the advice and information you need in a way you can understand,
- carry out any necessary calculations. For example to check if you are missing out on any benefits or to do a better off calculation if you are moving into work,
- contact the DWP, local authority and other relevant agencies on your behalf including helping you with disputes and appeals
How do I get an appointment to see a welfare rights officer?
If your problem cannot be fully resolved by the duty welfare rights officer over the phone, then your case will be allocated to a welfare rights officer for an appointment to see you.
Appointments are held at various offices across Lambeth and you will be usually be offered an appointment at the venue nearest to where you live.
What if I need a home visit?
If you need a home visit, for example because you are disabled or have caring responsibilities then we will come and visit you at home.
Advice in your doctor's surgery or health centre
You can make an appointment with the receptionist to see one of our welfare rights officer if you are a patient at one of the following practices:
The Hurley Clinic
Ebenezer House
Kennington Lane
SE11 4NT
Tel: 020 7840 5022
Interpreting services are available on request for registered patients with communication support needs.
Advice services are delivered by Lambeth Law Centre and Clapham Community Project
Iveagh House
Loughborough Road
London
SW9 7SE
Tel. 020 7274 8850
Fax 020 7733 2102
Advice surgeries are held within Loughborough Children’s Centre fortnightly on Thursdays between 1 – 4pm
Interpreting services are available on request for registered patients with communication support needs and for clients with children that attend Loughborough Children’s Centre.
Advice surgeries are delivered by Lambeth and Merton Citizens Advice Bureau
Referral from other agencies
The service can also be accessed through health, social care, housing and community and voluntary and other agencies referring you to the service.
If you would like to make a referral to the service please complete the Every Pound Counts referral form or contact us on 020 7926 5555. You can email the Every Pound Counts referral form to EveryPoundCounts@lambeth.gov.uk or send a completed referral form through the post.