Every Pound Counts - How we can help you

You could be one of thousands of Lambeth residents missing out on an average £3,000 a year in benefits through not claiming what is rightfully theirs.

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.

Every Pound Counts advisers have already helped people unlock extra benefits to the tune of an average £3,075 per case per year.

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 Department for Work and Pensions, 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.

You can contact us:

• By phone and textphone
  Every Pound Counts can be contacted by phone and textphone on 020 7926 5555 Mondays - Fridays 9am - 5pm
• By email
  For advice on tax credits, pensions, housing benefits and Council Tax and other benefits, you can email us at: everypoundcounts@lambeth.gov.uk.
  When you email us please tell us as much as possible about your benefit query and where possible provide a contact number we can call you.
• In person
  We are happy to arrange face-to-face appointments.

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.