Sandwell Council’s Welfare Rights Team has helped residents claim more than £34million in extra benefits since April 2021 – money that people were entitled to but not claiming.
In the 2021/22 financial year, the team helped 10,705 residents to claim just over £18m in additional benefits, of which £4.5m was paid as lump sum back pay directly into the pockets of residents.
And since April 2022, the service has supported 10,868 residents to claim more than £16m in benefits, of which £4.3m was awarded as back pay.
Two residents supported by the Welfare Rights Team have shared their stories to encourage other people to come forward and claim what they are entitled.
Fran’s story:
Fran contacted the Welfare Rights Team in December 2020 for help with a grant application as she wasn’t confident using the internet to apply.
As part of the team’s work, staff make sure all residents who contact them are claiming everything that they are eligible for.
Fran was really struggling with health problems and was very close to retirement age. Following an income maximisation check, the team found benefits Fran was entitled to that she could apply for. She was very grateful as she had more money to buy food, and this took the pressure off her a little.
When Fran reached State Pension Age, the team assisted her with her claim and found she would also qualify for Pension Credit, as well as full Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit.
The team helped her to apply and Fran also received more than £500 in backpay, as well as an extra £50.30 per week which has really changed her life.
Fran, aged 66, said: “I met Sam Creary in the Welfare Rights Team when I was at a very low ebb and she came into my life at just the right time.
“I spoke to Sam on the phone and she reassured me that everything would be ok. I am so grateful for her help. She has helped me build the positivity and confidence to carry on.
“Sam helped me apply for a grant, as well as Pension Credit, a bus pass and other benefits that I was entitled to. She also showed me how to take a screenshot and upload a document online.
“I was shy to ask for help, but I would say to anyone – don’t let pride or fear stop you from getting help.
“You don’t have to worry and be stressed. There are people with good hearts here to help you.”
Michael’s story:
Michael, aged 66, phoned Corrin in the Welfare Rights Team for help and found he was entitled to more benefits than he ever knew.
Corrin helped Michael to secure an additional £66.85 per week in Pension Credit and £244 per year off his water bill, as well as referring him to colleagues in Adult Social Care for further support.
Michael said: “I was feeling extremely isolated and depressed and I can’t stress enough how helpful they have been.
“I had no idea I was eligible for some of these things.
“They have helped me with filling in application forms, with appointments and checked my utility bills to see what I qualify for and helped me get a lower water bill.
“Their support has also really helped with my mood which is so important. I freeze when it comes to filling in forms – but you only have to pick up the phone and they are all ears.
“They also referred me to Adult Social Care and they are helping me too with equipment at home.
“I don’t know how many hats they are wearing but the team go above and beyond and are so caring.”
Residents can access the Welfare Rights Team online or calling 0121 569 3158 (Monday-Thursday 9.30am-4pm; Friday 9.30am-3.30pm).
Sandwell Council Leader Councillor Kerrie Carmichael said: “I would like to thank Fran and Michael for sharing their stories which show just how important it is that people claim the much-needed benefits that they are fully entitled to.
“It can make all the difference between struggling and making ends meet, especially in this cost of living crisis.
“I would also like to thank our Welfare Rights Team staff for all their hard work and support to our residents.”
On top of the £34m in extra benefits secured for residents through the Welfare Rights Team’s support, voluntary sector partners working with the council have helped people access a further £16.8m in benefits and grants since April 2021.
Sandwell Council is investing a total of £2.1 million each year on integrated advice services for residents, with about half of that on the council’s own Welfare Rights service and the other on voluntary sector advice services.
For more details of the cost of living help and advice available, visit our Supporting Sandwell information hub.
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