If you are struggling with your finances help maybe at hand.
A 69-year-old man has recently had his finances transformed through help from the District Council’s Welfare Team.
Now, try with many residents paying off debts from Christmas the council is encouraging other people who maybe in a similar situation to make contact and ask for help.
The man, who wishes to remain anonymous, was referred by the Council Tax Recovery Team to the Welfare Team due to his financial circumstances. They helped him to complete paperwork so he could claim his benefit entitlement, including four years of backdated state pension. As a result the resident has been able to pay off debts and has made arrangements to make weekly payments to clear his council tax arrears.
Residents are often not fully aware of all their benefits and entitlements and the Welfare Team is more than happy to conduct a benefit check for them. The team hosts drop-in Benefit Advice Surgeries at the Coleford Council Offices on the first Tuesday of each month and welcomes residents coming to see them if they require help. Alternatively residents can call 01452 396971 or 01452 396979. Home visits can be arranged if a resident has a disability and is unable to visit the offices.
Cllr Brian Robinson, cabinet member for Efficient Council and Planning Policy said: “We were very pleased to be able to help this man. When the Welfare Team visited him it was flagged up that he was not receiving any state pension or benefits and had no income at all. He had no gas or electricity in his property.
“When we spoke to him to complete the necessary forms we asked why he hadn’t applied before. He told us he had completed a form years ago but had not received any response so assumed he was not eligible.
“A few months later when our officers saw him he looked well, had gas and electricity reinstated to his property, was eating healthily and felt happy. He thanked us for all the help he had received.”
Cllr Robinson added: “This was a really positive outcome for a Forest of Dean resident brought about through the partnership between the District Council and Civica. This partnership saw the provision of a Welfare Support Team who can identify where this help is needed and with customer approval take steps to help them.
“We would encourage residents to come along to one of our Benefit Advice Surgeries to find out which benefits they may be entitled to. The next one will be held on Tuesday 3rd February at 9.30am at the District Council offices in Coleford.”