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Claim Your Benefits...It's Your Right!
Sheffield City Council is committed to improving the quality of life for all its residents. One of the many ways in which this can be achieved is through tackling poverty and deprivation across the city, and promoting initiatives that have a beneficial effect upon the local economy. Sheffield Benefits Service plays an active role in achieving these objectives by undertaking a proactive approach to raising levels of awareness and the take up of Housing Benefit and Council Tax benefits.
Why do you need to raise levels of awareness and take-up of these benefits?
Unfortunately, for a number of reasons, many people fail to claim the Benefits and Allowances they are entitled to. In order to increase take-up, it’s important that we identify these reasons and find ways to overcome them.
What are the reasons why people fail to claim?
There are numerous reasons why people fail to make a claim, including –
- Lack of awareness of their entitlement.
- Lack of awareness of where to go for help, advice and information about claiming.
- Pride – many people see Benefit has handouts, rather than their rightful entitlement.
- Limited knowledge of the Benefits system.
- Fear of completing the forms – many people find forms daunting and complex.
- Previous experience – some people who have claimed before may have find the experience difficult, or ended up not qualifying for any benefits, so may be reluctant to repeat the process.
- Hearsay - family and friends may have recounted stories of their negative experiences of people, which can deter potential claimants.
So, what’s being done in Sheffield to increase the levels of awareness and take-up of Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit?
We work in the community with vulnerable groups, community agencies and members of the public, raising awareness and promoting the take-up of welfare benefits with particular emphasis on Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit, to maximise people’s income.
In addition, we attend a number of regular events and special events promoting the take-up of benefits and offering advice and support. We also have links with many groups and organisations, including Age Concern, Tenants and Residents Associations, HEAT Sheffield, sheltered schemes throughout the city and Stannington Forum.
For more information about forthcoming events and sessions, go to Be Aware.
We are interested in hearing from any group who would like them to do a presentation on Benefits Awareness. Or, from anyone who has any ideas for take-up campaigns.
How do I get more information about benefits awareness and take-up?
You can contact us by phone on 0787 6577495, by email at benefits@sheffield.gov.uk(type 'Benefits Awareness' on the subject line), or by post at Sheffield Benefits Service, PO Box 1310, Sheffield, S1 1UY (write 'Benefits Awareness' on the envelope).
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