On phoning us, you will be greeted by one of our trained advisers who will need to ask questions about your situation. It is important to stress that all information will be confidential and will not be given to any party outside the bureau without your permission.

During the call you could decide that no further help is needed... that's fine. If you want us to continue to help we will ask for your name and address and then post out our information pack.

We will do nothing without your agreement.

We will always keep you informed of our actions.

These are some of the things we can do for you:

  • Advise on your entitlement to benefits -  what, when & how to claim.
  • Help you to dispute benefit decisions up to and including appeals to commissioners.
  • Cut through the jargon so you can more easily understand each benefit. (We cover a huge range of benefit issues including, income support, jobseeker's allowance, housing benefits, tax credits, health & bereavement benefits, the social fund, pensions and benefits for people with disabilities.)
  • Liase with local authorities, the Department for Works and Pensions and Her Majesty's Revenue & Customs to resolve disputes.
  • Help you with decisions about work and benefits that may affect your lifestyle. We do this through better off or what if calculations.

 

All of our advisors are experienced and qualified legal caseworkers and the work we do is assured by the Community Legal Advice Specialist Quality Mark.  We are also audited on a regular basis by the Legal Services Commission.