Claim your benefits...it's your right!
We are committed to improving the quality of life for all our 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.
- Pride – many people see Benefits as 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 found 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, which can deter potential claimants.
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 to have 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 in the following ways:
- By phone on (0114) 273 4321
- By email benefits@sheffield.gov.uk (type 'Benefits Awareness' on the subject line)
- By post at Sheffield Benefits Service, PO Box 1310, Sheffield, S1 1UY (write 'Benefits Awareness' on the envelope).
Regular Events
Age Concern
Benefits Advice Sessions are held every Friday at Age Concern, 44 Castle Square in the city centre.
For more information or to make an appointment to see an advisor, contact Age Concern on (0114) 250 2859. Although it is preferable to make an appointment, you can be seen on a drop-in basis between 11:00 and 11:45am.
Tinsley Advice Centre
Commencing from Tuesday 03 July, fortnightly awareness sessions will be held at Tinsley Advice Centre, 120-126 Bawtry Road, S9 1UE, from 9:30am to 2:30pm.
Please note - events may be subject to alteration, postponement or cancellation at short notice, so you are advised to contact the number below before setting off.
For further information about forthcoming events, including full details of all dates, times and venues, please telephone (0114) 273 4321 or email benefits@sheffield.gov.uk and enter 'Benefits Awareness' in the subject field.
What about other benefits?
Find out if you may be entitled to other benefits by using the Department for Work and Pensions' online Benefits Adviser Service. Just answer some straightforward questions about your circumstances and the Benefits Adviser can provide information and entitlement advice on 28 benefits, pensions and credits.
If you would like more information on benefits, pensions and credits that are not provided by us but are provided by the Department for Work and Pensions, take a look at the Direct Gov website.