Nearly £7.5 million in additional benefits, backdated payments and entitlements is in the pockets of local residents thanks to a team of specialists at Falkirk Council.
It’s the work of the Welfare Benefits team over the past year, who have helped vulnerable people get exactly what they’re entitled to through advice and support.
The team works with people who are in poverty - often in desperate need - to maximise their income from more than 20 different types of financial aid, such as benefits, allowances and grants.
Pictured: Falkirk Council's Welfare Benefits team at a recent team meeting
Income maximisation
Many people are not claiming all the benefits they’re entitled to – often due to change in their circumstances, or a change to the benefits system which they are not aware of.
Through benefit entitlement checks, helping people with benefits applications, and giving out free, confidential, impartial advice, the team helps people to get as much income as they’re entitled to – which is known as ‘income maximisation’ work.
And as well as helping people access what they are entitled to, awards are often backdated – so claimants can receive a lump sum on top of the increased monthly income. In one instance, someone received a backdated benefit of around £10,000.
Councillor Cecil Meiklejohn, Leader of Falkirk Council said: “Now, more than ever, those in the most difficult of circumstances need help to access benefits that they are entitled to and may not be aware they can claim for. Our team can work with people confidentially and impartially to help them understand the system, what benefits they might be able to claim and to get the best from their situation.”
Working together
In the course of their work, the Welfare Benefits team collaborated with local schools, charities and other teams in Falkirk Council – such as the Employment and Training Unit.
Since April 2022 the team of welfare benefits and household support officers have taken on 3,055 new clients, while also supporting 99 people at appeal tribunal and securing a positive outcome rate of nearly 88%.
Welfare Benefits Officer Fiona Anderson summed up what the job means to her:
“It’s simply the feel good factor of knowing you’ve supported somebody to access their entitlement, which they wouldn’t have received without your help.”
And her colleague Lorraine Fleming added: “I feel fortunate to be in a position where I can help people who could not necessarily help themselves, both young and old, and make sure they are getting the benefit they are entitled to. Which is especially important in today’s financial climate.”
Cost of living
Data revealed record-breaking demand for advice services, which have become more vital as the cost of living crisis lurches on – something not lost on the Welfare Benefits team. Household Support Officer Jackie Allan said:
“I feel that our work is meaningful and what we do makes a massive difference to others.
“This gives me the motivation to keep going to provide help and support even when there may be times when things get tough.”
Senior Welfare Benefits Officer Anna Dick said:
“I’m proud of what the team has achieved over the past year or so.
“People come to our team because they are desperate and at crisis point. We’re working with the most vulnerable people in society, who often do not have any money.
“The team goes above and beyond to support the clients in their benefits journey, whether that is assisting in a benefit application form or providing advice on complex issues or representing them at appeals.
“Times are hard for people with the cost of living crisis and trying to make ends meet. I would say that, if you or a member of your family or friend is struggling financially at the moment please do not hesitate to contact our team.
“We are here to help and the team will do their best to get the best outcome for our clients.”
Need help?
You can get help from the Welfare Benefits team through an online referral, or by calling 01324 506070.